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A broken RV key is a huge problem for your vacation. I remember getting a frustrating call from my mother when they suffered a broken camper key while on vacation. She called while they were waiting for a locksmith to remove the broken key from the RV lock.
For my mom, the annoyance was more about not being able to have happy hour than the broken key. It was an annoyance nonetheless and was an unanticipated expense and experience for their vacation.
Chances are, like my parents, you might have to deal with this problem. Knowing how to properly remove a broken key from an RV lock is a handy skill.
Having the right tools and the right phone numbers can reduce the stress and annoyance of having a broken RV key. In this article, we offer some solutions to resolving a broken key in an RV lock.
How Do You Get A Broken Key Out Of An RV Lock?
Removing a broken key from an RV lock can be a do-it-yourself (DIY) task if you are patient and careful. If you are stuck in the middle of nowhere, the DIY option may be the only solution.
Before we delve into your options, knowing a bit about locks is helpful. Most RV locks (doors, compartments, gas tanks, etc.) use a cylinder with pins. When you insert your key into the lock, the pins adjust to the shape of the key. If the shape of the key is correct, you can turn the key to lock or unlock it.
The wrong key will not set the pins in the correct position, so it will not turn. If the lock gets stuck before completing the full turn, the pins will freeze around the key. This means you have a stuck key. If you turn too hard or try to force the key from a stuck lock, the key may break. This is when it is helpful to know how to remove a broken key from an RV lock.
There are lots of ways other RV owners have resolved this problem. However, some are not great and can needlessly damage your RV. Here is a list of our recommended solutions.
1. Hire An RV Locksmith
If you are camping in a place that is close to a town, the best way to get a broken key from an RV lock is to hire a locksmith. They have the proper tools to remove the key part from the lock without damage.
The locksmith can also remove the cylinder and fix the pins that are stuck. This may be an important step to keep from breaking other keys. Locksmiths often have a mobile key-making machine, so if you need a replacement, they can make another copy from your second original key.
2. Go To An RV Service Center
Another reliable way to get a broken key from an RV lock is to take your motorhome or travel trailer to an RV service center. They can the door, storage compartments, and order a replacement if you lost an original key.
Most RV service centers have master keys that work with the major lock brands used on RVs. If you have lost your keys and do not have a second set, they can order you new ones.
In situations where the lock may no longer be unusable, their parts department may also have new locks for purchase, including Key-A-Like systems. These lock systems change the door, storage, and utility panels (like the fuel door), so you only need one key to open everything.
The good part is that the key and pin system is complex enough that it is virtually impossible to break into these locks.
3. Buy and Use a Broken Key Extractor Set
If a locksmith or an RV service center is not a possibility, you can use a broken key extractor set. These handy tools can be purchased online. It can be delivered to your campground (if they allow package delivery) or a nearby Amazon drop-off location.
If you have never used one of these tools, make sure that you read the instructions carefully and work slowly. Rushing or skipping steps can damage your lock, resulting in an even bigger problem.
Also, let the campground hosts know what is going on so they do not think you are breaking into an RV that is not yours.
4. Use Crazy Glue On The Broken Key
We are now getting into the options that are last-ditch efforts or for that middle-of-nowhere emergency. If you are patient and can wait for a little bit, gluing the broken key part to a jigsaw blade, popsicle stick, or other thin object is a way to get a broken key from a lock.
Keep in mind that this does not always work. You have to be really gentle when pulling on the key. You also need to be moderate with the glue. Too much glue can gum up the lock, and you will not be able to get the key out.
5. Try Using Needle-Nose Pliers To Pull The Key Out
If you get really desperate to remove a broken key from an RV lock and nothing else has worked, try needle-nose pliers. This is kind of a brute-force solution. If you can get your key out, you are probably going to cause some damage to the lock. This means you will need to be prepared with a replacement lock or some other way to secure the door.
Truly, the best way to remove a broken key from an RV lock is to hire a locksmith if you can. They have the proper tools to carefully remove the key without damaging the lock. Depending on where you are camping, this may not be an option.
If you are able to get the broken key from the RV lock using the super glue option, do not try to reuse the key. This will almost certainly result in the key breaking off and getting stuck again.
It is also important to have a set of duplicate keys with you when you travel. Particularly if you have unique keys to particular locks on your RV. For motorhome owners, we are thinking about the key to the gas cap. This is usually a unique key from the rest of your RV. If you lose it you may be stuck, literally, until you can get a locksmith to help you open the door.
How Do You Remove An RV Door Lock Cylinder?
If your key is stuck in the lock of your RV door you may be able to remove it by removing the lock cylinder. With the cylinder out, you can use a high-quality lubricant to loosen the pins and allow the key to be easily removed.
To remove the cylinder from a typical RV lock you will need the door key and a small flathead screwdriver. With these two items, the cylinder can be removed in a few simple steps.
- Insert the key (if it is not already inserted) and turn to the unlocked position.
- Pull on the latch handle so that you can see the underside of the lock cylinder.
- Use your flathead screwdriver to depress the small brass or copper cylinder latch.
- When the latch is released, the cylinder can be gently removed from the door handle.
From here, you can manipulate the pins in the cylinder to remove the key. You will need to insert the key back into the lock before replacing the cylinder.
A good practice so you do not have to worry about sticky pins is to grease the lock with a graphite lock lubricant. These lubricants are dry and will not make a big drippy mess. Lock lubricants can be found at hardware stores or from a local locksmith.
FAQs For Removing a Broken Key From An RV Door Lock
To close out this article, we will give you some answers to commonly asked questions about RV door locks and broken keys.
1. Can You Re-Key An RV Door Lock?
It is possible to re-key an RV door lock. However, it is not the preferred practice. Particularly if you are pondering having the locks for your RV compartment doors re-keyed, replacing the locks is probably easier and more affordable.
2. Can I Change The Locks On My RV?
Just like your home, you can replace the locks on your RV if they are getting old or worn out. RV manufacturers use a third-party supplier for their locks. If you want a similar product, you can easily find the manufacturer of the lock and purchase a replacement.
You can find RV locks online or at your favorite camping store in the parts department. You can find replacements for RV entry doors and outdoor storage locks. If you are on the road and need to replace a lock, Amazon will deliver to your location, or you can pick-up at any of their delivery locker locations.
3. Can You Put A Keyless Entry On An RV?
Keyless entry locks are becoming more and more popular for RVs. They work a lot like keyless entry locks on homes. Many also have remote entry fobs you can use on your key chain. The benefit of these kinds of locks is that you do not have to worry about the key.
This makes the lock less difficult to break into. It also eliminates the disaster of losing your key. All you need to remember is the code for the lock. Learn more about RV keyless entry locks in our article, Why RV Keyless Entry Locks Are Worth The Money.
4. What If My Motorhome Key Will Not Come Out Of The Ignition?
This is a tricky problem and one that can result in serious damage if not handled carefully. If you are in a remote location and cannot get to an RV service center, there are a couple of options for removing the key from your motorhome ignition.
In this situation, the best thing to do is to call your RV roadside assistance company. Good Sam Roadside Assistance is a great option for RV owners. Many insurance companies offer roadside assistance with their RV coverage. Having two different options gives you options to determine which has the best coverage in your specific situation at the time.
5. Can I Use WD-40 In The Ignition To Retrieve A Broken Key?
If you think you can do it yourself, you can always try the WD-40 method. Of course, to use this method, you’ll need a second ignition key once you get the broken key out.
Spraying a small amount of WD-40 in the key slot of the ignition may be enough to slide the key from the ignition.
The other option, if you do not have WD-40 is a small amount of cooking oil. If you do have to use this technique, make sure you get your RV to a service center as soon as possible.
You will want to make sure that using cooking oil or WD-40 has not caused significant damage.
Final Thoughts On Removing A Broken Key From An RV Lock
Broken keys happen. Most of us will have to deal with this problem or a lost key at some point in our RVing adventures. Though it is an annoyance, a broken key does not have to put a damper on your travels.
Make sure you have a broken key removal kit, small screwdrivers, and an extra set of RV keys. Whether you are close to town or miles off the beaten path, these tools and a cell phone to call a locksmith or your RV roadside assistance program can save the day.
Related Reading:
– How to Get an RV Master Key Replacement
– Why RV Keyless Entry Locks are Worth the Money
– Is RV and Travel Trailer Theft Common?
– 115 Point RV Inspection Checklist (New or Used)
– Superzilla VS. WD-40: Which Is Better?
Jason Gass – Author and Part Time RVer
Jason Gass is a full-time freelance writer and part-time RVer whose goal is to share great stories around a campfire with good friends.
When he’s not working, he spends most of his time camping, searching for the best breweries, and road-tripping in his teardrop trailer with his wife, daughter, and two dogs.
A couple of things. Do not use super glue because it will freeze up the very small springs and wafers in the lock. DO NOT!!! Use graphite in any type of lock except a mortise lock that uses a skeleton key(bit Key). We use Tri Flow or Hudini Lock spray. Just a couple of tid bits for you.
Kenny Briggs
CRL
Chippewa Valley Lock & Key LLC
Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin