Key Snapped in Lock

It happens more often than you’d think - Keys snapped in locks, either by a weakness in the metal of the key or by forcing a jammed lock. Once the key is left snapped in the lock you’ll have a hard time getting it out - even if you have a spare key you could try.

How Often do Keys Snap in Locks?

Keys are often cast metal or made by joining several pieces of metal together, and just like anything else they can be weak from errors in the manufacturing process. Sometimes locks are stiff or jammed so keys can be subjected to quite a lot of force to try and get them to turn.

Although maybe not the most common occurrence, we’d be surprised if it hasn’t happened to you once or twice in life and it’s one of the most frustrating problems you might need to call a locksmith out for.

Emergency Locksmiths for Keys Snapped in Locks

Emergency locksmiths like us are on hand 24 hours a day to deal with keys snapped in locks. It’s usually a two-stage problem, getting the key fragment out of the lock can be challenging without specialist tools and a good deal of practice manipulating locks. We carry a range of tools from tiny hooks and grips to suction devices to retrieve the broken key from the lock barrel or mechanism. In some cases we might even have to resort to drilling and replacing the lock itself, if the fault is in the lock mechanism being jammed.

If the problem was just a key snapped in the lock, and once the lock mechanism is clear, if you don’t have a spare key available we have to resort to the most common form of locksmith work, picking the lock to gain access and get you safely inside. Professional locksmiths shouldn’t find this too difficult and once we gain access you can grab your spare key or if need be we can fit a new lock with new keys.