1. Type of key?

The brand is Phillips but they make various types. The type here is (not sure of the correct jargon) without vertical ridges and notches. And both sides of the key are identical.

I’ve looked at some diagrams of key types and I’m not sure exactly. Is it a “dimple key”? Something else?

2. How to remove broken part from lock?

Location: Door between bedroom and garden.

Situation:

  • Someone bent the key a little, and it was stuck, couldn’t get it out. On the inside of the door. At that point still able to lock and unlock from the inside only. Using other key from the outside does nothing, doesn’t even turn.

  • I tried gently straightening it but it immediately snapped.

  • Now: can still open and close the door using the handle. Can still, with difficulty, lock and unlock the door (from inside only) by carefully pressing the head of the key against what is in the lock and turning.

A lot of info online for removing broken key blades from locks are for the “traditional” kind of key with vertical ridges and notches.

I have a screwdriver that fits all the screws and I can access all sides of the lock (inside, outside, edge), but I’m not sure if that’s relevant. I’ve tried tweezers but it’s too snug.

If I need more tools or equipment, I’ll get them tomorrow.

  • AnAustralianPhotographer@lemmy.world
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    22 hours ago

    This looks like a similar setup to some security doors I’ve messed with.

    Edit: what about using a unfolded paperclip and push from the other side. The plan I had when I started writing this probably won’t work as accessing the key cylinder will only likely get access the keyhole.

    Edit2 id also hit it with a spray from a can of WD-40 (lubricant) and hope that helps work things loose.

    Below is probably useless but it was my train if thought initially.

    They have a removable part so the locks can be rekeyed easily by a locksmith by replacing some pins on the inside to match the keys.

    Edit 3 if removing fails and you need to replace a part, you probably could get away with just replacing the locking part and not the whole handle mechanism.

    In the ones Ive used a screw on the door matches up holding the locking cylinder component. Probably the one just above the deadbolt.

    Try unscrewing this to see if the cylinder the key is stuck in can be removed.

    Go very carefully as I don’t know what is actually holding the stack of pins which match your key and if these pins fall out, finding which go where will be very hard and very fiddly.

    • Case@lemmy.world
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      21 hours ago

      WD-40 is not a lubricant, it can do it short term, but makes things worse long term.

      WD-40 literally stands for Water Displacement - Formula 40.

      Its to keep mechanical components hydrophobic so they don’t rust or otherwise degrade due to the presence of water.

      For locks and keyways, you want powdered graphite as a lubricant. I keep a small tube (puffer style) in my pick kit if needed.