Broken Key Removal
We get the broken piece out, in most cases without wrecking the lock, and can make a replacement key right there. It works for front doors, office doors and car ignitions alike.
Mon–Sat 8 AM–8 PMInsured15 years of experience
We get the broken piece out, usually without harming the lock.
The right tools
Thin steel extractors slide in beside the broken piece, catch its edges and draw it back out. Done carefully, the lock usually works normally afterward. It takes a steady hand more than force.
We don’t drill a lock just to get a broken key out unless every other way has failed, and we ask you first.
Door locks and ignitions
Keys snap in front doors, office locks and car ignitions alike. If the key broke because the lock was already stiff, see ignition repair for cars and lock repair for homes. A key that breaks in a car door or trunk lock comes out the same way.
Replacement key, cut on site
Bring both halves along if possible. The broken pieces usually tell us enough to cut a fresh key, right at your door or your car. If the broken key was your only one, we can still make a new key in many cases. A car key with a chip also needs programming to the car, which we handle for many makes and models.
From snapped key to working lock
Where did it break?
Which lock, and whether you still have the other half.
Quick response
We head your way with extraction tools and key blanks, so the lock and a replacement key are handled in one visit in most cases.
We extract the piece
Gently, so the small parts inside the lock aren’t bent or damaged.
Test and cut
We test the lock, then cut a replacement.
What to do while you wait
Do this
- Stop turning the key.
- Keep the broken half somewhere safe.
- Leave the lock as it is.
- Call us.
Don’t do this
- Push the stub deeper with the other half.
- Glue or tape anything into the lock.
- Dig at it with pins or tweezers.
- Keep using the lock.
Key broken off in a lock right now?
Call us, and leave the piece where it is until we arrive. Have both halves of the key ready if you can.
Broken key questions
Why did my key break off?
Usually it’s a mix of an old, thin key and a lock that’s getting stiff, and forcing a key that won’t turn finishes the job. A lock that sticks is a sign to get it looked at. Copies cut from soft, cheap blanks snap more easily too, so a fresh key from a good blank is worth it.
Can you make a new key from the broken half?
Often, yes. With both pieces, we can usually read the cuts from them and turn out a fresh key on the spot. Even a worn key can be cut fresh to the right depths, so the new one often works better than the old.
Will the lock work normally afterward?
In most cases. If the lock was worn or damaged when the key broke, we tell you and suggest a repair. A piece left in too long, or pushed deeper, can bend parts inside, which is why it’s best to leave it alone.
My key broke in the ignition. Should I try to start the car?
No. Turning the stub can drive it further in or damage the ignition. Leave it be and call us. Even if the stub sticks out far enough to grab, pulling can snap it again.
Does a broken key mean a new lock?
Usually not. With the piece removed and a new key cut, most locks carry on as before. If the lock was worn enough to break a key, a repair or a rekey with fresh keys may be wise.
More emergency locksmith services
Snapped key? We’ll get it out.
Tell us which lock and where you are, and we’ll explain the cost before we set out whenever possible.