How to Remove a Broken Key from a Car Ignition

Having a broken key stuck inside the ignition of your car is a hassle. A broken key inside your car ignition is often times the result of turning the car key in the ignition too fast when you are in a hurry. There are a number of ways you can remove your broken car key from the car’s ignition. Below are the materials that you will need along with the instructions on how to remove a broken key from a car ignition.

Step 1-Use Pliers to Remove the Key

With the help of needle-nose pliers, you can pull out the part of the key that is stuck in the ignition. This can be done if there is enough portion of the broken key sticking out of the car ignition for the pliers to latch into. You can apply some super glue, melted wax or putty on your needle-nose pliers to assist with yanking the key out. Be sure you are equipped with cotton swabs and acetone to unglue the pliers from the key.

Step 2-Put Ignition in Neutral

Be sure to place your ignition in the “neutral” position. If your car key is stuck in a locked position, use a thin hacksaw blade. Make sure to face the teeth of the blade upwards beside the broken car key, and simply turn the locked position into its “neutral” state.

Step 3-Pull the Blade Out

Pull the hacksaw blade out carefully. The hacksaw blade may be able to grab onto the front or back of the key and help pull it out. If you’re lucky, the blade will latch onto the groove of the key. Twist and wiggle the hacksaw blade until the car key latches into the blade.

Step 4-Use Blade and Pliers

You can try incorporating both the hacksaw blade and the needle-nose pliers. Use the blade to push the key out and then use the pliers to pull the broken car key piece out of the ignition.

Step 5-Use Wire Coat Hanger

You can also make use of a six to eight-inch piece of wire coat hanger. You can create a hook at the end of it by shaping the wire coat hanger piece with you pliers. Insert this into your car’s ignition, behind or in front of the broken car key, and attempt to fish it out.  

Step 6-Use Cooking Spray

Apply some cooking spray or WD-40 inside the ignition. Once the WD-40 is applied, push the key out of the ignition using the hacksaw blade. Try placing the blade both at the front and back of the key. Don’t forget to wiggle the blade inside the ignition to try to get the key to latch into the blade. Do not apply any sort of lubricant prior to attempting to remove the key using the wire or pliers, otherwise the key will be slippery and even more difficult to remove from the car ignition.