Broken Keys Removed in East London
A key snapped off in the lock leaves you stuck on one side of the door. Our broken keys service extracts the piece without damaging the lock where possible, then repairs or replaces the cylinder so your door works again, anywhere in East London.
- Specialist extraction tools
- Lock saved where possible
- New keys if needed
London Borough of Newham
Stratford E20
Broken keys removed across East London, day and night
Broken key situations we deal with
Where the key breaks makes a big difference to how we fix it.
Broken off inside the cylinder
This is the most common case. We use thin extraction tools to hook the broken blade out, then test the cylinder to see if it's still safe to use.
Broken while the door is locked
If the key snaps with the door locked and you're outside, we open the door with non-destructive methods first, then remove the broken piece.
Broken in a mortice lock
Lever keys for mortice locks can break at the shaft. We remove the piece and check the levers haven't been damaged.
What to do when a key breaks in the lock
Don't try to push the remaining piece back in or dig it out with a pin. Pushing it further in makes extraction harder, and improvised tools can damage the pins inside the cylinder. If part of the key is still sticking out, avoid pulling at it with pliers, as it can break again closer to the lock.
Our locksmiths use purpose-made key extractors, which slide alongside the broken blade and grip its cuts so it can be drawn out cleanly. In most cases the lock survives and can be used straight away.
If the cylinder was already worn, which is often why the key broke, we recommend replacing it. A new euro cylinder or lock comes with fresh keys, and we can fit an anti-snap version at the same time if your door needs better security.
Related locksmith services
A broken key is often linked to one of these.
Snapped Keys
Fix the cause behind keys that keep snapping.Locked Out
Entry when a broken key leaves you outside.Lock Replacement
New cylinders when the old one is worn.Lock Change
Fresh keys and locks on the same visit.UPVC Door Repair
Multipoint faults that strain your key.Emergency Locksmith
Urgent help when you can't lock up.Mortice Locks
Mortice repair after a broken lever key.Fast Locksmith
Quick response from Stratford.Professional Locksmith
Proper tools and British Standard parts.Why choose us for broken key removal
Right tools
Purpose-made extractors give the best chance of saving your lock.
Cause checked
We look at why the key broke so it doesn't happen again.
Parts with us
Common cylinders travel with every locksmith, so a replacement can be fitted there and then.
Clear price
Extraction and any replacement are priced before we start.
How we remove a broken key
Tell us what happened
Let us know where the key broke and whether the door is open or locked.
Price agreed
We quote for extraction and, if likely, a replacement cylinder.
Extraction
Your locksmith removes the broken piece with specialist tools.
Test or replace
We test the lock and replace the cylinder if it's damaged or worn.
Broken key removal across East London
Broken keys turn up everywhere, and worn locks make them more likely in older housing.
Broken key anywhere in East London?
We remove broken keys in all these postcodes.
Hackney side
Clapton, Dalston, Hackney Central
Newham
Forest Gate, Plaistow, Manor Park
Docks
Canning Town, Royal Docks, Silvertown
Broken key FAQs
Can a broken key be removed without damaging the lock?
Usually, yes. With proper extraction tools, most broken keys come out cleanly and the lock can be used again.
Should I try to remove it myself?
It's best not to. Pushing the key further in or using pins and pliers can damage the cylinder and make extraction harder.
Will I need a new lock?
Only if the cylinder is damaged or badly worn. We'll test it after extraction and tell you honestly.
Why did my key break?
Most keys break because they're worn, bent or poor copies, or because the lock is stiff. Read more on our snapped keys page.
Can you come out at night for a broken key?
Yes. If a broken key stops you locking or opening your door, we'll come out at any hour.
Key broken in the lock?
Call or WhatsApp us with your address and a photo if you can. A locksmith can be with you shortly, or contact us to book.