Handle broken car keys by avoiding force, contacting automotive locksmiths immediately, and using proper extraction tools. Professional removal prevents ignition damage and costly repairs while preserving vehicle security.
Keys breaking in locks or becoming stuck in ignitions require immediate, careful handling. Improper extraction attempts cause expensive damage. Professional automotive locksmiths safely resolve these emergencies without harming your vehicle.
1. Stop Immediately and Avoid Force
If your key becomes difficult to turn, stops mid-turn, or shows cracking, stop using it immediately. Forcing a damaged key causes complete breakage inside the lock. If already broken, don’t attempt DIY extraction with tweezers, glue, or magnets, these often push fragments deeper.
2. Assess the Situation Safely
If the key broke with the vehicle running, leave it running until help arrives (if safe to do so). If locked and unable to start, ensure you’re in a safe location. For ignition-stuck keys, try turning the steering wheel while gently attempting key removal, steering locks sometimes prevent removal.
3. Contact a Specialist Automotive Locksmith
Automotive locksmiths have specialist extraction tools designed for various key breakage scenarios without cylinder damage. ABC Locksmiths can reach most North Brisbane locations quickly with mobile extraction equipment and can create replacement keys on-site after removal.
4. Prevent Repeat Failures
Key breakage indicates worn keys or lock cylinders. After extraction, replace worn keys immediately, bring the best remaining key for copying, not worn ones that replicate imperfections. If cylinders are worn, discuss replacement with your locksmith to prevent repeat failures.
5. Maintain Keys and Ignitions Properly
Heavy keychains stress ignition cylinders and keys keep car keys separate from house keys and heavy items. Avoid forcing stiff locks. Lubrication or cylinder service solves stiffness before causing breakage. Replace visibly worn or bent keys proactively.
Pro Tip:
ABC Locksmiths has specialist extraction equipment for car keys broken in ignitions, door locks, and boot locks. We can extract fragments without cylinder damage in most cases, then create replacement keys immediately. For severely worn ignition barrels, we can replace and rekey cylinders on-site, often within an hour. Emergency extraction service available, call 07 3205 4925.
