My key snaped in the car boot,how can i get the bit out?

Question

i have a spare key so i need to get the bit out that snapped off,any ideas how i can get it out?

Answer 1

Pick, tweezers, light oil and patience!  If the trunk has a remote release it is usually very simple to remove the lock assembly which you can take to any lock shop or dealership, either should be able to extract the broken piece for a reasonable charge. If no remote release it may still be possible to lower or remove the rear seat back from inside the car and access the trunk that way to get it open. The last and most difficult option is to drill out the lock and replace it. I expect purchasing a replacement lock would be almost as expensive as taking the car to a locksmith - advantage locksmith = locksmith will allow you to continue using the same keys, a replacement lock would leave you using different keys.

Answer 2

the tennis ball trick described by the other person does work as the ball makes a vacuum and will pull the bit out from the lock.or use a cocktail stick to pick it out

Answer 3

You will have to remove the lock barrell, take it to a workbench, and extract it that way. You may also use tweezers, or similar tools. You'll need a new key aswell.

If anyone is interested in vans, or owns one, answer this question :

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind...

Thanks

GDJ.

Answer 4

I've used a pick before but it takes a little patience.  Might try a dab of superglue on the end you have and see if it will stick long enough to pull it out.

Answer 5

you may have to take the whole lock out and smack it on a hard surface.

Answer 6

Don't use glue. The ball sounds like a good idea. What also works is to tap around the lock with a hammer being carefull  not to damage your paintwork by holding a piece of timber or something between the hammer and car. A shot of wd40 before you try the ball or hammer might also help.

Answer 7

picks, pliers and maybe a magnet.  if you can get a pick or two to grab and pull it out a bit you can grab the nub with pliers and remove.

Answer 8

put a bit of glue in the end you have and stick it in wait till its dry and pull

Answer 9

try a pretty powerfull magnet, that worked for me in a similar situation

Answer 10

I successfully used a set of nail clippers (the sort for cutting your finger nails) on a broken Yale-type key in a house door. There was just a tiny amount of the key sticking out, too small for fingers or pliers.

Nail clippers are sharp and have good leverage so you can get a good grip.

Of course if there's nothing sticking out at all, then sorry, this won't help.

Answer 11

You can try apply some contact adhesive to the end of the key and try to glue it back onto the end that is stuck in the lock.

If this does not work you will need to strip out the lock to remove the key.

Ja.

Answer 12

Hi,You may laugh at this but it does work, Use a tennis ball cut a hole in it the size of a 50p  Approx 1$ put the ball over the lock and bang it in the centre ( Think i am joking?) It does work.

Answer 13

put a tiny drop of super glue on the end of a paper clip and see if you can pull it out.  Be very careful so you don't get the glue anywhere else but on the end of the key bit.

Answer 14

I predict the next question will be along the lines of "I have inadvertently glued a snapped key into the lock of my boot...."

I would suggest some very fine tweezers - see if you can get them around the end of the key. If you can, squeeze them as tight as you can with some pliars, and pull the snapped bit out.