Keys usually snap because of metal fatigue. Over many years of use, microscopic cracks form in the brass, which eventually give way under the pressure of turning the key in the cylinder.
Dirt and debris inside the lock also increase the torque required to turn the key. If the lock is stiff and you force it, the key is far more likely to shear off at the weakest point.
It is common to reach for tweezers, pliers, or paperclips to grab the broken end of the key. This almost always results in pushing the fragment further into the lock barrel.
Once the key is pushed past the pins or into the back of the cylinder, it becomes significantly harder to remove. You risk damaging the internal springs and wafers of the lock, which can turn a simple extraction job into a full lock replacement.
If the key has snapped in the outer side of the door, leave the door closed and locked. Do not attempt to force the door open with a screwdriver or by pulling on the handle, as this can damage the door frame and the locking mechanism.
If you have a spare key, check if it works from the other side of the door. If you are inside and the door is locked from the outside, stay inside and wait for assistance rather than trying to remove the key fragment yourself.
Sometimes the key breaks in such a way that it is physically impossible to extract it without dismantling the lock. This happens when the key snaps deep inside the cylinder or gets stuck behind the shear line.
In these instances, I will need to remove the cylinder or the entire lock unit to retrieve the broken piece. I will always discuss the process with you and agree on a fixed price before any work begins.
Take a photograph of the lock and the broken key fragment if possible. This helps me understand the type of mechanism and the severity of the break before I arrive at your property.
Keep the remaining handle of your key, as it may be needed if you require a replacement cut. I do not provide key cutting services on site, so having the original pattern is useful for when you visit a hardware shop later.
If you have a snapped key and cannot gain access to your home, do not attempt to force entry. A snapped key is a standard call-out for an independent locksmith. I am available between 07:00 and 23:00, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Please contact SIDE Locksmiths on 07561 514895. An honest arrival time is given on the phone, and a fixed quote is agreed before any work starts. Simple lockout opening starts from £50.
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Based in Rawmarsh, covering South Yorkshire. Lockouts from £50 where it is a simple opening, fixed quote before any work starts.
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