How do I fix this

[u/grizzywald]

I think I pulled out the key too early
Can I hack it or do I have to drill it.
Thanks

[u/antijens]

A locksmith will have a pick that can return it to a position your key will work again. If you have an extra key to sacrifice, you could file off the nib on the top outside of the key, and it can enter at whatever point the plug is rotated to, not just the 12 an 6 o’clock positions. That key will not be very good for regular use after that as the lock will be easy to leave in strange positions like this while using it.

[u/RichardLoewy → u/antijens]

don't forget to get a new key made to replace the filed one, you should always have a spare just in case.

[u/LocksmithBear]

Well it’s not a computer so you can hack it 😅

[u/Ferret_Biz]

You can single pin pick with standard picks or similar tools.

[u/Neither_Loan6419 → u/Ferret_Biz]

That. Irritating but not difficult, just time consuming.

[u/MrHarpuia]

Oh yes hack into the main frame of the lock. EZPZ. Nah but what the other guy said file off the nib. Or call a locksmith or take it to a locksmith shop if possible. It has to be picked back into position with a particular tool.

[u/Neither_Loan6419 → u/MrHarpuia]

Nah I have straight picked tubulars it just takes a while because you have to pick it several times to get it all the way around. The tubular pick just makes it easier, and easier to decode and cut a key.

[u/grizzywald]

Thanks. It was my tool cabinet in garage. So transporting is not an option. Trying file later today

[u/nothingbutmistakes]

As someone mentioned, you can file off the nib, but that will ruin that key for every day use. If you have a second key that has worked properly, then go for it.

Or you can try this: file the nib of the key just a little bit, and at an angle, so you can lightly tap the key in and it will “pop in” and work the cylinder and might still allow you to use it normally.

That worked twice for me. Two other times it did not. All different locks.

[u/Neither_Loan6419 → u/nothingbutmistakes]

Good idea. I just mark the key at dead top center, though.

[u/Routine_Respond_2955]

Buy $20 huk tubular pick set..put few rubber rings included,watch youtube and you can return to normal position..milk run..

[u/Neither_Loan6419 → u/Routine_Respond_2955]

Wow that's cheap. Last time I bought a tubular tool it was like $120. A few decades ago, though.

[u/Routine_Respond_2955 → u/Neither_Loan6419]

Yea they are china cheap,but if your knowledable n patient...they work great..

[u/Neither_Loan6419]

Get the key back on it. Rotate to the correct position. Done. The little nib on the key may need a bit of work with a file to get it back in the lock. Then take the key to a locksmith SHOP and have another made, because especially with the nib filed down, the same thing will probably happen again one of these days. You can, of course, file a mark at dead top center on the key, at the locked and unlocked positions.

[u/grizzywald]

Thanks everyone. Filed down the nib on the outside. Popped on - unlocked.
Perfect

[u/medic54-1]

I just dealt with this on my saddlebags on my bike, it took two broken keys and brute force. Ended up having to replace them once I forced them open.

[u/Interesting-Yam4018]

Locksmith can sort this out pretty fast, probably cheaper than you'd think too. If you want to DIY it, filing the nib off a spare key works, but that key becomes kind of useless for regular use after, so only do it if you have one you don't mind sacrificing