After a tiring day at work, you are already dreaming of a nice shower when you get home. With just a few wrong moves, you find yourself facing a broken key lock.

Fortunately, there are several tools for opening and unlocking a key stuck in a lock.

Between a jigsaw blade, a flat plier, tweezers, a screwdriver, and a broken key extractor, the latter proves to be very effective, convincing both individuals and professionals.

If you have never used it, know that this tool is very easy to handle. In any case, you need to master some basic rules to extract a broken key from a lock properly.

To begin with, it is important to understand how broken key extractors work.

How does a key extractor work?

To prevent a problem of key stuck in lock or broken key in cylinder from ending with a lock change, it is necessary to equip yourself with a key extraction kit.

It is a set of several small handles shaped like screwdrivers. Usually made of molded steel, they come with handles and tiny wires at their ends.

Some of the wires have hooks while others have a lip. With an ergonomic interface, they are designed to extract a broken key or a key stuck in a lock.

Broken key extractors are specially made so that the key can be removed without damaging the lock.

The principle of this tool can be simple. The key extraction kit consists of several opening and unlocking tools of different thicknesses.

They are designed to pick the lock by removing the piece of key stuck in the lock. Their common feature is the presence of a barb dedicated to gripping the broken key extractor.

You can try different tools from the kit depending on the lock’s configuration. The strongest and thickest allow you to work quickly.

However, their thickness makes access to the cylinder more difficult. It is therefore recommended to opt for the thinnest broken key extractors.

To use it, simply insert the tool into the part where the pins are located. It pushes them down until it reaches the piece of key stuck in the lock. Then, all you have to do is grab it with the barb.

This method allows you to extract a broken key without damaging the mechanism. However, it requires patience and precision.

Essential points to know about the key extractor

The key extractor is a tool designed to solve a common problem: the breaking or jamming of a key in a lock. Compact, easy to use, and effective, it has several features that make it a must-have for DIY and repair work.

• Compact size: small and lightweight, it can be easily stored in a toolbox or glove compartment.
• Durable material: made of hardened steel or robust metal to withstand the tension of extraction.
• Different shapes available: simple hooks, thin blades, or multi-tip kits.
• Universal use: compatible with most traditional locks (doors, padlocks, vehicles).
• Hook precision: allows you to catch even a small fragment of a stuck key.
• Ergonomics: some models have a non-slip handle for better comfort during use.

In which cases is it necessary to use a key extractor?

As its name suggests, a broken key extractor tool is designed to pull out a broken key from a lock or even a stuck key in a lock.

Certainly, there are some tools for extracting broken keys or foreign bodies, such as needle-nose pliers, a jigsaw blade, tweezers, or flat pliers. But a broken key extractor surpasses them in efficiency and ease of use.

As we all know, there is nothing more frustrating than facing a lock with a broken key. It leaves the door jammed and you cannot access any room in the house.

In most cases, the malfunction of the lock system causes the key to break. When the cylinder does not work properly, you struggle to open the bolt.

You are then forced to apply strong pressure on the key, forcing the lock to unlock. It is normal for the key to break under such stress.

Broken key extractors are also undeniably useful for pulling out the remains of a broken key due to deterioration or wear of the system.

Over time, keys can wear out. Many factors explain this situation, such as applying stronger pressure, weather changes, and many others. As a result, they can break and block the unlocking of the door.

To solve this problem, nothing is more practical than using a key extraction kit. These modern unlocking tools allow you to remove fragments of a stuck key in a lock.

Where can you buy a quality key extractor?

Do you want to acquire the Elite key extractor from Multipick? Know that the broken key extraction tool is available in almost all specialized locksmith stores.

Just like the multifunction tool, the plane or the cordless drill, the broken key extractor equipment should have its place in your workshop. It comes to your aid in an emergency situation such as a lock with a broken key.

Remember that this kind of incident happens when you least expect it. If you don’t want to spend hours outside, consider equipping yourself with one.

Thanks to this tool, you don’t have to bother your neighbor to help you. There is no need to call a locksmith to extract a broken key. This also saves you money.

A broken key extraction kit for foreign bodies can do the job. It easily removes the remains of a stuck key in a lock without damaging the mechanism.

Given its great usefulness, more and more shops offer a variety of models. It is important to find a quality broken key extractor. The Elite key extractor from Multipick is one of them.

If you are used to shopping online, Amazon, eBay, and AliExpress are among the e-commerce sites that offer a wide range of high-quality broken key extractors. Take the time to read customer reviews and tests to make the best choice.

How to choose the right type of key extractor for my problem?

Broken key extractors flood the market. The myriad of models sometimes leads customers to make purchases they will regret later.

To spot a good tool, it is advisable to trust the reputation of its brand. In general, broken key unlocking tools from major manufacturers enjoy quality finishing.

They are made of robust, resistant, and durable materials. As such, they are ready to solve your locksmith problems for many years.

The best broken key extractor tool is also characterized by its professional-quality blade. Ultra-thin, it is often made of flexible steel. It can penetrate the pins by lowering them and then slipping under the key.

Broken key extractors sometimes come with multiple key lock tools. Each is used for a specific application, depending on the mechanism’s configuration.

It is recommended to choose a model equipped with several accessories allowing you to address different locksmith issues.

Comparison table of types of key extractors

There are several models of key extractors, each with its advantages in terms of practicality and efficiency.

Type of extractor	Characteristics	Advantages	Disadvantages	Ideal for…
Simple hook	A thin curved metal rod	Inexpensive, easy to handle	May slip if key is very stuck	Basic domestic use
Multi-blade kit	Several fine tips of various sizes	Versatile, suitable for different locks	Requires some practice	Amateur locksmiths, complete troubleshooting
Professional extractor	Robust tool with ergonomic handle	Highly efficient, fast	More expensive	Locksmiths, frequent use

Are there different types of key extractors depending on the type of lock?

There are several kinds of broken key extractors for foreign bodies on the market. But the models are generally similar to all others.

In any case, they can be classified into two shapes. There are those with a hook shape and those with a lip shape. One can use either to remove a stuck key in a lock depending on the problem faced.

It should be noted that the structure of the device matters little, as there is no significant difference inside the keys.

The essential point is that the broken key extractor is very sharp to be able to penetrate the lock and then extract the key.

If you are afraid of making the wrong choice, it is advisable to favor a versatile model that is suitable for any type of lock.

Moreover, a key extraction kit comes with many tools of different sizes. They are suitable for a wide range of applications.

It should be noted that manufacturers always mention in the product description the lock category that corresponds to the stuck key extractor.

Some are designed for wafer or pin locks, while others are for double-sided keys. Take the time to consider this to avoid ending up with an item that will be useless to you.

What are the risks associated with using a key extractor?

Regardless of the model, the use of a broken key extractor generally presents no risk.

Unlike a jigsaw blade, it does not damage the lock in case of incorrect movements. However, it is still important to use it properly.

To do this, insert the device into the lock. Make sure it is perfectly aligned with the fragment of the stuck key.

Then, turn it very slowly counterclockwise. Next, gently grasp the piece of the broken key extractor. The final step is to pull the tool towards you to extract the broken key.

If you have never tried this method, it is better to entrust it to a locksmith. Certainly, it does not seem complicated. But to avoid a clumsy move, it is better to take this precaution.

Can a key extractor be used on any lock?

No matter the model, a tool used to extract a broken key is generally suitable for all types of locks.

It is usually equipped with many rods with claws or hooks to grip the stuck key. You therefore have the possibility to try each tool in the kit. The goal is to identify the one that can be inserted into the cylinder hole to grasp the broken key.

In any case, it is entirely possible to choose a broken key extractor that is specially designed for a particular lock.

This choice is perfect if you plan to keep the same type of mechanism for your door for a long time. If you intend to change it and it is blocked, you will have difficulty unlocking it by removing the key residue from the lock.

To anticipate problems, there is nothing like having a broken key extraction kit suitable for all lock categories. In this sense, whatever the system, the tools of the broken key extractor are capable of removing them without damaging the lock.

It is essential to specify that a broken key extractor is not only used on house door locks. You can also use it to unlock your car doors. With the right techniques, it ensures automotive opening drilling milling tools.

How to maintain and clean my key extractor after use?

Like any work tool, broken key extractors such as Elite key extractor require regular and specific care to maintain their effectiveness.

Of course, they are not used very often since no one wants a broken key lock. However, this broken key extractor device is very helpful when the key breaks inside the mechanism.

If you want to benefit from it for a long time, make sure to maintain it properly after each use. Moreover, this operation is very easy. It is suitable for everyone.

Although most broken key extractors are made from stainless steel, their cleaning is similar to all parts designed with this material.

It is recommended to use a cleaner specifically intended for this finish. This helps protect it from rust or corrosion.

After use, be sure to store the broken cylinder key extractor in a dry and clean place. If it comes with a case upon purchase, do not hesitate to use it for storage.

Is it possible to damage the lock with a key extractor?

Although this tool for stuck key lock comes with a thin blade, it is unlikely to damage the system. Indeed, it is crucial to act skillfully and gently. But if you follow the proper step, you can easily remove the broken cylinder key without difficulty.

If you are not confident, know that there are many articles, tutorials, and even videos online that can help you. You can consult them to learn how to extract a broken key from a lock.

Besides using this broken key extraction device, there are other simpler methods to achieve this goal.

Using a paperclip can prove to be the easiest and quickest solution. Simply bend it to form a small loop. Then insert it into the lock and try to catch the stuck key in the lock. Finally, pull on the paperclip to remove the blocked element.

Alternatively, use a lubricant which is often available in hardware stores. By spraying it into the lock, you can more easily remove the broken key in the lock with the help of tweezers.

How much does a professional key extractor usually cost?

As we discussed in the previous paragraphs, there are many examples of broken key extractors on the market, from the simplest to the most advanced suitable for professional use. Their price depends notably on their quality.

If you plan to acquire a more sophisticated model, it is obvious that it will be expensive. On the other hand, a classic broken cylinder key extractor is available at a reasonable cost. Generally, a key extraction kit costs between 10 to 20 €.

The more it comes with multiple unlocking tools of various sizes, the higher its price climbs. Its advantage is that it offers you several different uses.