Hatch key broke inside of lock.

[EZAdventures]

I went to open the outside hatch (ETI installed) and I thought I was turning the snug lock but was actually twisting the key and it broke off inside the lock. Not an immediate problem on this trip as I can access everything via the bed (21C) but wondered if anyone has any wisdom on removing a the key piece with only basic tools.

Thanks!

 

[HABBERDABBER]

Lubricate the key hole with graphite powder or petroleum lubricants, then try tweezers, small needle nose pliers or a hemostat to grab and remove. You can grind or file down the tips of a tool to make it thinner.
If all fails, you can remove the latch (contortion work from the interior) by unscrewing the nut holding the latch in place and replace it with a new one.
Maybe a super strong magnet would work some if the broken key is steel. Mine isn't.

 

[Selkirk]

On my trailer, that lock has a spring-loaded keyway cover. Depending on where the key broke, that cover could bind against what's left of the key.....making it very difficult to extract.

With a 21C, it might not be too difficult to get at the back-side of the lock from the by removing the mattress and accessing the storage space from the top.

I find that the lock is a lot easier to rotate if I simultaneously push the outer hatch inwards to compress it against the weatherstrip seal. This keeps the lock tab from binding tightly against the hatch frame when rotating.....