Emergency Broken Key Extraction Service

Broken Key Stuck in Your Car? We Can Help

A broken key stuck in your car’s door lock or ignition can completely immobilize you. Whether your key snapped off while trying to unlock your door, broke in the ignition while starting your car, or fractured in the trunk lock, you need immediate professional help. South Austin Locksmith provides fast, expert broken key extraction services throughout the Austin metro area.

Our automotive locksmiths use specialized extraction tools designed specifically for removing broken keys from all types of automotive locks - door locks, ignition cylinders, trunk locks, and even glove box locks. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with mobile service that brings professional key extraction directly to your location.

Common Broken Key Situations

Key Broke in Door Lock

One of the most common scenarios occurs when a key breaks off in the car door lock, usually due to:

• Worn key that has weakened over time
• Excessive force trying to turn a stubborn lock
• Frozen lock in cold weather
• Damaged lock cylinder binding the key
• Attempting to use the wrong key

Key Broke in Ignition

Keys often break in the ignition cylinder because of:

• Years of daily use causing metal fatigue
• Forcing the key with a locked steering wheel
• Worn ignition cylinder creating excessive resistance
• Using a worn or damaged key
• Sudden force while turning the key

Partial Key Break (Key Still Partially Inserted)

Sometimes keys partially break, leaving part of the key in your hand and part stuck in the lock. This requires careful extraction to prevent pushing the broken piece deeper into the lock.

Complete Break (Key Fully Inside Lock)

When the entire key breaks off inside the lock with no visible piece to grab, extraction requires specialized tools to hook and pull out the broken fragment.

Our Broken Key Extraction Process

1. Emergency Response

Call us immediately at (512) 777-0915 when you discover a broken key. Avoid trying to extract it yourself, as this can push the key deeper or damage the lock. Our mobile locksmith will be dispatched to your location right away.

2. Fast Arrival

We arrive within 30 minutes on average, fully equipped with a complete set of professional key extraction tools for all types of automotive locks.

3. Lock Assessment

Our technician will assess the situation, determining:

• How deep the key broke off
• The lock type and design
• The best extraction technique
• Whether the lock was damaged by the break
• If you’ll need a new key

4. Professional Extraction

Using specialized tools, we carefully extract the broken key:

• Probe extractors: For keys broken near the surface
• Hook extractors: For deeper breaks
• Spiral extractors: For flush breaks
• Screw extractors: As a last resort for stubborn pieces
• Tweezer extractors: For accessible broken pieces

5. Lock Inspection

After extraction, we inspect the lock cylinder for:

• Damage from the broken key
• Worn pins or tumblers
• Proper operation
• Need for lubrication or repair

6. Key Replacement

We can immediately cut and program a replacement key on-site:

• Standard metal keys cut to exact specifications
• Transponder keys cut and programmed
• High-security keys duplicated
• Remote key fobs programmed (if needed)

Why Keys Break in Locks

Understanding why keys break helps prevent future occurrences:

Metal Fatigue

Keys undergo stress every time you use them. After thousands of insertions and turns, the metal weakens at stress points, eventually fracturing. Older keys are more susceptible to breaking.

Excessive Force

Forcing a key to turn when the lock is stiff, frozen, or misaligned puts tremendous stress on the key. The key is often the weakest point and will break before the lock gives.

Worn Lock Cylinders

As lock cylinders wear over time, they can bind keys and create resistance. This extra resistance can cause keys to break, especially if the key itself is also worn.

Poor Key Quality

Cheap duplicate keys or poorly cut keys may have weak points that make them prone to breaking. Using quality original equipment or professionally cut keys reduces break risk.

Damaged Keys

Keys with nicks, bends, or previous stress fractures are weak and likely to break. If you notice any damage to your key, replace it before it breaks in the lock.

Extraction Services We Provide

Door Lock Extraction

Removing broken keys from car door locks including:

• Driver and passenger doors
• Rear doors
• Tailgate locks
• Trunk locks

Ignition Cylinder Extraction

Specialized extraction from ignition cylinders:

• Traditional key ignitions
• Transponder key ignitions
• Complex high-security ignitions
• Luxury vehicle ignition systems

Specialized Lock Extraction

Broken key removal from:

• Glove box locks
• Center console locks
• Fuel door locks
• Truck cap locks

Emergency Extraction

Urgent broken key removal when:

• You’re locked out and need immediate access
• Your car is blocking traffic
• You’re stranded in an unsafe location
• You have an urgent appointment

Why Choose Our Key Extraction Service?

Specialized Extraction Tools

We invest in professional-grade extraction tools including:

• Multiple sizes of hook extractors
• Spiral screw extractors
• Probe style extractors
• Tweezer extractors
• Specialty extractors for specific lock types

No Lock Damage

Our professional techniques ensure:

• Lock cylinders remain undamaged
• Pins and tumblers stay intact
• Lock operates normally after extraction
• No need for expensive lock replacement

Same-Visit Key Replacement

Unlike basic lockout services, we can:

• Cut replacement keys on-site
• Program transponder keys immediately
• Duplicate high-security keys
• Provide spare keys while you’re there

All Vehicle Types

We extract broken keys from all vehicle makes and models:

• Domestic: Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, GMC, Jeep
• Asian: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia
• European: BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW, Volvo
• Luxury: Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, Porsche

24/7 Emergency Service

Broken keys happen at the worst times. We’re available around the clock including:

• Late night emergencies
• Early morning situations
• Weekend and holiday service
• Any time you need us

Service Areas

We provide emergency broken key extraction throughout the Austin metro area:

• Austin: All areas including Downtown, South Austin, North Austin, East Austin, West Austin
• Round Rock: All neighborhoods
• Cedar Park: All neighborhoods
• Georgetown: All neighborhoods
• Pflugerville: All neighborhoods
• Kyle: All neighborhoods
• Buda: All neighborhoods
• Leander: All neighborhoods
• And surrounding areas

Pricing

Our broken key extraction pricing is straightforward:

• Door lock extraction: Starting at $85
• Ignition extraction: Starting at $125
• Extraction + key cutting: $135-$175
• Extraction + transponder key: $175-$225

Exact pricing depends on:

• Lock type (door vs ignition)
• Difficulty of extraction
• Key type (standard vs transponder)
• Time of service (after-hours rates may apply)

We always provide upfront pricing before starting any work.

Prevention Tips

Prevent broken keys with these tips:

1. Replace worn keys: If your key shows wear, replace it before it breaks
2. Don’t force locks: If a lock is stiff, have it serviced rather than forcing the key
3. Quality duplicates: Always have keys cut by professional locksmiths
4. Regular lubrication: Keep your locks lubricated to reduce resistance
5. Reduce key weight: Heavy keychains stress your key when in the ignition
6. Address sticky locks: Have problematic locks repaired before they cause key breaks
7. Inspect your keys: Check for cracks, bends, or damage regularly

What NOT to Do

If your key breaks in a lock:

• DON’T try to extract it yourself with tweezers, pliers, or other household tools
• DON’T spray lubricants like WD-40, which can make extraction harder
• DON’T try to force the lock open with the broken key inside
• DON’T insert objects into the lock trying to push the key out
• DON’T use super glue to attach something to the broken key

These DIY attempts almost always make the situation worse and can damage your lock, making professional extraction more difficult and expensive.

Emergency Broken Key Extraction - Call Now

When your key breaks in your car’s lock or ignition, you need immediate professional help. South Austin Locksmith provides fast, expert broken key extraction service throughout Austin with guaranteed 30-minute response times.

Call us now at (512) 777-0915 for emergency broken key extraction. Our mobile locksmiths are available 24/7 with the specialized tools needed to safely remove broken keys and provide immediate replacement keys.

Call now: (512) 777-0915 or request service online for immediate assistance.