Residential Locksmith · Middle Tennessee
Key Broke Off in the Lock? Broken Key Extraction at Your Door
Instant Locksmith TN removes broken key pieces from house, mailbox, padlock and other non-vehicle locks with extraction tools, usually without damaging the lock. We can cut a replacement key on the same visit.
- Removal aimed at saving the lock
- Replacement key on the same visit
- Price confirmed before work
What to do right now
Stop turning and stop pushing. Every attempt can drive the broken piece deeper or lodge it against the pins, which makes removal harder.
Keep the half you're holding. It helps the locksmith see the cut pattern and can make a new key easier to produce. If the door is unlocked and you're inside, you're not stuck; you can schedule extraction at a convenient time.
Instant Locksmith TN provides mobile broken key extraction throughout Middle Tennessee. If your key broke in a car door or ignition, see broken car key extraction instead.
How extraction works
Locksmiths use thin, hooked or barbed extractor picks that slide alongside the broken blade, catch its cuts and draw it out. Before extracting, the cylinder generally needs to be returned to its neutral position so the pins line up with the key slot.
When the fragment is jammed tight, the locksmith may remove the cylinder from the door to work on it from behind. Drilling or replacement is a last resort, and we ask before going there.
Why keys snap
Worn keys
Brass keys thin and crack at the shoulder over years of use. If a key looks bent or cracked, it's at risk.
Stiff locks
A dirty or misaligned lock makes you twist harder. Fix the lock with door lock repair so the next key doesn't snap.
Poorly cut copies
A copy that's slightly off needs extra force. Getting a clean copy from your original prevents repeats.
Using the key as a handle
Pulling a heavy door open by the key puts sideways force on a thin blade.
Wrong key forced in
Similar-looking keys from a ring can jam partway in and break when turned.
Cold, bent or damaged blades
A key that's been stepped on or bent and straightened is weaker at the bend.
Which locks we extract from
Front and back door knobs and deadbolts, storm doors, garage service doors, mailboxes, padlocks, gate locks, sheds and file cabinets. If the lock is commercial hardware or a high-security cylinder, mention it when you order so we can confirm before dispatch.
- Order. Book extraction online and note which lock, whether you're locked out, and if you have the other half of the key.
- Price confirmed. You'll see the price before work begins. A new key or lock is added only with your approval.
- Extract. The locksmith removes the fragment and checks the lock for damage.
- Replace the key. A new key can be cut from the pieces or decoded from the lock, so you're not left with one copy.
What does broken key extraction cost?
Standard price: quoted before dispatch. Removing a loose fragment is quicker than one wedged deep or stuck with glue, and a replacement key is extra. Time-of-call rates:
- Before 8 PM: standard
- After 8 PM: 1.5×
- Federal holidays: 2×
- Federal holiday after 8 PM: 3×
Multipliers apply to the standard service price only; the $15 (inside city limits) or $25 (outside city limits) service call stays flat at any hour. Holidays are U.S. federal holidays.
If the door is unlocked and you're safe, waiting until before 8 PM avoids the after-hours rate. See full pricing.
Broken Key Extraction FAQ
Will removing a broken key damage my lock?
Usually not. Extractor tools are designed to pull the fragment without harming the pins. Damage is more likely if the key was forced, glued or pried at before we arrive.
Can you make a new key from the broken pieces?
Often, yes. With both halves the cut pattern can usually be read. If not, the key can frequently be decoded from the lock itself.
My key broke and I'm locked out. Is that a lockout or an extraction?
Both, in a sense. Order extraction and tell us you're locked out. Once the fragment is out, the lock can usually be opened normally, and we'll confirm you're authorized to enter.
Can I use tweezers to get the key out?
Only if a good piece is sticking out and comes free with a straight pull. If it's flush or deeper, tweezers tend to push it further in.
Should I rekey after a key breaks?
Not because of the break itself. Rekey only if you also want to change who has working keys. Replacing a worn lock may be worth it if keys keep breaking.
Do you remove broken keys from padlocks and mailboxes?
Yes. Small locks can be trickier because of tighter keyways, but they're commonly handled. For mailbox lock replacement see our mailbox lock service.
Get the broken key out
Order extraction online or call, and we'll confirm the price before work begins.
