How to Remove a Broken Key from a Lock

EasyKeys.com can’t solve all your problems – like a sore back or a dripping faucet, but we can help with a few others! One of which is a broken key stuck inside of a lock core. Keys can break in lock cores for several reasons including becoming old and frail, the lock is gummed up, or if the user is the Hulk and turns too hard.

If you are a visual learner, check out our YouTube video: How to Remove a Broken Key from a File Cabinet Lock or Desk Lock.


And remember to order a replacement for the broken key!

The solution is the broken key extractor tool. A broken key extractor fits into the lock core and essentially grabs the broken piece of the key. When the broken key extractor is pulled from the lock core, it also removes the piece of the key, leaving the lock usable. There are multiple types of broken key extractors available. To find the correct option for you, see below.

If there is space around the cut side of the broken key:

Pick the Saw Blade Style

The saw blade works by gripping the cuts of the key. Insert the extractor with the saw blade facing the side of the cut key. Apply a little pressure onto the cut side of the key while pulling the extractor out of the core.



If there is no space around the cut side of the broken key:

Pick the Spiral Style

While inserting the extractor on either side of the key, twist or spin the extractor to the right. Continue twisting while pulling the extractor out of the core.

Another available option is the hook style. This extractor has a small hook on the end and is made of steel.

EasyKeys.com also offers an interchangeable extractor set which covers it all! The HPC Interchangeable Extractor Set is the most popular on the market. It is compact, which allows you to carry a variety of extractors inside one tiny set. The set includes 4 extractor blades (1 saw blade, 3 spiral blades of various sizes) stored inside a hollow handle. Replacement blades are also available if you happen to misplace one.

If you need more assistance picking the correct tool for your lock, let us help.

Thumb Turn Locks

It’s as easy as snapping your fingers!

If you can snap your fingers, you can turn a thumb turn lock. What is a thumb turn lock? Thumb turn locks are an oval or circular shaped lock that operates by turning the grip. Thumb turn locks do not require a key to lock and unlock. EasyKeys.com carries multiple thumb turn lock sets for non-secure applications such as panel doors, storage cabinet doors, RV storage boxes, and more. The thumb turn locks are versatile and can be applied accordingly to provide a clockwise or counterclockwise application. EasyKeys provides ESP Lock and Wind Danbury brand thumb turn lock sets that have threaded shells, come staked to a 90-degree rotation, and include everything necessary to perform all locking functions.

How to install a thumb turn lock? It’s easy! Installing a thumb turn lock is the same as installing a regular cam lock. Locate the position of the lock on the door or drawer, and if there is no existing hole, drill one for the thumb turn lock. Insert the thumb turn lock into the hole and align the lock as desired. From the inside, place the washer and hex nut onto the lock and tighten while holding the lock secure on the outside. A spur washer is included for wood installation. If more help is needed, contact our customer service team at info@easykeys.com or at 877.839.5397.

ESP Lock offers multiple size options for thumb turn locks to ensure finding the perfect fit for your needs. Three depths are available: 5/8”, 7/8”, and 1-1/8”. The ESP Hudson Lock thumb turn cam locks are a bright nickel finish, and include a hex nut, sem screw, 1-1/4” straight cam, 1-1/8” x ¼” offset cam, super washer, and a 1/8” cylinder ring.

The Wind Danbury thumb turn locks are also available in multiple sizes, and are chrome plated. These thumb turn locks come with two levers, one prong washer, one collar, hex nut, and a mounting screw with washer.

Push Button Locks for Doors and Cabinets

Plunger or push button locks, whatever name you prefer – EasyKeys has them!

Push button locks and plunger locks are used for cabinets, showcases, office furniture, and sliding door applications. This type of lock locks by pushing the lock cylinder into the mechanism, and then is unlocked by the corresponding key.

EasyKeys has multiple options available for push button or plunger locks.

The CompX Timberline Push Button / Plunger Lock can be purchased as just the cylinder body or as a lock kit with the lock core and key. If ordering multiple locks, the option of having the locks keyed alike or differently is available – which means either all using the same key or each lock requiring an individual key. This commercial push button lock housing is made from black toughened nylon and is most commonly mounted on 1” thick material.

CompX Timberline Push Button / Plunger Lock CB-175

ESP makes a Flush Mount Plunger Lock Package that includes a plunger lock with two keys. This lock package is designed for passing wood doors and can be keyed alike or keyed differently. Included in the package is a nickel cup strike, and two mounting screws. 

ESP Flush Mount Plunger Lock Package ULR-1030FM

The Olympus Lock Plunger Lock is most commonly used on wood or metal furniture sliding doors. This lock features a rekeyable cylinder via its speed release mechanism on the side. A bold extender is included as a solution for varying gaps between passing doors. This lock comes in three different finishes – satin chrome, polished brass, rubbed bronze - to match whatever furniture you have!

Olympus Lock Plunger Lock 300SD

Wesko’s push button / plunger lock comes with a small adapter so that it is easily rekeyable with the Wesko W series lock cores. Since this lock can use the Wesko W series, a master key system is available. This is very convenient for offices or spaces where there is employee turnover.

Wesko Push Button / Plunger Lock UL-EASY-48

For assistance selecting the optimal push button lock for your needs, contact a real human in customer service at info@easykeys.com or toll-free at 877.839.5397.

Fix a Wobbly Table with Self Leveling Furniture Glides

Interested in leveling up? Desire to create a stable working environment? We may not have the secrets to the latest video game or how to keep coworkers from arguing over the last donut in the break room, but we can keep your tables level. Furniture leveling feet are the solution to fix uneven, wobbly tables. EasyKeys.com offers two types of self leveling table glides - the Jacob Holtz SuperLevel and the Jacob Holtz TableShox.

The SuperLevel is an automatic, self-adjusting glide that permanently eliminates table wobble. SuperLevel table leg glides instantly and automatically self-adjust to an uneven floor. The table leg glides have a spring-and-ramp mechanism that is activated by the weight of the table. This spring-and-ramp action creates a permanent solution for table wobbling on an uneven floor. The SuperLevel even comes with an adhesive that allows mounting on a variety of fixtures.

Some more benefits of the Jacob Holtz SuperLevel are easy installation, corrosion resistant, and built to last made of nylon and impact resistant polypropylene combined with a heat treated stainless steel spring. The SuperLevel adjusts up to ¼’ and can hold 500lb per set of 4!

Another option from Jacob Holtz is the TableShox option. The TableShox is a furniture leg leveler that can be used indoors as well as outdoors, and automatically stabilizes the table. TableShox furniture leveling feet re-adjust every time the table is moved, and requires no adjustment! Save that time to handle the fight over the last donut. ;)

The TableShox automatically adjusts to 5/16”, and has a swivel feature for increased stability. These table leg levelers are sturdy - made of steel, polyurethane, and impact resistant nylon - and can hold 400 lbs per set of 4!

So level up and create a stable work environment with one of our Jacob Holtz Self Leveling Table Glides!

Everything You Need to Know About Electronic Locks for Office Furniture

Although we’re obviously pro-key, we understand it can be a hassle to be responsible for them. Lost, stolen, and forgotten keys are no longer a problem with electronic keyless locks. Electronic locks are also a solution for employee turnover, or a lock requiring multiple users - just provide the code and no keys are required! EasyKeys offers a variety of electronic locks for cabinets, desks, lockers, and cubicles. Electronic keypad locks can be controlled by the keypad, key fobs, Bluetooth, NFC or ProxCards depending on the option selected. Battery operated, the electronic locks are reliable, and can operate 3 or more years before requiring a replacement.

EasyKeys carries the brand MicroIQ, which has several locking mechanisms available that will allow you to replace most locks. MicroIQ retrofits and replaces the lock cores of multiple furniture and lock manufacturers (Hon, Haworth, Kimball, Knoll, and Steelcase to name a few!). Just remove the current lock core and insert the MicroIQ electronic lock. Depending on your specific needs, MicroIQ has an option for you. There are two available modes – station and locker mode.

The station mode refers to an office environment or workstation where there is typically one user of the lock. The lock is used repeatedly by the same user with one keypad code and / or one key fob. A key fob can be programed to as many locks as desired which enables the users to have one key fob for multiple locks. The station mode electronic locks can handle a total of three unique access codes and / or key fobs in order to provide security management.

The locker mode refers to a space such as a school, club, or hotel where temporary codes are necessary. These locations require multiple users with temporary but individual codes to provide access to a locker or storage unit.

Station or locker mode must be specified at the time of order. Providing even more versatility, the MicroIQ locks can be switched between the two modes.

Security is a priority and easy with the MicroIQ locks. AutoTraq is an optional software that provides tracking of the users and their access. The AutoTraq software provides compliance data and additional peace of mind for those high security items.

CompX National RegulatoR Manual Locking Electronic Lock

CompX National RegulatoR Self-Locking Electronic Lock

Micro IQ Electronic Locks


For assistance selecting the optimal electronic lock for your needs, contact a real human in customer service at info@easykeys.com or toll-free at 877.839.5397.

Upgrade your locks and enjoy the ease of access that electronic keypad locks provide!

How to Rekey a Lock

Keys are one of the most often lost items in the United States - luckily EasyKeys can help! Lock Core Kits come with one lock core and two keys. Keep one key and store the other in a safe place or give to a trusted friend.

Lock core replacement kits are perfect for ensuring security after employee turnover. Changing the lock codes can prevent unauthorized employees (or former employees) from accessing the office furniture. The lock core kits can also provide a new employee with two keys for their new desk or file cabinet. Lock core kits are also used to rekey locks. It’s more convenient to use the same key for multiple locks, and rekeying locks can provide that ease. Who wants to carry multiple keys for one workstation? EasyKeys and lock core replacement kits can make your life easier.

In order to replace or change lock cores, a control key is required. A control key can also be called a change key, removal key, pull key, or core removal key. EasyKeys provides everything needed to replace a lock!

Ordering a lock core kit is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Click on the Shopping Cart
2. Select your desired Manufacturer, Lock Series, and Lock Code
3. Add 2 Keys, 1 Lock Core, and 1 Control Key

How to Find a Key Code on a Lock

Magnifying Card Lights are one of EasyKeys handiest products and with good reason! The magnifying glass with a light is small enough to carry with you, but has large benefits. Extremely convenient, this magnifying light is around the size of a credit card and can be taken anywhere in a pocket or a purse.

Lock codes are small, and can be difficult to read. Add the fact that some locks are located under desks and the codes might as well be invisible! The magnifying card lights are the perfect solution - just click the button to turn on a light and look through the magnifying glass to view the lock code.

If you are still having issues viewing the code, dab White Out over the lock code and wipe off the excess. The lock code will remain white, making it easier to identify. Then grab your EasyKeys magnifying card light to see the code clearly!

These cards are not only saving graces for dark offices and hard to read lock codes - you can use them for fine print on contracts or even menus in dimly lit restaurants! The possibilities are endless - what will you use them for?

If you already have your hands and pockets full, there is an app for that! Check out the Magnifying Glass + Flashlight app in the Apple Store or Play Store.