A key snapping off inside a lock is one of the most common lock emergencies we attend. Emergency Locks Ltd provides fast, careful broken key extraction across London, without damaging the lock wherever possible.
Worn keys, a stiff or worn lock mechanism, and excessive force when turning a key that’s struggling to engage are the most common causes of a key breaking inside a lock.
If your key has snapped in the lock, avoid trying to remove it yourself with tools like tweezers or pliers. This often pushes the fragment further in or damages the internal mechanism, making extraction more difficult.
Once the broken key fragment is safely removed, we’ll check whether the lock itself needs any further attention, since a lock that caused a key to snap may have an underlying issue worth addressing.
Call us for urgent locksmith assistance. We respond quickly to emergencies across London.
All work carried out by DBS checked and fully insured locksmiths. We offer a 12-month warranty on all work and no call out fee.
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our locksmith services.
In most cases, yes. We use specialist extraction tools designed to remove the fragment without damaging the internal mechanism.
Avoid trying to remove it yourself. Call us and leave the lock alone until we arrive.
Most extractions are completed within 20–30 minutes.
Not always. We'll check the lock's condition and advise honestly on whether repair or replacement is needed.
In many cases, yes, depending on the key type and what's available on the day.
Emergency Locks Ltd – fast, reliable locksmith services across London. 24/7 emergency call-outs, no call-out fee, fully insured & DBS checked. Lockouts, lock repairs, UPVC fixes & key cutting, we aim to be with you within 30 minutes.
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