If your key has broken or gotten stuck in the lock, it’s best to stop, not force it, and call a locksmith before trying anything else. Sending a photo via WhatsApp can help them assess the problem and give you an approximate price. Many problems that start out simple can become more complicated depending on what you do in the minutes that follow.
What to Do If the Key Gets Stuck or Breaks
- Stop turning and pulling. If the key won't turn, using more force won't loosen it, and that's how many of them end up broken.
- Keep the piece that's left in your hand. It will help you identify the key and the lock.
- Take a photo of the lock and another of the entire door.
- Call a locksmith and tell him what happened and where you are.
- Ask for an approximate price before I come over.
If there is a dangerous situation inside the home—such as a child left alone, someone who can't open a door, or a fire—call 112 first.
The mistakes that make a grand opening the most difficult
It's normal to want to fix it without calling anyone. But these are two situations we see often, and in both cases, trying to fix it yourself ends up making the job harder.
Force the key until it breaks
A stuck key can still be seen and grasped. If you keep trying to turn it or pry it out, it may break, leaving a piece inside the lock cylinder. At that point, it’s no longer just a matter of a key that won’t turn—you’ll also have to remove that piece before you can open the door.
Insert a card or a piece of plastic through the slot
It's the trick we've all seen, but it doesn't work on every door. When you insert a card or a piece of plastic into the slot, you can damage the weatherstrip—the rubber seal on the door—or push it inward. When the professional arrives, that displaced weatherstrip can get in the way and make it harder to open the door.
What You Shouldn't Do
- Do not use pliers or screwdrivers to pry open the lock.
- Don't put glue on the broken key to try to remove the piece: if it gets stuck inside, the problem could get worse.
- Don't pour oil or other products into the lock without knowing what's wrong with it.
- Do not place cards, plastic sheets, or X-rays between the door and the door frame.
- Don't keep trying other keys if there's already a piece of one stuck inside the lock.
How to Get a Quote Without Any Surprises
The first thing to do is call and ask. Keep in mind, though, that it's very difficult to give an exact price for a lock without seeing it—at least in a photo. Over the phone, we can give you a rough estimate, and with a picture, we can be much more precise.
That's why we usually ask for photos via WhatsApp before we go. It helps us to send:
- A close-up photo of the lock, showing the lock cylinder.
- A photo of the entire door.
- If you can, please send a photo of the piece of the key that's left.
- Your location and a brief description of what happened: whether the door is slammed shut or locked with a key.
The final price depends on the problem, the type of lock, the time of day, the travel distance, the materials, and the difficulty. It’s reasonable to expect them to explain the work and provide a quote before they begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to remove a broken key without replacing the lock?
Often, yes—especially if the lock hasn't been forced open. If the lock cylinder is damaged or jammed, it may be necessary to replace a part.
Is it possible to open the door without breaking the lock?
This is possible with many doors that have been slammed shut. If the key turns but the door won't open, there may be an internal malfunction or a jammed lock cylinder, in which case a part may need to be replaced.
Why won't you give me an exact price over the phone?
Because there are many different types of locks and problems, and what sounds the same over the phone can look very different in person. With a photo, we can give you better guidance.
What should I do if the key turns but the door won't open?
Do not force the key or the door. There may be an internal malfunction in the lock. Call us and send a photo so we can assess the situation.
Has your key broken off in Benidorm or the surrounding area?
We are locksmiths in Benidorm and also serve Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía, El Albir, and Polop. You can view all our locksmith services or contact us.
Before you rush into anything, give us a call at 657 55 10 00 or send us a photo via WhatsApp and we’ll help you figure it out.