A mortice lock is a type of lock that is fitted into a hole or recess at the edge of a door. It usually consists of a lock body, a keyhole, and a bolt that extends into a strike plate on the door frame. Mortice locks are common in older houses and can provide a high level of security and durability. You should have an understanding about how to remove a key stuck in a mortice lock. Sometimes a mortice lock can stick a key in it, and this can make opening or closing the door difficult or impossible. This can be a frustrating and inconvenient situation that can ruin your day. But don’t worry, there are some simple and effective ways to remove a stuck key from a mortice lock.
In this article, you will learn why a key might get stuck in a mortice lock. You will also discover how to get it out safely and easily. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent this problem from happening again in the future. By following these instructions, you will be able to solve this problem and get back to your day. Let’s dive into this article and learn how to remove a key stuck in a mortice lock.
Causes of Key Getting Stuck in Mortice Lock
There are several possible causes of key getting stuck in the mortice lock, such as:
The wrong key used by mistake:
Sometimes, you may accidentally use the wrong key for the lock. Especially if you have multiple keys that look similar or have the same shape. The wrong key may not match the lock’s pins or wards and may get jammed or stuck in the keyhole. This can also damage the lock or the key over time.
Lock failure or misalignment:
The lock mechanism may fail or become misaligned due to various reasons, such as age, wear and tear, corrosion, or damage. For example, the lock’s springs, pins, or wards may break or wear out, causing the lock to malfunction or jam. Alternatively, the lock body or the bolt may shift or warp, causing the lock to become out of alignment with the keyhole or the strike plate. This can prevent the key from turning or sliding smoothly in the lock.
Key bent or damaged:
The key may bend or break inside the lock due to excessive force or poor quality. For example, if you apply too much pressure or twist the key too hard, it may bend or snap in the lock. Alternatively, cheap or weak metal keys may bend or break easily in the lock. This can make the key stuck or difficult to remove from the lock.
Lock dirty or dry:
The lock may become dirty or dry due to dust, dirt, or lack of lubrication. For example, dust or dirt may accumulate in the keyhole or the lock body if the environment is dusty or dirty, and this may clog or stick the lock. Alternatively, the lock may become dry or rusty and stiff or rough if it does not get regular lubrication. This can make the key hard to insert or turn in the lock.
Methods to Remove Key Stuck in Mortice Lock
There are different methods to remove key stuck in the mortice lock, such as:
| Method | Description | Pros | Cons |
| Lubricate the lock | Spray a dry lubricant or apply graphite powder to the key and the lock to loosen any dirt or debris. | Easy, cheap, and effective | May does not work for severely stuck keys or damaged locks. |
| Use a key extractor tool | Use a specially designed tool to grip the key and pull it out of the lock. | Precise and safe | Requires a specific tool that may not be readily available. |
| Use pliers or a wrench | Grip the key firmly with pliers or a wrench and gently turn it in the lock. | Simple and convenient | May damage the key or the lock if too much force is applied. |
| Use ice on the key | Press ice against the key for 30 to 60 seconds to shrink it and make it easier to remove. | Natural and harmless | May does not work for very hot or humid conditions. |
| Call a locksmith | Contact a professional locksmith to remove the stuck key and fix the lock. | Reliable and guaranteed | Expensive and time-consuming. |
Lubricating the lock with spray or graphite powder:
One of the easiest and most effective methods to remove keys stuck in a mortice lock is to lubricate the lock. This can help to loosen or dissolve any dirt, rust, or friction that may be causing the key to stick in the lock. To do this, you need to:
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- Spray a small amount of lubricant, such as WD-40, silicone spray, or lock lubricant, into the keyhole and around the lock body.
- Wait for a few minutes to let the lubricant or the graphite powder penetrate and work on the lock.
- Gently wiggle or jiggle the key in the lock, or try to turn it slightly back and forth, to see if it comes loose.
- If the key does not come out, repeat the steps above until the key is freed from the lock.
Using a key extractor tool or pliers:
Another method to remove key stuck in mortice lock is to use a key extractor tool or pliers. With this tool, you can remove the key from the lock, no matter how damaged it is. To do this, you need to:
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- Obtain a key extractor tool or you can use a pair of needle-nose pliers, suitable for gripping small objects.
- Hook or grip the end of the key that is stuck in the lock by inserting the key extractor tool or the pliers into the keyhole.
- Gently pull or twist the key extractor tool or the pliers, to see if the key comes out of the lock. Do not pull or twist too hard.
- If the key does not come out, repeat the steps above until the key is removed from the lock.
Using ice or heat to shrink or expand the key:
Another method to remove key stuck in mortice lock is to use ice or heat to shrink or expand the key. This can help to change the size or shape of the key, making it easier to slide or pull out of the lock. To do this, you need to:
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- Obtain a source of ice or heat, such as an ice pack, a freezer, a hair dryer, a lighter, or a candle.
- Apply ice or heat to the key or the lock, depending on the situation. Alternatively, you can use heat to loosen the lock.
- Wait for a few minutes to let the ice or heat affect the key or the lock.
- Gently wiggle or jiggle the key in the lock, or try to turn it slightly back and forth, to see if it comes loose.
- If the key does not come out, repeat the steps above until the key is freed from the lock.
Pushing the plug or tapping the lock:
Another method to remove key stuck in mortice lock is to push the plug or tap the lock. This can help to dislodge or release the key from the lock, especially if the lock is misaligned or jammed. To do this, you need to:
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- Obtain a thin and sturdy object, such as a screwdriver, a nail, or a pin, that can fit into the keyhole.
- Insert the object into the keyhole. Try to push the plug towards the opposite direction of the key.
- Gently wiggle or jiggle the key in the lock, or try to turn it slightly back and forth, to see if it comes loose.
- If the key does not come out, you can try to tap the lock with a hammer or a mallet, to see if it loosens the key.
- Repeat the steps above until you remove the key from the lock if it does not come out.
Calling a professional locksmith:
The last resort to remove the key stuck in the mortice lock is to call a professional locksmith. This can help to remove the key safely and efficiently, without causing any damage to the lock or the key. To do this, you need to:
- Find a reputable and reliable locksmith in your area, who can provide emergency or 24/7 service.
- Contact the locksmith and explain your situation and the type of lock and key you have.
- Provide the locksmith with your location and the estimated time of arrival.
- Wait for the locksmith to arrive and follow their instructions. They may need to inspect the lock and the key.
- Pay the locksmith for the service and thank them for their help. You can also ask for their contact information in case you need their service again.
Tips to Prevent Key Getting Stuck in Mortice Lock
To prevent the key from getting stuck in the color-code mortice lock, you can follow some tips and advice, such as:
Using the correct key and inserting it properly:
Make sure you use the right key for the lock. Try to avoid using keys that look similar or have the same shape. You can label or code your keys to avoid confusion. Also, make sure you insert the key fully and correctly into the keyhole, and align it with the lock’s pins or wards. Do not force or twist the key if it does not fit or turn smoothly in the lock.
Maintaining and cleaning the lock regularly:
Keep the lock in good condition and working order by maintaining and cleaning it regularly. You can lubricate the lock with a spray or graphite powder whenever the lock feels stiff or rough. You can also use a soft cloth or a brush to wipe any dirt from the keyhole. Do not use any harsh or abrasive substances or tools that may damage or scratch the lock or the key.
Replacing worn-out keys and locks:
Replace any keys or locks that are worn-out, damaged, or faulty. You can check the keys and locks for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, bends, breaks, or rust. You can also test the keys and locks for any malfunctions, such as jams, misalignments, or failures. If you notice any problems, you can contact a locksmith or a hardware store to get new keys or locks, or to repair the existing ones.
Avoiding forceful or rapid movements:
Avoid applying too much force or speed when inserting, turning, or removing the key from the lock. This can cause the key to bend or break, or the lock to jam or misalign. Instead, use gentle and steady movements, and turn the key slowly and smoothly in the lock. Do not jerk or yank the key out of the lock, or slam or bang the door or the furniture.
Video Guidance:
Here is the video guidance for you to know how to remove a key stuck in a mortice lock:
Conclusion
In this article, we have explained how to remove a key stuck in a mortice lock. The article also discusses some possible causes of mortice lock sticking keys, such as using the wrong key by mistake and having a lock that is dirty or dry. We explained and compared different methods. You can lubricate the lock with spray or powder. You can use a key extractor or pliers. One can push the plug or tap the lock. You can call a professional locksmith.
Finally, to prevent mortice lock from sticking keys, we suggest some tips and advice. These tips include using and inserting the correct key properly and avoiding movements that are forceful or rapid. Knowing how to remove keys stuck in mortice lock is important and beneficial, as it can help you to access or secure your door or your furniture and avoid any frustration or inconvenience. It can also help you to save time, money, and effort, and prevent any damage or injury.