Get matched with top locksmiths in Catlettsburg, KY

Although you should rekey your locks after moving into a new home, you may feel more comfortable replacing the locks entirely. Here are some other scenarios when you should replace your locks rather than rekey them:

• When someone moves out of your home.

• There are too many copies of the existing key.

• Your home experiences any type of break-in.

• You lose your key with the address on it.

First, maintain composure and avoid forcing it further. Inspect the key to see if enough material remains exposed for extraction. Use pliers or tweezers to grasp and gently pull out the broken piece if possible. Lubricate the keyhole with a graphite-based spray to aid removal. If self-removal proves challenging or risks damaging the lock, seek a professional locksmith's assistance. They possess the necessary tools and expertise to extract the key without causing damage.

If part of the key is protruding out of the lock, you can use a pair of needle-nosed pliers or tweezers to gently turn the key in the lock to open the door. If the key is fully inserted into the lock, you may also be able to use a key extractor to help turn the key into the unlocked position. 

But if the key breaks off halfway into the lock or you simply can’t reach it to help engage the unlocking mechanisms, you should probably call a professional.

While lock crunching as a whole is not terribly common, it is one of the most frequently used means of forced entry into a home. Recent data suggests that forced entry through lock crunching or snapping occurs in more than 25% of burglaries.