Should I try to pull the broken piece out myself?

We'd advise against it. Pliers and glue usually push the fragment deeper or damage the wafers inside the barrel, which turns a straightforward extraction into a lock replacement.

Can the old key be repaired?

A snapped blade can't be reliably repaired — it will fail again. A broken fob case, however, can often be replaced while reusing your existing electronics.

Will I need a new lock barrel?

Usually not. Most breaks come out cleanly and the lock is unaffected. If the barrel has been damaged we'll tell you what's needed before doing any further work.

Mobile auto locksmith · Southampton

Broken Car Key Extraction & Replacement in Southampton

Keys usually snap because they've been slowly wearing for months — a hairline crack at the shoulder, a bent blade, or a lock that has become stiff. The break itself is sudden, but the cause rarely is.

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Send your make, model, year and registration and we'll confirm what's possible for your vehicle before travelling.

We remove the broken section from the door lock or ignition barrel using extraction tools, check the lock still operates properly afterwards, and can supply and program a replacement key so you're not left waiting on a dealer order.

What this covers

Extracting a snapped blade from a door lock or ignition
Removing a key that has broken inside the boot lock
Checking the barrel for damage after extraction
Cutting and programming a replacement key
Repairing or replacing broken flip-key and fob cases

When people call us

Half the key is in your hand and half is in the lock
The key snapped in the ignition and the car won't turn off or start
A flip key has broken at the hinge and no longer turns
The remote case has cracked and the buttons no longer press

What's involved

Tell us where it broke

Door, boot or ignition — plus the make, model, year and registration so we bring the right replacement.

Careful extraction

The broken piece is removed with extraction tools, working to avoid further damage to the barrel.

Lock checked

We check the lock turns correctly afterwards and flag any wear that caused the break.

Replacement key

Where possible a new key is cut and programmed on site so you can drive away the same visit.

Good to know

broken car keys — common questions

Proof of vehicle ownership and matching photo ID (for example a V5C, insurance document, rental or finance agreement) may be required before any work begins. We will not carry out work where ownership or authorisation cannot be reasonably established.

Need help with broken car keys today?

Call or message with your vehicle details and location and we'll tell you what we can do and what it will cost.