1. Type of key?

The brand is Phillips but they make various types. The type here is (not sure of the correct jargon) without vertical ridges and notches. And both sides of the key are identical.

I’ve looked at some diagrams of key types and I’m not sure exactly. Is it a “dimple key”? Something else?

2. How to remove broken part from lock?

Location: Door between bedroom and garden.

Situation:

  • Someone bent the key a little, and it was stuck, couldn’t get it out. On the inside of the door. At that point still able to lock and unlock from the inside only. Using other key from the outside does nothing, doesn’t even turn.

  • I tried gently straightening it but it immediately snapped.

  • Now: can still open and close the door using the handle. Can still, with difficulty, lock and unlock the door (from inside only) by carefully pressing the head of the key against what is in the lock and turning.

A lot of info online for removing broken key blades from locks are for the “traditional” kind of key with vertical ridges and notches.

I have a screwdriver that fits all the screws and I can access all sides of the lock (inside, outside, edge), but I’m not sure if that’s relevant. I’ve tried tweezers but it’s too snug.

If I need more tools or equipment, I’ll get them tomorrow.

    • marlowe221@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      Yep. I’ve also used a paper clip, straightened out with a very small bend at the end.

      I’ve also used chewing gum, though you have to wait it for it to harden a little. Duct tape might work too.

      You only have to get it to move out a tiny amount. Then you can get a pair of needle nose pliers on it and pull it out.

      That particular key looks challenging though.

  • liquefy4931@lemmy.world
    1·
    1 year ago

    Locksmith here. In a pinch, I’ve ground the back of a jigsaw blade down, leaving just the teeth on the blade (short enough to fit above the key). Jigsaw blades, especially those intended for metal, are hardened and will easily bite into just about any key, giving enough leverage to pull out the broken piece.

  • deegeese@sopuli.xyz
    1·
    1 year ago

    Unlock the door and remove those screws holding the latch in the door.

    Once you’ve removed the lock you should be able to disassemble it and push the stuck key out or worst case, replace the lock cylinder.

  • ChillPill@lemmy.world
    1·
    1 year ago

    I got a key out of a similar situation in the folks RV the other day using a small flat screw driver and a knife to pinch the key and pull it out…

  • Mike_The_TV@lemmy.world
    0·
    1 year ago

    Any time I’ve had a key stuck like this I’ve used something sharp and just stabbed it down into the top of the key and leveraged it against the lock itself. Keys are way softer than people think.

  • Jerb322@lemmy.world
    01·
    1 year ago

    Dimple lock. The pins move sideways instead of up and down. Not familiar with the brand.

    You could try and straighten a small fish hook to remove the broken key.