Lifehacks

Your Key Snapped in the Lock? Read This Before You Make It Worse

Try the simplest fix first

If the broken key is still near the front of the lock, your first move should be to make the cylinder less stubborn. A tiny amount of dry lock lubricant can help. PTFE-based lock lubricants are great for locks, and only a very light application is needed. Its dry formula is specifically meant to lubricate without attracting the dirt and dust that can make a lock feel gritty in the first place. In other words, this is not the moment to drown the keyway in random oily spray and hope for the best. Use a little, give it a moment, and keep your movements gentle.