Broken Key Extraction Birmingham
A key snapped in the door or ignition can usually be extracted without damaging the lock. We remove the fragment, check the lock still works, then cut and program a replacement key if you need one.
When you need this
- Blade snapped in the door
- Key stuck or broken in the ignition
- Lock will not turn after forcing the key
How it works
- Call or WhatsApp with your reg and a photo of the car (and the key, if you have one).
- Get a fixed quote before we travel.
- We arrive, cut and program the key on site, then test it in the door, ignition and remote.
- Pay once every function works.
In detail
Keys usually snap because the blade is worn thin or the lock barrel is stiff — forcing it finishes the job. We extract the fragment with specialist hooks and extractors that grip the broken piece inside the lock, not drills. What affects the job is how the key broke: a fragment sticking out is quick, one snapped flush inside the barrel takes more work. Afterwards we check why it snapped — a stiff or worn barrel often needs attention too, or the next key breaks the same way.
Questions about broken car key extraction
My key has snapped in the ignition — what should I do?
Don't force the remaining piece or poke at it with tweezers — you'll push the fragment deeper. Leave the car as it is and call us. We extract the broken piece with specialist tools and check the ignition barrel still works before cutting you a new key.
Can you get a broken key out of a door lock?
Yes — door locks are the most common place keys snap. We remove the fragment without damaging the lock, then test the barrel with a fresh key. If the lock was stiff enough to snap a key, we'll tell you whether it needs attention too.
The key is stuck in the ignition but not broken — is that different?
Yes. A stuck but intact key usually points to a worn ignition barrel, a steering lock that hasn't released, or the car not fully in park — not a broken key. That's an ignition repair job rather than an extraction. We diagnose which it is before doing any work.
Will I need a new key after the extraction?
Almost always, yes — the broken key can't be reused. We cut and program a replacement on the same visit, from the key code rather than the damaged blade. You get a fixed quote covering the extraction and the new key before we start.
How much does broken key extraction cost?
Prices vary by vehicle and by how the key broke — a fragment sticking out is simpler than one snapped deep inside the barrel. Call or WhatsApp with your reg and a description, and we'll give you a fixed quote before we travel.
Can I still drive the car with half a key?
No — don't try. The broken blade won't turn the lock properly, and forcing it can damage the ignition barrel or push the fragment deeper. If the engine is already running, switch it off where it's safe and call us; we'll come to you.
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Customer feedback
I had no keys at all and with no time he managed to fix the keys. Thank you for the excellent work.
Called at 1am, came in 25 mins. Would definitely use again.
Very professional and affordable key cutting service, and that too at my door step.
Available across Birmingham
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