Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/2/2008

Question
I was trying to open the doors on my antique French armoire and the end of the key broke off in the lock. The doors are locked and I can't open them. Can I repair this? If not, who do I call to fix it?

Answer
Hi Selma
Nice to hear from you.
Well first the broken key must be removed.
Then you need a new key.
Often we see the lock holes covered with a plate. The same as any key holes but this will be a small plate (called an escutcheon plate).
These are usually nailed on with fine nails or screwed on.
Try to get that off.
Then hopefully it will give you better access to getting at the broken key with tweezers or the like.
Its still possible the broken key will not come out as it will need to be turned if its locked now.
You will then be forced to remove the locked doors (if you can).
Once the doors are off, the entire locking piece can be removed from the inside.
If its not possible to remove the doors, you will need to remove some of the back to get access to removing the locking mechanism
Take both parts of the key or the entire lock to a locksmith for a replacement.
But really make every effort to get the broken key out.
As it was locked when it broke it will have to be released even to get the lock off from the back I fear.
And certainly you can have a locksmith make a house call if all else fails.
Good Luck
Eileen