Key Broke in Lock or Ignition? Here's What to Do
A key that snaps inside a lock or ignition is a surprisingly common problem — and it almost always happens at the worst time. The most important thing: don't make it worse by trying to pull it out yourself.
(706) 921-9806 — Call NowDo NOT try to pull the broken piece out yourself — this almost always pushes it deeper and increases repair cost.
What to Do When a Key Breaks
The wrong move can turn a $50 fix into a $200 repair. Follow these steps.
Stop — Don't Try to Pull It Out
Your first instinct will be to grab the broken piece with your fingers or pliers. Don't. This almost always pushes the key fragment deeper into the lock, making extraction much harder and more expensive.
Assess the Situation
Is the key broken in a door lock or in your car ignition? Door lock extractions are usually simpler. Ignition extractions are more complex and require a specialist. Note how much of the key is sticking out.
Do NOT Use Superglue
A popular internet tip is to glue a matchstick to the broken key and pull it out. This almost never works and can permanently damage the lock cylinder, turning a $50 extraction into a $200 lock replacement.
Call a Professional Locksmith
A locksmith has specialized broken key extraction tools that can remove the fragment without damaging the lock. We can then cut a new key on the spot. We serve all Gwinnett County cities including Lawrenceville, Duluth, Suwanee, and Snellville.
Get a Spare Key Made
Once the broken key is extracted and a new key is cut, get at least one spare made immediately. Keys often break because they're worn down — if one broke, the spare you had from years ago may be worn too.
We Extract Broken Keys On-Site
Specialized extraction tools. New key cut on the spot. Serving all Gwinnett County — 24/7.
(706) 921-9806 — Free Estimate
