Help with a key stuck in the lock – Annecy

At MULTISECU, transparency is a core value. That’s why we always provide free and no-obligation quotations for all our locksmith assistance interventions on Annecy and its surroundings.

One of our locksmiths will visit to assess the situation and clearly explain the solution he recommends to unstick your key, as well as the estimated cost of the work. You will thus know exactly what to expect before entrusting us with your locksmith assistance.

Do not hesitate to contact us if your key is jammed in a lock in Annecy. Our locksmiths will respond swiftly with their professional equipment to effectively assist you and offer the best possible price. At MULTISECU, we put our expertise and reliability at your disposal to ensure your peace of mind. Is your key jammed? We have the solution to assist you!

Contact us for:

• Prompt assistance in Annecy and nearby
• The use of non-destructive techniques
• A free, no-obligation quotation

We provide 24/7 locksmith assistance and aim to reach you as promptly as possible.

Several situations can lead to a key getting stuck in a lock:

• Wear of the internal mechanism of the lock due to repeated use over several years. The pins no longer align correctly to allow key movement.
• The presence of foreign objects in the lock such as dust, rust, or lime, which come to grip the mechanism.
• An attempt at picking the lock which has disrupted the alignment of the pins.
• A damaged or bent key that does not fit properly into the lock cylinder. Forcing the movement causes the key to jam inside.
• A lock problem caused by incorrect installation.
• The use of a key not suitable for your lock, for example the key from another apartment in a similar building.

If you are experiencing this type of issue with your lock, do not hesitate to contact our professional locksmiths for quick locksmith assistance. We have all the expertise to unstick your key without causing any damage.

To help prevent a stuck key, follow this advice for prevention:

• Lubrify your lock regularly with a dedicated product (specific for locks) to ensure smooth mechanical movement of the parts.
• Clean your lock to remove dust and foreign objects using a soft cloth or a dry air blow.
• Avoid inserting the wrong key or forcing the lock if you feel resistance. Contact a locksmith.
• Avoid leaving keys exposed in the lock, where moisture and knocks may damage the mechanism.
• Have faulty or very old locks repaired or replaced by a professional.
• Use each key with care: insert it smoothly and straight, then turn it gently without forcing.
• Only give keys to people you trust. Consider replacing your cylinders if a set of keys is lost.

By following these recommendations, you will minimise the risk of a key getting stuck. However, if the problem occurs anyway, please know that our locksmiths will respond swiftly to assist you.

Before calling a locksmith, you can attempt to unstick a stuck key yourself by carefully following these steps:

• Gently insert the tip of a small screwdriver into the lock at the level of the key, and gently lever to attempt to unlock it.
• Lubricate the lock with a door lock lubricant or graphite powder to free the mechanism; reinsert the key and gently make back-and-forth movements while applying pressure.
• Avoid striking the key: a fragile key or mechanism can be damaged. Ask a locksmith for advice if it will not move gently.
• Warm the key gently for 30 seconds with a hairdryer, the metal expands and sometimes unlocks.
• Insert a second identical key into the other side of the barrel and make synchronized and delicate movements with both keys.
• If the key still projects from the lock, attach a small weight (with a strong thread) to apply constant tension.

These manipulations must be carried out with great care to avoid damaging the lock. If the key remains stuck, it is advisable to contact a professional locksmith.

If the key is broken inside the lock, there are various techniques to open the door:

• Lock picking: this non-destructive method involves opening the lock using specialised tools (pick tools) that lift the pins one by one. It requires considerable expertise.
• Drilling: it involves drilling the lock directly above the key to destroy the mechanism and allow the door to be opened. This method damages the lock.
• The removal of the lock: a professional locksmith can completely dismantle the lock from the outside to remove the components preventing the key from being extracted. This technique takes time but does not damage the system.
• Internal opening: if you have a duplicate key inside, a locksmith may sometimes be able to open the door from the inside via the handle or by removing the strike plate.

At MULTISECU, our experienced locksmiths assess the best way to restore access promptly while limiting damage. Contact us if a key has snapped in your lock.