Stuck key, any ideas?

[stirlinggaz]

Hi all,
Im getting rid of a load of bits that I've hoarded since the millennium so sorting out bits that have a value & those that can get chucked.

So, key stuck in ignition.
Won't turn in any direction.
Been there at least 20yrs but looks like I've never used it.
I'm gonna presume key is the right key
I've also got a fuel tank lock that I think matches it, so it might come in handy one day or I can sell it once I've got the key out & id'd it (I've narrowed it down to about 4 Different bikes).
Any ideas?
Somethings telling me not to squirt wd40 or 3 in 1 oil into it but can't remember why?
& obviously I can't heat it up (plastic bits)

cheers,
GAZ

[jaffa90]

Is the ignition switch connected / wired up?

[jeffyjeff]

WD40 will not harm your ignition switch. I would lubricate the key slot as best as possible, then see if I could find a way to use a slide hammer to extract the key, possibly in combination with a pair of locking pliers.
____________________
History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of men - BOC

[stirlinggaz]

[davebike]

Lots of penetrating oil and time soak fiddle soak rest soak fiddle and on
WD40 is OK but there are better penetrating oils
____________________
Dave
NC750Xdct + others at work !
davebike1@gmail.com

[jaffa90]

[Islander]

Soak it with penetrating oil and work the key gently wiggling it as you go. It's probably accumulated crap jamming one or more of the lock wafers. Patience is essential to avoid fatigue in the key metal.

Once it's out flush the keyway thoroughly with brake cleaner or similar to flush out the oil and dirt and then lubricate either with graphite (no it won't cause electrical shorts - the switch is a separate unit from the lock) or a proprietary lock lubricant.

[ThatDippyTwat]

As said, soak in Penetrating oil (not plain old WD40, wlthough the WD40 company make a penetrating fluid). Plusgas, Comma release oil, aforementioned WD stuff all work.
____________________
'98 VFR800 (touring) - '12 VFR800 Crosrunner (Commuting) - '01 KDX220 (Big Green Antisocial Machine)

[stinkwheel]

I's soak it in a mix of paraffin and ATF as a penetrant. I'd probably put it in a jam jar full and leave it to sit.

Once it's moving freely, as Islander said, thoroughly de-grease then lube appropriately (silicone spray is good). Isopropyl alcohol would be a good de-greaser in this situation.

Another thing to consider is giving it a blast in an ultrasonic cleaner. Might rattle stuff loose.

I've seen some locks that have a small hole in the bottom you can get a fine punch into and tap the key out. Obviously this risks having both a key AND a snapped off punch stuck in your lock.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[MCN]

If it is broken off where you cannot get a grip of it, you could try a broken key extractor.
They are spring steel picks with rear facing teeth on the ends that are poked down the side of the broken key and then pulled out.
Rear Facing teeth grip on the key metal. They are assorted sizes and designs in a set.

Amazon £4

And WD40.
____________________
Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[BigTim]

[stirlinggaz]

Hi all,
Success!
Thanks for the suggestions.
Couple of days, squirting 3-in-1 oil in every orifice repeatedly seems to have freed the key as I've got it out!

But it won't turn yet, I'll keep at it though.

cheers,
GAZ

[MCN]

[Islander]

[Islander]

[MCN]

[stirlinggaz]