A key snapping in a lock tends to happen at the worst possible moment — usually when you're in a hurry, when it's raining, or late at night. The snap itself can be alarming, but in most cases the situation is more straightforward to resolve than it looks. Here's what to do, in order.
Why Do Keys Snap in Locks?
Keys snap for a few common reasons. Understanding which applies to your situation helps you assess how much of an emergency you're dealing with:
- A worn key — keys cut from copies of copies, or keys that have been heavily used over many years, develop small stress fractures that aren't visible to the naked eye. Given enough pressure — often just a slightly stiff lock — they snap cleanly
- A stiff or failing lock — if the lock mechanism is worn, corroded, or needs lubricating, more force is needed to turn the key. That additional force is often what finally breaks a key that was already weakened
- Forcing the lock — turning the key before it's fully engaged, or using too much force when the lock feels stiff, dramatically increases the risk of a snap
- Cold weather — metal contracts in the cold, which can make both keys and lock mechanisms behave differently. This is one of the reasons locksmith callouts spike in winter
What to Do First
Before calling anyone, assess the situation quickly:
- Is the door locked or unlocked? If the key snapped with the lock in the open position, you may still be able to get inside — carefully. If it snapped while locking up, you're locked out
- How much of the key is protruding? If a significant portion of the key is sticking out of the cylinder, there are some DIY extraction methods that sometimes work. If the key snapped flush with the face of the cylinder, professional extraction will almost certainly be needed
DIY Extraction — When It's Worth Trying
If part of the key is visible and accessible, the following methods sometimes work. Approach with care — forcing anything risks pushing the key further into the lock, which makes professional extraction harder.
- Long-nose pliers — if enough of the key protrudes, grip it firmly with pliers and pull it straight out, keeping the movement as aligned with the keyhole as possible
- A broken key extractor tool — these are inexpensive, widely available online, and specifically designed for this job. They hook into the serrations on the key and allow it to be pulled out. If you're a landlord with multiple properties, having one of these in a toolbox is genuinely worth it
- Two flathead screwdrivers — inserted either side of the key to grip and pull it. This requires a certain amount of dexterity and doesn't always work, but it costs nothing to try
What not to do: Don't spray lubricant into the lock and don't try to push the key through. WD-40 makes the key slippery and harder to grip, and pushing the key deeper makes professional extraction significantly more difficult. Leave the lock as it is until you've either extracted the key yourself or a locksmith has arrived.
When to Call a Locksmith
If the DIY methods don't work within a few minutes, stop and call a locksmith. Continuing to attempt extraction risks pushing the broken section deeper into the cylinder, potentially making it unextractable and requiring the whole cylinder to be replaced rather than just the key removed.
A locksmith will use specialist extraction tools designed specifically for this job. In most cases, the key can be removed without any damage to the lock itself — meaning you save the cost of a cylinder replacement.
Will the Lock Need Replacing?
Not necessarily. After the broken key has been extracted, the locksmith will test the lock to confirm it's still functioning correctly. If the mechanism is undamaged and turns smoothly with a spare or replacement key, the lock can stay. If the lock was already stiff or worn — which may have contributed to the snap in the first place — replacement is worth considering at the same time.
In either case, you'll need a new key. A locksmith can advise on the best way to get a replacement cut for your specific lock type.
How to Prevent It Happening Again
- Get a new key cut from the original, not from a copy. Keys cut from copies lose precision over time
- Lubricate the lock cylinder once or twice a year using a dry PTFE or graphite spray — not WD-40, which leaves a residue that attracts dirt
- If your lock ever feels stiff or difficult to turn, get it looked at before the key snaps. A small amount of lubricant or a simple service is far cheaper than an emergency call-out
- Keep a spare key with someone you trust. If your only key snaps and you have no spare, your options are immediately more limited and more expensive
Need Help With a Snapped Key in Stourbridge?
If you've snapped a key in a lock in Stourbridge, Halesowen, Dudley, Kingswinford, or anywhere else in the surrounding area, call or WhatsApp on 07961 169 681. In most cases we can remove the key without replacing the cylinder, and we'll always tell you what the job involves and the cost before starting.