The key is stuck in the lock and cannot be pulled out - what should I do?

The client's name and specific details have been changed to maintain confidentiality.

Let's call the client Victor. He opened the door with a regular key, turned it back to its original position and tried to pull it out. The key didn't come out.

Victor moved it a little, tried to turn it a little left and right, but the key still remained inside. A question has arisen:

“If the key has already turned back, why doesn’t it come out of the lock?”

This situation may be related to the key itself, or to the cylinder or internal mechanism.

Why the key might get stuck

Possible reasons:

• key wear;
• key deformation;
• cylinder contamination;
• wear of internal elements;
• incorrect position of the mechanism;
• damage to the cylinder;
• load from the door.

Sometimes the key can be inserted and turned, but its position inside the mechanism is already different from normal.

Why you can't pull the key by force

If the key is truly stuck, pulling hard can result in:

• its deformation;
• breakdown;
• damage to internal elements;
• final jamming of the cylinder.

It is especially dangerous to pull sharply on an old or thin key.

What you can try

Without using force you can:

• return the key exactly to its original position;
• lightly unload the door;
• slightly press or pull the door leaf;
• check if the key position changes.

If the key still does not work, it is better to stop further experiments.

What the master will do

The specialist will first determine: *whether repairs will be required after this.

• is the key in the correct position;
• is there a load on the mechanism;
• is the cylinder working?
• Is it possible to carefully remove the key;

Sometimes it is possible to save both the key and the cylinder.