Do I need a Locksmith

[rustmonster]

After months and months of being a bit stiff and niggly my garage door key snapped off in my hand as I was trying to unlock it.

Half the key is still in the lock, the remainder of the key I can put in and out of the lock and turn it, but the door remains locked.

I've removed the door handle thinking that I could somehow get access but to no avail.

Is there any way I can remove the bit of key that is stuck and unlock the door myself or am I going to have to call a locksmith?

I've included pics below to supplement my descriptions.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Untitled

• rustmonster
• 23 Jan 2010
• 1

Untitled

• rustmonster
• 23 Jan 2010
• 1

 

[DC77]

If you can get to the other side try the broken key from there.
The key that you are showing is for a Gibbons three lever lock and should have a code number on it. I think it is either G or J section these are a precut key. Ask your local locksmith or keycutter for another key.
But there is a reason it has failed possibly the door or doors are out of alignment and is holding the lock bolt back.
DC
Teamlocksmiths

 

[rustmonster]

Can't get through to the other side, the main garage door is locked from inside the garage.

The key has J 4 stamped on it, the only issue now is getting the remaining piece of key out of the door.

I've had blu tack on a stick and magnets suggested to me, the garage is where most of my tools are kept so don't have a great deal to work with!

I'm going to attempt to remove the last of the key tomorrow. If I can't get it out what will be the best way to get the door open?

 

[big-all]

spray wd40 around the bolt and in the keyhole

after 10 mins
get your self a 3mm drill bit slowly drill a hole in the centre off the shaft go in about 10 to 15mm loosten the ckuck from around the bit
hold door shut with the handle
use pliers to turn one way or the other
if that dosnt work use a 3.5 mm screw and screw into the hole and manover with the screwdrive

failing that use an angle grinder hacksaw or file to remove the top off the hinge pins
knock out and realease door

and when finnished turn the pins round and drop in the top

 

[DC77]

Gibbons J4 is the code for the key.
If the picture of the broken key is the one that the part is still in the lock then surely gravity would have played its part and the missing piece will be laying at the bottom of the lock case out of harms way. Or are you saying that you have two keys one stuck in the lock and the broken one ?
DC
Teamlocksmiths

 

[rustmonster]

I've had a good look in the lock now there's enough daylight to see properly. I can't see the broken bit of key so it looks like gravity has done all the work for me.

With regards to getting a new key, if I just go into any local keycutting shop with the remainder of the key, tell them it's a Gibbons J4, will they be able to supply me with a replacement?

 

[DC77]

Please try your local locksmith first, they should (hopefully) have either the precut key or the knowledge to duplicate one for you.
Your local key cutter is most likely to be a shoe repairer, I never have seen the connection between someone who works with shoes and one who works with locks and security.
But do not forget that the lock still may be jammed, be gentle with it.
Good luck.
DC
Teamlocksmiths

 

[rustmonster]

I don't know who my local locksmith is and if a replacement key is all I need and I know exactly what sort of key I'd rather go and get the replacement key myself and try that if possible rather than call out a locksmith just to bring the key to me.

Will a local key shop have the specialist info to cut me a new key? Is there not some kind of shop or place that can give me the key I need without having to call out a locksmith which will surely be more expensive than just getting the key myself.

Of course if I can't get the new key to turn the lock I'll admit defeat and get a locksmith out to sort it.

 

[DC77]

What I mean is that in most areas there are locksmiths shops and cobblers shops, pick the locksmith before the shoe repairer/key cutter. If you do not have a locksmith close to you try your key cutter. I do not think you need someone to come out to you unless that lock bolt is really jammed.
DC
Teamlocksmiths