Key snapped in the car lock or ignition?

Why keys snap

Car key blades get thinner with years of use. Add a heavy bunch of keys pulling on the ignition, a frozen lock in winter, or a door lock that has started to stick, and eventually the blade gives way. Flip keys can also snap at the hinge. It’s a common job and it’s nearly always fixable without replacing the lock.

What not to do

• Don’t try to turn the stub with pliers, as it can push the piece deeper or damage the wafers inside the lock.
• Don’t glue anything to the broken piece to pull it out. Glue in a lock is a much bigger job.
• Don’t push the other half back in. Keep both halves safe, as they help when cutting a new key.

How the extraction works

The broken piece is carefully drawn out of the lock or ignition, working with the lock rather than forcing it. Once it’s out, I check the lock turns freely with a good key. If the lock itself is worn or damaged, which can be why the key snapped in the first place, I can look at an ignition repair or fixing the door lock on the same visit.

Getting a working key again

If the electronics in the head of the key still work, the head can often go into a new case with a freshly cut blade, which saves on a whole new key. If not, I can make and programme a replacement key at the car. If it was your only key, it’s worth adding a spare while I’m there.

How it works

1. Call 07780 672297 and tell me where the key snapped: the door, the boot or the ignition. You can also use the quote form and choose “Something else”.
2. I confirm the price by phone and come to wherever the car is.
3. I extract the piece, test the lock and sort a working key if you need one.

What to have ready

• Both halves of the broken key.
• Your registration, plus the make, model and year.
• Proof the car is yours, such as the V5C logbook, if a new key is needed.