Specialist · No-Damage · Mobile
Broken Key Extraction
Without Damaging the Lock
Key snapped in the ignition or door? Don't try to extract it yourself — that's the #1 cause of needing a full barrel replacement. We use specialist extraction tools that pull the broken blade out cleanly in 10–40 minutes, then cut you a new key on the spot. From £80.
The most important rule
Don't try to extract it yourself. DIY extraction is the #1 cause of needing a full barrel replacement. If the broken piece has been jammed, sprayed with WD-40, drilled, or forced with pliers, the wafers inside the lock can be destroyed — turning a £150 extraction into a £350+ replacement job. Call us first.
Where Keys Snap
Five common places. Each takes a slightly different approach and tool — and we carry them all.
Ignition barrel
The most common spot. Turn the key, hear a 'crack', the head comes off in your hand and the blade stays in the barrel. The immobiliser light stays on and the car won't start.
Driver's door lock
Especially on older cars with worn cylinders. The key goes in fine, turns halfway, then snaps — usually because the key was cut slightly off-centre or the cylinder has worn pins.
Boot / tailgate lock
Less common but more painful — you can't get into the car at all and the spare is often inside. Common on hatchbacks where the boot is the only way in.
Steering column lock
On older cars without electronic steering locks, the key can snap in the steering column. Rarer, but harder to access — we have the tools for it.
Glovebox or storage lock
Smaller barrels that take a lot of abuse. Snap here is usually the key's fault, not the lock's.
Our Extraction Process
Four steps. No drilling, no lock replacement, no damage.
Inspect the lock
We look at the broken piece and the lock to assess the situation. If someone has already tried to extract it, we factor that into the approach.
Pick the right tool
Different locks need different extractors. We carry slim hooks, serrated extractors, and jigsaw-style pullers for the awkward ones.
Pull the broken piece
10–40 minutes. We grip the broken blade and pull it out cleanly. The wafers inside the lock are not touched.
Cut a new key
We cut a fresh key on the spot — either from the broken piece as a template, or by decoding the lock directly. You drive away with a working key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Snapped Right Now?
Call us. Don't try anything yourself — we'll have the broken piece out and a fresh key in your hand within the hour.
Call 01723 817140