Key snapped in the lock? Here's what to do

A key snapping in the lock is one of those problems that feels dramatic but is usually a quick fix — as long as you don't make it worse first.

Why keys snap

Usually it's a combination of factors: an older or worn key, a cylinder that's stiff or slightly misaligned, or the door frame having dropped over time, putting extra strain on the key as it turns.

What not to do

Resist the urge to dig at the broken piece with a knife, tweezers or a paperclip. It's easy to push the fragment further in or scratch the internal pins, turning a simple extraction into a full cylinder replacement.

What actually works

Locksmiths use a set of thin extraction tools designed specifically to grip and remove broken key fragments without damaging the cylinder. In most cases the lock can then be tested and reused with a new key cut on the spot.

When the cylinder does need replacing

If the key snapped because the cylinder itself was already failing — worn pins, corrosion, or a misaligned door — it's often worth replacing the cylinder there and then rather than risking the same thing happening again in a few months.

If you're dealing with a snapped key right now, don't panic — it's one of the more routine jobs we handle.