Magnet for Broken Key: How Locksmiths Use Magnets to Fix Jammed Locks

When a key snaps inside a lock, most people panic. But for locksmiths, it’s a routine job—and often, the magnet for broken key, a strong neodymium magnet used to extract broken key fragments from locks without damaging the mechanism. Also known as a key extraction magnet, it’s one of the simplest, cheapest tools in a locksmith’s kit. You don’t need fancy equipment or a degree. Just the right magnet, a steady hand, and a little know-how.

This isn’t magic. It’s physics. Most house and car keys are made of steel or nickel alloys, which are magnetic. When a key breaks off inside a lock, the tiny pieces stick to the metal pins and springs. A strong magnet, pulled slowly along the keyway, can lift those fragments out. No drilling. No replacing the whole lock. Just a clean fix. Locksmiths in India, California, and the UK use this trick daily. It saves customers time and money. And it’s why you’ll see locksmith training courses include magnet use—even in basic modules.

But not all magnets work. A weak fridge magnet won’t cut it. Locksmiths use neodymium magnets—small, powerful, and often shaped like a pen or hook. Some come with extendable tips to reach deep into car door locks. Others have built-in LED lights to see inside the keyway. These tools aren’t sold in hardware stores. You get them through locksmith suppliers or trade schools. And if you’re learning to become a locksmith in India, you’ll practice this on dummy locks before touching a real one.

There’s a catch, though. Some high-security keys are made of non-magnetic metals like brass or titanium. In those cases, a magnet won’t help. That’s when locksmiths switch to pick tools, extractors, or even microscopes. But for 8 out of 10 broken key jobs? The magnet still wins. It’s fast, clean, and reliable.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real-world guides on how locksmiths handle broken keys, what tools they rely on, and how training programs teach these skills—from Mumbai to Melbourne. You’ll also see how key restrictions, lock types, and regional demand shape the job. Whether you’re stuck with a broken key or thinking about becoming a locksmith, these posts give you the straight facts—no fluff, no hype, just what works.