Snapped Key in the Lock? What to Do (Bristol Guide)
A snapped key is one of the most common Bristol call-outs, especially in cold weather. The good news: in most cases the lock can be saved. Here's what to do — and what not to.
Why keys snap
Worn keys (rounded edges), misaligned doors that need extra force to turn, frozen lock barrels in winter, and cheap copy keys cut on worn machines. uPVC doors that have dropped slightly on their hinges are a common cause across Bristol.
What NOT to do
Don't push the broken piece further in with another key — it jams the mechanism. Don't squirt WD-40 in — it attracts dirt and makes future extraction harder. Don't try to glue the two halves of the key together to turn it.
What to try first (safely)
If a few millimetres of the broken key still poke out of the lock, fine-nosed tweezers or needle-nose pliers can sometimes grip it — but only if you can pull straight out without rotating. If it's flush with the keyway, stop and call a locksmith.
How a locksmith extracts it
We use a broken-key extractor — a thin hooked tool that slides into the keyway alongside the key blade and pulls it out cleanly, typically in 5–10 minutes. The lock is then tested with a working key. In ~80% of cases the lock itself is fine and only a replacement key is needed.
When the lock needs replacing
If the key snapped because the lock was already failing (gritty turn, sticking pins, worn levers), replacement is the right call. We'll show you the worn parts and quote before doing anything.
Cost in Bristol
Broken key extraction from £59 + VAT during the day. If a new key needs cutting on-site, from £15. Full euro cylinder or mortice replacement from £59 + VAT plus parts.
Need a Bristol locksmith now?
Call 0330 1335923 for fast, local help, 24/7.