Broken Key in Lock — Alberton

A key breaks in a lock most commonly when the key is already worn, when the lock is stiff, or when someone applies too much lateral force while turning. The broken piece is almost always stuck in the keyway and cannot be gripped from the outside. Trying to extract it with pliers, tweezers, or a screwdriver usually makes it worse by pushing the fragment deeper or damaging the keyway pins.

Call Us Before Attempting DIY Extraction

The most important thing to know: do not try to remove the broken key yourself. Household tools rarely fit the keyway properly, and pushing the fragment deeper makes our job harder and may require a full cylinder replacement that could otherwise have been avoided.

Call us on 066 147 4234. We carry professional extraction tools including broken key extractors, hook picks, and slim-jaw extraction pliers designed to work within the keyway without disturbing the pin stacks.

How We Extract a Broken Key

1. We assess how deeply the key fragment is lodged and in which position it sits relative to the pins.
2. We insert the appropriate extraction tool alongside the fragment — not over it — and apply controlled outward pressure.
3. In most cases the fragment comes out intact. We then inspect the lock to confirm no pins were dislodged.
4. We advise whether a new key, a rekeyed cylinder, or a full replacement is appropriate based on the condition of the lock and the reason the key broke.

Broken Key in Car Ignition

A key fragment in a car ignition is a different technical challenge from a door lock: the ignition cylinder is deeper, the tools must navigate the ignition wafers rather than pins, and the vehicle cannot be moved until it is resolved. We carry automotive extraction tools and attend car ignition extractions across Alberton. See our related page on ignition key problems in Alberton.

After the Key Is Out

Once the fragment is extracted, we assess whether the original key can be copied (if you have a worn but intact spare) or whether a new key needs cutting. If the lock itself was the cause of the breakage — stiff pins, a damaged cam — we advise on repair or replacement at the same visit.

Broken Key Extraction Pricing

• Door lock extraction (standard): from R400–R600
• Car ignition extraction: from R450–R650
• After-hours rate applies for evening, weekend, and public holiday call-outs

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can the lock be reused after the key is extracted?

  In most cases, yes. If the extraction goes smoothly, the lock operates exactly as before. If pins were disturbed during the break or extraction, rekeying may be needed — we assess and advise on the spot.

• What if only part of the key came out and the rest is still inside?

  We continue extraction until the full fragment is out. If a piece is too deeply lodged to extract without risk to the cylinder, we discuss cylinder replacement with you before attempting further.

• How did the key break? Should I be worried about the lock?

  Keys break for two main reasons: the key itself is worn or fatigued (especially copies of copies), or the lock is stiff and required excessive force to turn. If the lock is stiff, we should address that at the same visit to prevent a recurrence.