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Austin Locksmiths
HIGH PRIORITY - IMMEDIATE HELP AVAILABLE

Broken Key Stuck in Lock? We'll Extract It Safely

Emergency broken key extraction service in Austin. We remove broken keys from car, house, and business locks without damage. 24/7 availability, 30-minute response.

Average Response Time
30 minutes
Availability
24/7/365
Emergency Call: (512) 354-0025

How We Can Help

Emergency Broken Key Extraction Service

Professional broken key removal from house locks without damaging the lock cylinder.

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Broken Key Stuck in Lock? We’ll Extract It Without Damage

You turned your key and felt it snap. Or you pulled it out and half stayed inside the lock. Now you have a broken key stuck in your door lock, car ignition, or business entrance.

You can see the broken fragment inside the lock. Maybe a tiny bit is sticking out. Maybe it’s completely inside the cylinder. You can’t unlock the door. You can’t lock the door. You’re stuck with a useless lock and half a key in your hand.

Don’t try to extract it yourself. Don’t spray glue hoping to pull it out. Don’t push it further in.

South Austin Locksmith provides professional 24/7 emergency broken key extraction service throughout Greater Austin. We’ll safely remove the broken key fragment, cut you a new key, and have your lock working again in 30-60 minutes.

Call (512) 354-0025 now for immediate broken key extraction service.

How Keys Break in Locks

Worn Keys (Metal Fatigue)

Most common cause of broken keys:

  • Key has been copied multiple times (each copy slightly degrades)
  • Original key is 5-10+ years old (metal weakens over time)
  • Key has visible wear grooves from years of use
  • Brass becomes brittle with age and repeated flexing

Signs your key is about to break:

  • Deep grooves worn into key blade
  • Key is visibly bent
  • Key is rough/jagged from wear
  • Key feels “mushy” when turning (worn pins)

Prevention: Replace worn keys before they break ($5-$15 per key vs. $75-$200 for extraction + new key).

Forcing Stuck Locks

Second most common cause:

  • Lock is stiff or jammed
  • You turn key harder to compensate
  • Key twists under stress and snaps

Usually happens when:

  • Lock is frozen (winter)
  • Lock is dirty (hasn’t been cleaned in years)
  • Lock is rusty (exposure to weather)
  • Key isn’t fully inserted (catches on first pins)

Prevention: If lock is stiff, spray lock lubricant (graphite or silicone). NEVER force a stuck lock.

Temperature Extremes

Metal becomes brittle in cold:

  • Sub-32°F temperatures make brass brittle
  • You turn key normally but cold metal snaps
  • Common in Austin during rare freezes
  • Car locks especially prone (more exposed to weather)

Prevention: In freezing weather, warm key with hands before inserting. Never force a frozen lock.

Cheap Key Copies

Hardware store key copies use soft brass:

  • Original manufacturer keys use hardened brass
  • Hardware store blanks use cheaper, softer brass
  • Soft brass wears faster and breaks easier
  • After 2-3 generations of copies, key is significantly weaker

Prevention: Get keys copied by professional locksmith. We use high-quality blanks matching original key hardness.

Lock Problems

Sometimes the lock causes the break:

  • Lock cylinder is failing (pins are sticking)
  • Lock springs are weak or broken
  • Lock cylinder is misaligned
  • Foreign object in lock (dirt, graphite buildup)

If key breaks: The lock may need replacement, not just the key.

Why DIY Broken Key Extraction Usually Fails

The Tweezers Disaster

What you try:

  • Grab visible key fragment with tweezers
  • Pull hard

What happens:

  • Tweezers push key deeper into lock (narrower at back)
  • Key fragment now completely inside cylinder
  • Much harder to extract
  • You’ve made problem worse

The Super Glue Catastrophe

What you try:

  • Put super glue on broken key shaft
  • Press against stuck fragment
  • Wait for glue to dry, pull hard

What happens:

  • Glue spills into lock cylinder
  • Glue bonds to lock pins and springs
  • Lock is now permanently damaged ($150-$300 replacement)
  • Key fragment still stuck
  • You’ve destroyed the lock trying to save $75

NEVER use glue in locks.

The Paperclip Probe Disaster

What you try:

  • Straighten paperclip
  • Try to hook key fragment from behind
  • Wiggle and pull

What happens:

  • Paperclip pushes key deeper
  • Paperclip damages delicate lock pins
  • Lock cylinder scratched
  • Key fragment still stuck
  • Lock may not work even after professional extraction

The WD-40 Mistake

What you try:

  • Spray WD-40 into lock
  • Hope key fragment slides out

What happens:

  • WD-40 attracts dirt and dust
  • Creates sticky residue in lock
  • Makes professional extraction harder
  • Lock will need cleaning after extraction
  • Key fragment still stuck (WD-40 doesn’t help extraction)

Use graphite lubricant, NEVER WD-40 in locks.

Our Professional Broken Key Extraction Process

1. Assessment - Understanding the Problem

When you call (512) 354-0025), we ask:

  • Where is key broken? (door lock, car ignition, deadbolt)
  • How much is visible? (tip showing vs. completely inside)
  • What type of lock? (deadbolt, knob, ignition, padlock)
  • Can you lock/unlock with broken piece inside? (assesses lock function)

We provide upfront price quote based on complexity.

2. Mobile Dispatch - We Come to You

Our technician arrives with specialized extraction tools:

  • Broken key extractors (hook and blade types)
  • Lock picks (to align pins for extraction)
  • Tweezers and hemostats (for visible fragments)
  • Lock cylinders (in case replacement needed)
  • Key cutting machine (for new key)

Response times:

  • South Austin: 20-30 minutes
  • Greater Austin: 30-45 minutes
  • Surrounding cities: 40-60 minutes

3. Lock Assessment

Technician examines:

  • How deep is key fragment?
  • Is any portion visible?
  • What type of lock mechanism?
  • Is lock still functional? (can we pick it open first?)
  • Is lock damaged or just key broken?

Important: If door is locked AND key is broken inside, we may need to pick lock open first, then extract key.

4. Extraction Process

For keys with visible portion:

  • Use extraction tool (thin metal blade with hook)
  • Slide tool alongside key fragment
  • Hook catches key grooves
  • Gently pull fragment out
  • Takes 10-20 minutes

For keys completely inside cylinder:

  • Use lock pick to align pins
  • Create space around key fragment
  • Slide extraction tool past key
  • Hook and pull fragment out
  • Takes 20-40 minutes

For stubborn extractions:

  • Partially disassemble lock (remove cylinder)
  • Access key fragment from rear
  • Push key out from inside
  • Takes 30-45 minutes

Last resort (rare):

  • Drill lock cylinder
  • Remove cylinder entirely
  • Extract key from cylinder
  • Replace cylinder with new one
  • Takes 40-60 minutes, costs $150-$300 total

5. Lock Testing

After extracting key fragment:

  • Test lock with new key
  • Ensure all pins are functioning
  • Verify lock turns smoothly
  • Check for internal damage
  • Spray graphite lubricant (prevents future sticking)

6. New Key Cutting

We cut new key on-site:

  • Use key code (if available) or decode lock
  • Cut key to original specifications
  • Test key in lock multiple times
  • Cut 2-3 spares to prevent future issues (recommended)

You have working lock and key in 45-75 minutes total.

Broken Key Extraction by Lock Type

House Door Locks (Deadbolts & Knobs)

Easiest extractions:

  • Standard pin-tumbler locks
  • Key usually breaks near opening (easier to grab)
  • Can remove lock cylinder if needed
  • Takes 15-30 minutes
  • Cost: $75-$125 including new key

Common scenario: Old worn key breaks while unlocking front door.

Car Door Locks

Moderate difficulty:

  • Tighter tolerances than house locks
  • Keys often break flush with opening (harder to grab)
  • Can access lock from inside door panel if necessary
  • Takes 20-35 minutes
  • Cost: $95-$150 including new key

Common scenario: Worn key breaks while unlocking car in cold weather.

Car Ignition Locks

Most complex extractions:

  • Tight cylinder with no easy access
  • Key often breaks deep inside
  • Can’t easily remove ignition cylinder
  • Broken transponder key requires programming new key
  • Takes 30-60 minutes
  • Cost: $125-$250 including new transponder key

Common scenario: Worn transponder key breaks while starting car.

Commercial Locks (High-Security)

Variable difficulty:

  • Depends on lock type (standard vs. high-security)
  • Medeco, Mul-T-Lock more complex to extract from
  • May require lock disassembly
  • Takes 25-45 minutes
  • Cost: $125-$200 including new key

Common scenario: Worn key breaks in office door high-security lock.

Padlocks

Often easiest to solve:

  • Can drill lock open if extraction is difficult
  • Padlock replacement cheap ($15-$50)
  • Extraction attempted first but drilling is acceptable option
  • Takes 15-30 minutes
  • Cost: $65-$125

Common scenario: Rusty padlock on storage unit, key breaks trying to force it open.

After Broken Key Extraction - What You’ll Need

Immediate: New Keys

We cut new key on-site:

  • First key included in extraction price
  • Additional keys $5-$15 each
  • Get 2-3 spares (total $85-$135 for extraction + 3 keys)

Prevents you from breaking another worn key soon after.

We can service your lock while there:

  • Clean lock cylinder (remove dirt/debris) - $15-$25
  • Lubricate with graphite - $10-$15
  • Adjust strike plate if needed - $20-$40
  • Replace worn lock if necessary - $75-$200

Maintains lock longevity and prevents future issues.

Consider: Lock Replacement

If lock caused the key break:

  • Old lock with worn pins
  • Lock cylinder damaged internally
  • Lock sticking even with new key
  • Lock has been picked or attempted break-in

Signs lock needs replacement:

  • New key doesn’t turn smoothly
  • Lock feels sticky or crunchy
  • Visible damage to lock face
  • Lock is 15+ years old

Cost: $75-$200 for residential, $125-$300 for commercial, $125-$250 for car ignition

Preventing Future Broken Keys

Replace Worn Keys Early

Don’t wait for keys to break:

  • Replace keys every 3-5 years (even if not visibly worn)
  • Replace immediately if key shows deep wear grooves
  • Cost: $5-$15 per key (cheap insurance vs. $75-$200 extraction)

Get keys from locksmith, not hardware store - our blanks match original hardness.

Don’t Force Stuck Locks

If lock is stiff:

  1. Spray graphite lock lubricant ($5-$10 at hardware store)
  2. Wait 30 seconds
  3. Gently work key in and out
  4. If still stuck, call locksmith (service call $75-$125)

Don’t: Turn harder, jiggle violently, spray WD-40

Maintain Your Locks

Annual lock maintenance prevents stuck locks:

  • Spray graphite lubricant once per year
  • Wipe dirt from key before inserting
  • Keep lock face clean
  • Check for rust (especially outdoor locks)

Cost: $0-$10 (DIY with graphite spray) Prevents: Stuck locks that cause broken keys

Address Lock Problems Immediately

If lock is:

  • Hard to turn (even with new key)
  • Sticky or crunchy feeling
  • Rusty or weathered
  • Loose or wobbly

Call for lock service before key breaks: $75-$150 for lock adjustment/replacement is cheaper than broken key emergency ($75-$200) plus potential lock damage.

Emergency Broken Key Service - Available 24/7

Broken keys don’t wait for business hours:

Standard Hours (8 AM - 6 PM Monday-Friday): $75-$150 Evenings (6 PM - 10 PM): $100-$175 Late Night (10 PM - 8 AM): $125-$200 Weekends (Saturday/Sunday): $100-$175 Holidays (Major holidays): $125-$200

All prices include:

  • Mobile service (we come to you)
  • Professional extraction
  • One new key
  • Lock testing

Additional services available:

  • Spare keys ($5-$15 each)
  • Lock cleaning ($15-$25)
  • Lock lubrication ($10-$15)
  • Lock replacement if needed ($75-$300)

Service Area - We Come to You

We provide mobile broken key extraction throughout Greater Austin:

South Austin (78704, 78745): 20-30 minutes Central Austin (78701, 78702, 78703): 25-35 minutes North Austin (78753, 78758, 78759): 30-45 minutes East Austin (78721, 78722, 78724): 25-40 minutes West Austin (78733, 78735, 78746): 30-45 minutes

Surrounding Cities: Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Leander, Buda, Kyle - 40-60 minutes

We extract broken keys from:

  • House door locks (front door, back door, deadbolts)
  • Car locks (door locks, ignitions, trunks)
  • Business locks (office doors, storefronts, security doors)
  • Padlocks (storage units, gates, garages)
  • File cabinets, desks, safes

Broken Key Stuck in Lock? Call Now

Stop trying to extract it yourself. Stop pushing it deeper. Stop risking permanent lock damage.

Call South Austin Locksmith at (512) 354-0025 for professional broken key extraction:

  • 24/7/365 emergency service
  • Mobile service - we come to you
  • 30-minute average response time
  • Professional extraction without damage
  • New key cut on-site
  • Licensed, insured, experienced technicians
  • Upfront pricing, no hidden fees

Get your lock working again in 30-60 minutes. Call now: (512) 354-0025

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you remove a broken key without damaging the lock?

Yes, in 95% of cases we can extract broken keys without damaging the lock mechanism. We use specialized extraction tools (broken key extractors, pick tools, hook tools) designed to grab and pull key fragments without harming lock pins or cylinder. The key to success is not forcing it - we carefully work the broken piece out. Only if the key is severely jammed or lock was already damaged do we need to drill the lock cylinder (rare - less than 5% of extractions). After extraction, your lock works normally with a new key.

How long does broken key extraction take?

Most broken key extractions take 15-30 minutes: Simple extractions (tip of key visible, broke near opening): 10-15 minutes. Moderate extractions (key broke inside cylinder, some visible): 15-25 minutes. Difficult extractions (key deep inside, broken flush with opening): 25-45 minutes. After extraction, cutting new key adds 10-15 minutes. Total time including travel: 45-75 minutes from your call to having working lock and new key.

How much does broken key extraction cost?

Broken key extraction pricing: Standard extraction (key visible, straightforward removal): $75-$125. Difficult extraction (key deep inside, requires lock disassembly): $125-$175. Car ignition extraction (more complex): $125-$200. After-hours service (nights, weekends, holidays): add $50-$75. Price includes extraction service and cutting one new key. Additional keys are $5-$15 each. If lock needs replacement due to damage (rare): $75-$250 depending on lock type. We provide exact quote before starting work.

My key broke inside the ignition - can I still drive?

No, don't try to drive with broken key in ignition. If broken key is stuck in ignition: Car won't start (key fragment blocks ignition cylinder), steering wheel may be locked, you can't remove the key fragment yourself, trying to force it can damage ignition permanently ($300-$800 ignition replacement). Call us immediately at (512) 354-0025 - we'll extract the broken piece on-site and cut new key so you can drive. Most car ignition extractions take 30-45 minutes and you're back on the road.

What causes keys to break in locks?

Keys break for several reasons: Worn keys (metal fatigue from years of use - most common cause), forcing stuck locks (if lock is stiff, forcing key causes snap), extreme cold (metal becomes brittle in freezing temps), cheap key copies (hardware store copies use softer metal than originals), turning key wrong direction (too much torque breaks key), lock problems (if lock is jammed, key takes all the stress). Prevention: Replace worn keys before they break ($5-$15 per key), never force stuck locks (spray lubricant first), get keys copied by professional locksmith not hardware store (we use harder brass).

Can I extract a broken key myself?

We strongly advise against DIY extraction: What typically happens: (1) You try tweezers or pliers (pushes key deeper into lock), (2) You try super glue on key shaft (glue spills into lock mechanism, ruining it), (3) You try to pick at it with pin or paperclip (damages lock pins), (4) You spray WD-40 hoping key will slide out (attracts dirt, makes extraction harder). Result: You transform a $75-$125 extraction into a $150-$300 lock replacement. Professional extraction in 15-30 minutes costs less than the damage you'll cause trying DIY methods. Call (512) 354-0025 - save money and prevent damage.

Do you need to drill the lock to remove a broken key?

Rarely. We drill locks in less than 5% of broken key extractions - only when: (1) Key is completely shattered into multiple pieces deep in cylinder, (2) Lock was already damaged before key broke (pre-existing cylinder damage), (3) Key broke because lock is failing (lock needs replacement anyway), (4) Key fragment is fused/corroded to cylinder (extremely rare). In 95% of cases, we extract using professional tools without drilling. If drilling is necessary, we tell you upfront before proceeding and provide cost for lock replacement. Most extractions are non-destructive.

What if my broken key has a transponder chip?

No problem. After extracting broken key: (1) If key broke at the blade (chip is in your hand), we can use that chip in new key blade we cut ($10-$15 key transfer). (2) If key broke at the head (chip is lost with broken fragment), we program new transponder chip to your vehicle ($150-$250 for new key with chip). For car keys, we carry transponder key blanks for all major brands and can program on-site. Total time: extraction (20-30 min) + key cutting (15 min) + programming (20-30 min) = 55-75 minutes. You drive away with working key.

Need Help Right Now?

Don't wait - emergency locksmith service available 24/7/365 with 30 minutes average response time.

Call Now: (512) 354-0025
CALL NOW: (512) 354-0025