
Key Snapped in the Lock? We'll Extract It — Without Damage
DIY extraction with improvised tools usually pushes the fragment deeper. Our technicians carry professional automotive extraction tools and can cut a replacement key on the same visit.
Broken Key Extraction — Safe, Professional, On-Site
A key snapped in a car door lock or ignition is a frustrating situation — and attempting DIY extraction with improvised tools can push the fragment deeper or damage the lock. TuneCar’s mobile auto locksmiths use professional extraction tools designed specifically for automotive locks.
Common Broken Key Scenarios We Handle
- Key blade snapped off in the door lock (half inside, half in your hand)
- Key broken flush inside the ignition barrel
- Key stub stuck in the boot lock
- Worn flip key blade broken during use
Our Extraction Process
- Arrive at your location — no towing required
- Assess the break point and lock condition
- Apply professional extraction tools (hook picks, spiral extractors)
- Remove the key fragment without lock damage
- Inspect the lock barrel for secondary damage
- Cut and programme a replacement key on the same visit if required
A Worn Key Is a Warning
Keys rarely snap without notice — hairline cracks, a loose blade or a worn profile usually come first. If your only key is showing its age, get a spare cut and programmed from £99 before it strands you. A spare made from a healthy key is also more accurate than one copied from a worn-out original.

Quick Quote
Send your registration number and a photo of your key — we'll reply with an exact price.
See PricingBroken Key Extraction Prices
Ignition barrels need more careful, slower work
Fresh blade cut on the same visit
Full working replacement including transponder coding
Prices shown are starting prices and include key supply, cutting and programming where applicable. The final price depends on the vehicle make, model, year, key type and whether a working key is available. Send us your registration number and a photo of your current key for an exact quote.
How It Works
Stop — don't poke it
Improvised tools push the fragment deeper. Leave the lock alone and call us.
We come to you
No towing needed — extraction happens wherever your car is parked.
Professional extraction
Spiral extractors and hook picks remove the fragment without harming the lock.
Replacement on the spot
If the key is beyond saving, we cut and programme a new one on the same visit.
Spare Key or All Keys Lost?
This is the single biggest factor in your price. Check which scenario applies to you — the difference in cost and workload is significant.
Spare Key
You still have at least one working key. We cut and programme the new key alongside your working one — the job is quicker and cheaper.
- • Usually 30–60 minutes on site
- • No vehicle entry or lock decoding needed
- • Transponder key from £99
All Keys Lost
No working key exists. The job may involve vehicle entry, lock decoding, cutting a blade from scratch, immobiliser work and deleting the old keys from the vehicle's memory.
- • Usually 60–120 minutes on site
- • Old keys stop working — better security
- • Transponder key from £199
Get an Exact Quote in Minutes
Send us these details on WhatsApp and we'll reply with an exact price for your vehicle — no long phone call needed:
- 1.Registration number
- 2.Make, model and year
- 3.Your postcode
- 4.Whether you still have a working key
- 5.A photo of your current key
or call us: +44 20 3355 5604
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you extract a broken key without replacing the lock? +
In most cases, yes. Our technicians use specialist extraction tools designed to remove broken key fragments without damaging the lock cylinder. Lock replacement is only advised if the lock is already damaged.
What causes keys to break in locks? +
Keys typically break due to wear and fatigue in the metal, frozen locks (UK winters), applying too much force on a stiff lock, or using a poorly cut duplicate key.
How much does broken key extraction cost? +
Broken key extraction starts from £49 for door and boot locks, and from £69 for ignition barrels. If a new key is also required, we can cut a fresh blade from £79 or supply a full cut-and-programmed spare from £129 on the same visit.
Can you do this at my location? +
Yes — TuneCar is fully mobile. We come to your car wherever it is and extract the broken key on-site using professional tools.
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