A key snapping off in a lock is one of those moments that makes your stomach drop. Take a breath though. Most of the time, you can fix this without making it worse. This guide walks you through what to do when a key breaks or gets stuck in your home, car, or office lock.
The Biggest Mistakes People Make First
Panic makes people try things that turn a simple problem into an expensive mess. Here’s what to skip.
- Don’t use superglue. Trying to glue the broken pieces together spreads glue all over the internal parts. You’ll likely need a complete lock replacement.
- Don’t force it with a screwdriver. Jamming tools into the keyway damages the delicate parts inside. A $50 fix becomes a $300 problem.
- Don’t keep jiggling aggressively. Too much movement pushes the broken piece deeper.
When Your Key Won’t Turn But Hasn’t Broken Yet
Still have an intact key that just won’t budge? Try these steps first.
Check the Steering Wheel Lock
If your car key is stuck in the ignition and won’t come out, the steering wheel lock might be blocking it. This happens a lot when the key is in the ACC position. Turn off the ignition and gently wiggle your steering wheel left and right while applying light pressure to the key. You’ll feel it when it releases.
Try Some Lubricant
Grab graphite or silicone-based lubricant. Spray a small amount into the keyway and give it a few minutes. Skip WD-40 or oil-based products since they attract dirt over time.
Work It Gently
Put the key in as far as it will go without forcing. Apply light pressure and gently move the key up and down. This helps line things up with the pins inside. Don’t twist side to side or you might snap it.
When Part of the Key is Sticking Out
This is your best shot at fixing it yourself.
Grab needle-nose pliers. Get a good grip on the visible part and pull straight out. Don’t twist. If you don’t have pliers, tweezers work too if enough of the key is sticking out.
When the Key Breaks Flush with the Cylinder
This one’s tougher. If the key broke in the lock and nothing’s sticking out, most DIY attempts fail. But here are two things worth trying.
Point the keyhole down if you can. Tap gently on the cylinder with a small hammer. Sometimes the vibration shakes it loose. This works better on door locks than car ignitions.
Got a thin jigsaw blade? You can try sliding it alongside the fragment to catch the teeth. Fair warning, you might damage the lock if you’re not careful.
How Locksmiths Remove a Broken Key From a Lock
Locksmiths have tools made for this exact problem. They’re called broken key extractors. They have tiny hooks that slide in and grab the cuts in your key. The trick is knowing how much pressure to use without damaging the cylinder.
Why DIY Lock Repair Can Cost You More in the Long Run
Here’s what people often don’t realize when they try to remove a broken key themselves.
- Cylinder damage happens easily. DIY attempts can scratch the cylinder or bend the pins. This is common with a key stuck in a front door lock that won’t turn. Then you’re looking at replacing the whole lock instead of just pulling out a key. Someone trained in extracting broken keys knows how to avoid damaging the lock.
- The wrong tool makes it worse. Extractor tools come in different sizes for different locks. Using the wrong one pushes the fragment deeper.
- You still need a working key. Once the broken piece is out, you’re stuck without a key unless you have a spare.
How Electronic Car Keys Work and Why They Cost More
| Vehicle Type | Common Issue | The Complication |
| BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus | Electronic ignition with anti-theft | Need diagnostic tools to program new keys |
| Honda, Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet | Worn cylinders | Older models tend to have more breakage |
| Push-button start vehicles | Less key breakage | But battery issues can lock you out |
Got a luxury car? Your key has an electronic chip that talks to your vehicle. You can’t fix that with a standard key cutter. You’ll need an automotive locksmith or dealership with the right diagnostic equipment to program a replacement.
How Home Locks Compare
Different locks have different challenges.
- Deadbolts are usually the easiest. The cylinder is simple and accessible. Extraction goes faster with these.
- Door knob locks have tighter spaces. Less room for tools means more care needed.
- Smart locks often have a regular key cylinder as backup. These tend to be higher security with extra pins, which can make extraction trickier.
Should You Repair or Replace a Lock After a Broken Key?
Sometimes pulling out the key isn’t enough. If your cylinder is worn, keys will keep sticking or breaking. Signs you might need replacement include multiple broken keys in the same lock, keys that have been hard to turn for a while, or rust around the keyway.
A locksmith can look at it after extraction and tell you if replacement makes sense. Sometimes residential lock work means swapping out the whole cylinder rather than just cutting a new key.
What to Do When You’re Locked Out at Night
Locked out at midnight? Can’t start your car in a parking lot? These situations need fast solutions.
For home lockouts, mobile locksmiths can usually get you in within 30 minutes. They bring the tools and blank keys to handle everything in one trip.
For cars, mobile automotive locksmiths can program transponder keys on-site. No towing needed. Most have emergency services available around the clock.
How to Prevent Keys From Breaking in Your Lock
A few simple habits help.
Look at your keys regularly for cracks or worn teeth. Replace keys before they break. Keep locks lubricated with graphite spray once or twice a year. Don’t force a key that’s not turning right.
How Much Does a Locksmith Cost for Key Extraction?
Key extraction typically costs less than replacing a damaged lock. DIY attempts that go wrong often damage the cylinder. A new lock installation can cost two to three times what extraction costs. For car ignitions, the numbers get even bigger since modern cars have electronics tied to the ignition system.
| Service | Typical Cost Range |
| Key extraction | $75-$150 |
| Lock cylinder replacement | $150-$300 |
| Car ignition repair | $200-$500+ |
Don’t Turn a Small Problem Into a Big One
A stuck or broken key doesn’t have to ruin your day. Stay calm, don’t force anything, and know your limits. Some situations you can handle yourself. Others aren’t worth the risk.
Getting help before you accidentally turn a simple extraction into a full lock replacement is usually the smarter move. This is especially true with car ignitions or high-security locks where one wrong move can cause serious damage.