1 do not force the key out as the key could snap in the lock.
Key is stuck in lock to apartment door.
If you happen to have some spray lubricant in the car or the garage you can usually unstick the key fairly quickly.
Spray general use lubricant into the keyhole and insert the barbed end of the extractor so that the teeth of the extractor face the teeth of the stuck key.
Guide the straw as far in as you can to make sure you re hitting every part of the locking mechanism that might be sticking with the wd 40.
During cold weather ice may build up or form inside the lock making it nearly impossible to insert the key into the keyhole.
Heat your mailbox key and the keyhole with a cordless hair dryer before attempting to insert the key into the lock.
Pull the broken key towards you as far as you can using this method then use pliers to pull it from the lock.
Gently move the extractor up and down.
Insert the straw into the opening of the lock.
The teeth of the key lodge against the lock pins and even though the pin springs aren t very strong the pins can be unmovable.
Place the end of the straw into the opening of the lock where you normally insert your key.
Mandlebaum says nail clippers or tweezers will grab it just as well in a pinch.
Take the lock locking knob or deadbolt to the locksmith local lumberyard or hardware store.
2 do not try and take the door lock apart yourself this is the worse thing you could do.
If your key is stuck in the lock when your door is locked or unlocked below are some tips we recommend.
You ll have to remove the lock from the door for this option and bring the key that currently opens.
If the key is sticking try crushing a tiny piece of pencil graphite onto a piece of paper and blowing it into the lock to smooth the way.
The culprit could be just a loose part of the lock assembly a sharp.
3 do leave the key alone and phone a locksmith in your area.