Broken Car Key Extraction — Ashton-in-Makerfield

Why You Shouldn't Try to Extract It Yourself

The temptation when a key snaps in a lock is to grab a pair of pliers, a thin screwdriver, or even a pen knife and try to lever it out. In the majority of cases, this pushes the fragment further in, makes it harder to grip, and damages the delicate tumbler pins inside the barrel. A job that should cost £40–£60 can turn into a full lock barrel replacement.

Professional extraction tools are specifically designed for this — narrow enough to reach past the remaining fragment, with a barbed or hooked end that grips the key metal and pulls it out cleanly.

What Happens on the Visit

We assess whether the fragment is visible and how far it's gone in, then use the appropriate extraction tool. In the majority of cases the fragment comes out intact and the lock barrel is undamaged. We then assess whether the lock needs any attention and cut a replacement key on-site.

If the barrel has been damaged — whether from the initial break or a previous extraction attempt — we can replace it on the same visit as part of our lock repair service.

Broken Key in the Ignition

Ignition extraction is more technically involved — the ignition barrel is less accessible and the consequences of damaging it are more significant. If your key has broken in the ignition, don't attempt any extraction and don't try to start the car with the fragment in place. Call us, and we'll extract it and assess the ignition for any damage. If the ignition barrel needs replacing, see our ignition repair service.

After the Extraction

Once the broken fragment is out, we can cut and programme a replacement key on the same visit for most makes and models. If your key was worn before it snapped, it's also worth considering getting a spare car key made at the same time.