Mobile Auto Locksmith
Broken Key Extraction
A key that snaps inside a lock leaves the car immobilised and the lock blocked. Trying to dig it out with pliers or glue almost always pushes the fragment deeper or damages the wafers inside the barrel, turning a straightforward extraction into a lock replacement.
We use extraction tools designed for the job and inspect the lock afterwards.
- Broken key inside a door lock
- Broken key inside the ignition barrel
- Careful key extraction
- Lock and barrel inspection after removal
- Replacement key cut to the vehicle
- Advice on whether the lock itself needs work
What to do right now
Leave the fragment where it is, do not turn the barrel further and do not apply glue. If the car is somewhere unsafe, tell us when you call.
Why keys snap
Worn keys and worn barrels wear together. By the time a key breaks, the blade is usually thin and the lock is usually stiff — so we cut a fresh key rather than reusing the old profile.
After the extraction
We check the lock still operates correctly. If the barrel is damaged or seized, we will explain what is required rather than leaving you with a key that will break again.
Broken Key Extraction FAQs
Will extracting the key damage my lock?
The aim is removal without damage. Locks that were already worn or seized before the key broke may still need further work, which we will explain first.
Can you cut me a new key at the same time?
In most cases yes, so you can drive away the same visit.
The key snapped in the boot lock — same job?
Yes, boot and tailgate locks are covered too.
Key Snapped? Call Now
Only Car Key provides mobile car key replacement, spare keys, vehicle unlocking and key programming across East London, Essex and surrounding areas.
For vehicle security, proof of ownership or authority to access the vehicle may be requested before locksmith work is carried out.