How Keys Break in Locks
Keys break off in locks when an already worn or damaged key is forced, excessive force is applied to turn a stiff lock, the lock mechanism is worn causing binding, cheap or poorly cut keys are used, keys are turned while not fully inserted, or old brass keys simply fatigue and snap. The break usually happens at the shoulder or at a worn spot on the key blade. The broken piece is often wedged tightly in the lock.
The Urgency of Broken Keys
A broken key in your lock is urgent because you cannot lock or unlock that door leaving your home insecure, the door may be stuck in the locked or unlocked position, you need access to your Strand home immediately, and the longer the key fragment sits, the harder it can be to extract. Our professional Strand locksmith team treat broken key calls as emergency priorities and respond quickly.
Our Extraction Techniques
We use specialized broken key extraction tools designed to grip and pull key fragments, often work from both sides of a double-cylinder lock, apply precise tension to align pins for easier extraction, use magnets for certain lock types, and in difficult cases may need to remove the lock cylinder. Most broken key extractions succeed without destroying the lock, saving you money.
Immediate Key Replacement
Once the broken piece is extracted, we cut a new key from the extracted pieces, cut from a spare if you have one, or in some cases pick and decode the lock to cut a new key. We provide multiple new keys and advise replacing any other worn keys before they break. If the lock is damaged during the break, we can replace it on the spot with quality locks at competitive prices.