Key broken off in the lock – what to do now?

First, turn the lock cylinder back to the home position (0 position) using a second key or a screwdriver, as the broken piece can only be extracted in this position. Use needle-nose pliers or a key extraction tool to pull out the broken fragment – a small hacksaw blade or a bent needle can help grip the stub. If you cannot pull it out, call a locksmith; do not attempt to drill into the cylinder with sharp objects, as this will damage the cylinder and increase the cost.