![]() In this manner, the broken inaccessible key end can be pulled from the lock opening without damage to the lock. To aid in the retraction of the inaccessible key end after the retractor elements are twisted, a spreader tool of a plier type having thin jaws receivable within the keyway is used to hold tumblers, dust covers, electric switches, and other obstructions, located within the lock out of the lock keyway as the inaccessible broken key end is pulled from the lock. Thereupon, the retractor elements are twisted about each other causing the elements to twist within the lock and those portions of the retractor elements engaging the inaccessible key end portion within the lock tightly grip the broken key end permitting the same to be pulled from the keyway. Once the accessible key portion is used to guide the extractor elements into the desired position, the accessible key portion is then removed from the lock. Preferably, the practice of the method of the invention utilizes the accessible portion of the broken key, or a similar key blank, to be used as a guide for inserting the retraction elements into the lock, and into the grooves defined in the sides of the inaccessible broken key end. In the practice of the invention, a pair of thin deformable elongated retractor elements are inserted into a tumbler lock keyway or slot in such a manner as to grip an inaccessible key end located within the lock. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method of extracting an inaccessible broken key portion from a tumbler lock keyway which can be practiced by persons of ordinary mechanical skill. ![]() It is an object of the invention to provide an extractor for removing broken keys from tumbler locks wherein the extractor tool is of a low cost, dependable, easy to use and relatively quick and may be operated by those having conventional mechanical skills.Īnother object of the invention is to provide an extractor tool for removing broken key portions from tumbler locks wherein the extractor tool does no damage to the lock and its associated mechanism and permits the lock to be operated in the normal manner after key extraction. However, the difficulty encountered in removing broken keys from tumbler locks often is so great that the lock must be entirely replaced at considerable expense.Īs of this date, easy to use, dependable apparatus for removing broken key portions from tumbler locks has not been available to the general public. Adhesives, hook probes, and the like, may be used. Until the inaccessible broken key end portion is removed from the lock, operation of the vehicle is usually prevented.īroken key extractors are known and such devices may use a variety of tools for endeavoring to coax the broken key end from the lock. ![]() When a portion of the automobile ignition key is broken off within the lock keyway or slot, such broken end is usually inaccessible, often prevents the ignition switch from being operated and renders the vehicle inoperative. Such automobile locks usually constitute the primary electrical switch for the vehicle and employ the key to impose a torque on the switch once the key is properly inserted, and keys are often bent or otherwise stressed due to the forces imposed thereon during use. ![]() It is not uncommon for the end portion of a key to break off in a lock keyway, particularly an automobile ignition lock utilizing tumblers. The invention pertains to tools for extracting inaccessible broken key ends from lock keyways, particularly automobile ignition locks, without damage or modification to the lock structure.
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