Tips For Removing A Broken Key From A TowSmart Trailer Coupler Lock

Question:

How can we remove a portion of the key in the lock that snapped off and broke when it was accidently dropped on the ground. This has happened twice to my husband! Hopefully you can help us with this. We love this lock, but feel the keys should be made of a stronger metal. Thanks in advance!

asked by: TERI J

Expert Reply:

We do have a few tips/tricks you can try, but removing a broken key from the TowSmart Trailer Coupler Lock # 3481213 is going to be tricky.

First we recommend applying lubricant to the lock, so that parts can move more easily. If there is enough key left to grab on to, you may be able to pull if out with needle nose pliers. If not, some folks have had success just using a paper clip and wiggling the key out using the paperclip along the ridged side of the key. We also offer a Mini Pick And Hook Set # PT76VR which may help. If that fails, a locksmith may be able to remove the broken key.

In some cases this may be more of a hassle than it is worth, and replacing the lock may be your best bet. My only advice is to lubricate the lock periodically to keep things turning smoothly. This way you will be able to turn the key more gently when locking/unlocking and hopefully prevent this from happening in the future.

expert reply by: Jesse M