Snapped key removed from your ignition or door — cylinder intact
Worn keys fail at the shoulder, usually on a cold morning when you turn a little harder than usual. Half the key comes out, half stays in, and the temptation to poke at it with pliers is exactly what turns an $89 job into a $600 one.
About broken key extraction in Austin
We extract with purpose-made spiral and hook extractors that grip the blade's warding rather than the exposed edge. Done correctly, the wafers and springs inside the cylinder are untouched and your original lock keeps working.
Extraction is only half the job. The key broke because it was worn or because the cylinder is binding — so we inspect the lock, clean and lubricate it with a dry PTFE product that will not attract Texas dust, and cut you a fresh key to factory code rather than copying the tired original.
If the cylinder itself has failed, we can rebuild or replace it in the same visit, including re-keying so your new lock still matches your existing key where possible.
What's included
- Spiral and hook extraction — no drilling as a first resort
- Cylinder inspected, cleaned and lubricated afterwards
- Replacement key cut to factory code, not to the broken one
- Ignition, door, trunk and glovebox locks all covered
- Cylinder rebuild available same visit if needed
How we handle broken key extraction
Stop and call
Do not push the fragment deeper — most damage happens in the first five minutes.
Extract
Fine extraction tools remove the blade without disturbing the wafers.
Service the lock
Inspection, cleaning and dry lubrication to prevent a repeat.
New key cut
Fresh blade to factory code, plus programming if it is a chip key.
Broken Key Extraction across Greater Austin
Choose your area for local response times and coverage detail.
We also reach nearby Central Texas cities including Downtown Austin, South Austin, North Austin, East Austin, West Lake Hills & Westlake, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Leander, Kyle & Buda, Lakeway & Bee Cave — ZIP codes 78701, 78702, 78703, 78704, 78745, 78748, 78749, 78727, 78729, 78750, 78758, 78759, 78721, 78722, 78723, 78724, 78741, 78746, 78733, 78738, 78613, 78630, 78664, 78665, 78681, 78660, 78691, 78626, 78628, 78633, 78641, 78645, 78640, 78610, 78734, 78732. Call +1 (380) 252-9492 or see all auto locksmith services, pricing and service areas.
Broken Key Extraction questions, answered
Can I get it out myself with tweezers or superglue?
Please don't. Glue bonds the fragment to the wafers and almost always forces a full cylinder replacement.
Will my ignition still work afterwards?
In the large majority of cases, yes — clean extraction leaves the cylinder fully serviceable.
Do you cut a new key at the same time?
Yes, and we cut it to the factory code so the replacement is not a copy of a worn key.
Need broken key extraction right now?
Live dispatch 24/7 across Greater Austin. Firm price on the phone, 15–30 minutes typical arrival.