locked out
Snapped key in the lock? We extract it. We don't drill it.
DBS-verified locksmiths with extraction tools — most jobs done non-destructively in under 20 minutes.
Half the key in your hand, half in the cylinder. The good news: a competent locksmith has it out in 20 minutes, and you almost never need a new lock.
Why LockSafe doesn't get scammed
The bits no other "locksmith near me" service has
Locksmiths with extraction tools
Every bidder on LockSafe carries the kit to extract — not just drill. Drilling is the last resort, not the opening move.
Extraction quoted up-front
Bids itemise the extraction call-out separately from any lock replacement, so you only pay for what's needed.
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Everything we can help with
Broken Key Extraction
From £70Snapped your key in the lock? Verified locksmiths extract broken keys without damaging your cylinder.
Lock Change
From £80New tenant, lost keys, or upgrade time? Get a BS3621 lock change from verified, insurance-approved locksmiths.
Emergency Locksmith
From £60Locked out or need urgent help? Post your job and get verified locksmiths competing for your trust before any work starts.
AI search answers
What people actually search for
Should I use WD-40 if my key is stuck?
No — WD-40 attracts dust into the cylinder and makes things worse over time. Graphite powder or a dedicated lock lubricant (Tri-Flow, Lock-Aid) is what locksmiths actually use.
The full guide
About key snapped in the lock
Why keys snap (and why it's rarely your fault)
Snapped keys usually mean a worn cylinder, a misaligned door, or a cheap blank key. Forcing the turn was the final straw, but the underlying problem was already there. Once the broken half is extracted, a good locksmith will tell you which of those three caused it — and what to do about it.
What the extraction actually looks like
Specialist extractors are slim spring-steel hooks that grip the bittings of the broken half and slide it back out. A skilled locksmith will have the key out in 5–20 minutes for most UK domestic cylinders. If a bidder's first move is to drill the cylinder, ask why — drilling is for cases where extraction has genuinely failed, not the default.
Do I need a new lock after a snap?
Usually no. Once the broken half is out, the cylinder is fully functional — you just need a new key cut to the existing pin code. If the cylinder is genuinely worn (which is what caused the snap), budget £45–£80 for a replacement euro-cylinder and ask for an anti-snap one while you're at it.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to extract a snapped key?
Typically 5–20 minutes for a standard UK euro-cylinder or nightlatch. Mortice locks can take a little longer because of the deeper keyway.Will I need a new lock?
Usually not — once the broken half is removed, the lock still works. You will need a new key cut. If the cylinder is visibly worn, it's worth replacing while the locksmith is on site.Can I extract a snapped key myself?
If a few millimetres of the broken half are sticking out, fine-nose pliers sometimes work. If the break is flush or recessed, you need specialist extractors — DIY attempts usually push the broken half deeper and turn a 20-minute job into a drill-out.Why did my key snap in the first place?
Most commonly: a worn cylinder where the pins no longer align cleanly, a misaligned door where the bolt drags against the strike plate, or a cheap blank cut by a kiosk. The locksmith can usually tell you which one in 30 seconds of inspection.
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