broken key

[petermiddletn]

I'm always hitting the ignition key with my knee on the MF 35. Key sticks out just far enough, today I finished off the job. 80% of the key is in the ignition and 20% on the workbench. Any suggestions on getting this out of the ignition?

 

[phil(va)]

If you can't pick it out with sharp pin or knife, try a strong magnet.

 

[Bruce(OR)]

Key is probably brass. Not magnetic. Sorry.
You need a very fine pointed skinny pic. Then dig it out. Chances are you will have to find a piece of rod and grind it down. make a 90 degree hook on the end. Good Luck!
Next trick is to take the ign key assy and replace it with a toggle switch and switch cover.
Relocate a key assembly somewhere else if theft is a problem.

 

[RICHNY]

My Pop used to use an old broken coping saw blade with wood teeth to snag the end. Sometimes it works! Good Luck!

 

[smallercrawler]

Look in Tractor Talk posts of 2 or 3 days ago for thread "Deutz 5506-.........Broke Key Off". Several good suggestions there.

 

[Inno]

What I ended up doing on my 202 after the 2nd key broke off was to leave it in there and use a flat screwdriver to turn the switch.

 

[Charles in Aus.]

This method works on most car ignition switches so it might work on a tractor .Long hat pin or similar thin needle like wire with some temper . Bend the end into a hook about 1 or 2mm long . Slide the end down the side of the key that has the most space [usually near the grooves on the side of the key] . When in as far as it will go rotate the needle to snag the end of the key stub and pull out .

 

[petermiddletn]

The ignition is free of the broken off key. Used several small instruments, most home made before it came free. Modification of ignition location is in the future.