Car Key Cutting
From £45Professional car key cutting for all makes and models at your location. Laser, standard, and high-security blades — cut precisely on our mobile workshop.
Learn MoreBroken Car Key Extraction — Removed Without Damage
Key snapped in the lock or ignition? We extract it cleanly at your location.
A broken key in the ignition or lock barrel is a nightmare — you can't move the car, and forced DIY attempts usually make it worse. Don't break anything else. Call us.
From £55 20–60 minutes on-site 24/7, including bank holidays
Call 07831 872 740 — Available NowBroken Car Key Extraction — Full Service Details
A key breaking off in a car door lock or ignition barrel is more common than many drivers expect, particularly with older keys that have developed micro-fractures through daily use, or keys that have been bent or subjected to sideways force. When it happens, the broken section blocks the lock, meaning neither the original key stub nor a replacement key can operate the barrel. Attempting to extract the fragment with household tools — tweezers, strong glue on a stick, or similar — almost always drives the fragment deeper or scratches the barrel, complicating a routine job into a potentially costly lock replacement. Excalibur's first recommendation: don't try it yourself. Call us instead.
Broken key extraction is a precision job. The lock barrel is a finely engineered mechanism with tight tolerances, and the broken fragment must be removed without damaging the barrel's internal pins or the lock housing. For a damaged or forced barrel, the cost escalates from a simple extraction to a full barrel replacement — which means parts, more labour, and significant cost. Professional extraction tools — including specialist hook picks and thin-profile extractors designed specifically for automotive barrels — allow the fragment to be removed cleanly in most cases, preserving the lock for normal use with a new key.
Ian and Adam carry a comprehensive set of broken key extraction tools as a standard part of their mobile workshop. On arrival, they assess whether the key is broken flush with the barrel face (the most straightforward extraction) or recessed deeper (requiring a different approach). The majority of extractions are completed within 20 to 40 minutes without barrel removal. Once the fragment is clear, we can immediately cut a new key to replace the broken one — meaning you're driving again within an hour of calling, in most cases.
When the break is at the ignition barrel, there is an additional consideration: depending on how the break occurred, the barrel may still be in the 'on' position, keeping the electrics live. Ian and Adam are experienced in handling ignition barrel extractions safely, including preventing any accidental drain on the vehicle's battery during the process. After extraction, they'll advise on the condition of the barrel and whether a replacement is recommended. After 30 years and thousands of extractions across the North West, there are very few broken key scenarios they haven't encountered and resolved.
How We Do It — At Your Location
Assess the Break
We examine the lock to determine where the break is, how deep the fragment has gone, and whether the lock barrel itself has been damaged before our arrival.
Select the Correct Extraction Tools
Using specialist automotive key extraction tools matched to the barrel type and fragment position, we begin the careful removal process.
Extract the Fragment
The broken fragment is carefully removed without damaging the barrel's internal pins. In most cases the barrel remains fully serviceable after extraction.
Inspect the Barrel
Once extracted, we check the barrel for any damage caused by the break or any prior DIY extraction attempts. We advise honestly on barrel condition.
Cut and Programme Replacement Key
We cut and programme a new replacement key immediately after extraction, so you leave with a working key and a serviceable lock.
Vehicle & Key Compatibility
Compatible Vehicle Types
- All passenger cars
- Vans
- Classic vehicles
- SUVs
- Prestige vehicles
Key Types We Handle
- Standard blade keys
- Laser-cut keys
- Tibbe keys
- High-security blades
- Any key type that fits an automotive barrel
How Much Does Broken Car Key Extraction Cost?
The cost of broken car key extraction depends on your vehicle's make, model, and the specific key type required. Excalibur is consistently 40–60% cheaper than main dealer pricing because we don't carry dealer overheads, and we use quality compatible components rather than OEM parts at manufacturer prices.
From £55
All-inclusive pricing
Cutting, programming, and call-out included
We will always provide a firm quote before starting any work. Call 07831 872 740 for your exact price — it takes 2 minutes.
Broken Car Key Extraction — Frequently Asked Questions
The fragment itself rarely damages the barrel unless it's been forced in deeply or twisted. The greater risk of damage comes from DIY extraction attempts — particularly using superglue, which can bond to the barrel pins, or tools that are too wide and push the fragment further in. If you've already attempted extraction, tell us when you call so we can bring the right equipment for a potentially more complex job.
Ignition barrel extraction follows the same principles as door lock extraction but requires extra care because the ignition is directly connected to the vehicle's electrical system. Ian and Adam are experienced in ignition extractions and approach them with the care the electrical components require. In most cases the extraction is completed without barrel removal, but if the barrel has been damaged, we can advise on replacement options at the same visit.
In the majority of cases, yes. If the key broke cleanly without the fragment being forced or rotated, the barrel pins are usually undamaged and the lock will function normally with a new key. We always test the lock with the new key before we leave to confirm full functionality.
Keys most commonly break due to metal fatigue from repeated bending stress — particularly keys that have been dropped, sat on, or that have a previous bend in the blade. Another common cause is forcing a key that has been incorrectly cut or one that is worn to the point of not quite operating the lock cleanly. A fresh, precisely cut replacement key is always recommended after an extraction.
Yes, though this requires a slightly different approach as the barrel may be partially engaged. Do not force the ignition further in either direction — this can cause internal barrel damage that complicates extraction. Leave it in the position it's in and call us. We'll handle it safely from whatever position the barrel is in.
Related Services
Vehicle Lock Changes
From £110Professional vehicle lock changes for all makes and models. We replace door locks, boot locks, and ignition barrels at your location — no workshop required.
Learn MoreLost Vehicle Key Replacement
From £95We replace lost vehicle keys for all makes and models at your location. Cut, coded and programmed on the spot — often within the hour.
Learn MoreNeed Broken Car Key Extraction Right Now?
Don't call a tow truck. Call Ian or Adam first — we come to you.
07831 872 740