Key Snapped Off in the Lock?
A key that breaks off inside a lock leaves you with half a key in your hand and the other half jammed behind the pins. It happens in front doors, deadbolts, padlocks, car doors and ignitions, usually to a key that was already worn thin. Prime Locksmith Services removes the broken piece with purpose-made extractors, so the lock keeps working and does not need replacing.
Because we work from a fully equipped van, we can also cut you a new key on the spot. In many cases we read the cuts straight from the broken pieces, so you leave with a fresh working key instead of a lock you are afraid to use.
For broken key extraction in St. Louis or any job for an automotive key locksmith in St. Louis, call (314) 745-4590.
We Do Car Key Replacement for All Major Brands
How We Remove a Broken Key
Careful removal first, then a new key so it doesn’t happen again.
Stop and call
Leave the lock alone. Every attempt with a pin or glue pushes the piece deeper.
Inspect the lock
We check how deep the piece sits and whether the lock was turned when it broke.
Extract the piece
Thin spiral and hook extractors grip the key’s cuts and draw it out without harming the pins.
Cut a new key
We cut a replacement on site, often decoded from the broken halves.
Test and lubricate
We test the lock with the new key and lubricate it so it turns smoothly.
Please don’t use super glue.
Gluing a stick to the broken key almost never works, and when glue runs into the pins the whole lock has to be replaced. Tweezers and paper clips tend to push the piece further in. Leave it for the extractors.
Broken Key Extraction Prices
Prime Locksmith Services’ own price ranges from our pricing page. We confirm your exact price on the phone.
| Service | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Broken key extraction | $100 to $400 |
| Re-key a lock (per cylinder) | $40 to $225 |
| New car key, metal (no chip) | $100 to $350 |
| New transponder car key | $150 to $600 |
| Ignition repair, if the cylinder is damaged | $300 to $2,000 |
What moves the price: where the key broke (door lock, deadbolt or ignition), how deep the piece sits, and whether you need a new key or a repaired lock afterwards.
Where Keys Break, and What We Do
Front door and deadbolt locks
We extract the piece and cut a new key, keeping your existing lock.
Car door locks
Removed from the door cylinder without taking the door panel apart in most cases.
Ignitions
Extracted carefully so the cylinder survives. If it is damaged, see ignition repair.
Office and storefront locks
Commercial cylinders and mortise locks, cleared so the business can open.
Padlocks and mailboxes
Mailbox locks, padlocks and cabinet locks, cleared or replaced.
Lock damaged in the process
If a lock was already failing, we can re-key or replace it on the same visit.
Why Keys Break
Most breaks have warning signs.
- The key is old, thin or visibly bent
- The lock is stiff and you have been forcing it
- The key is a cheap copy cut on soft metal
- Ice or debris in the lock in winter
How to Prevent It
A few habits save you the call.
- Replace keys that are worn or bent
- Have stiff locks lubricated instead of forcing them
- Use a de-icer, never hot water, on a frozen lock
- Get quality key copies from a locksmith
Quick Response Times
Our team of skilled locksmiths are standing by to assist you with lockout, or rekey requirements.
Professional Service
Our highly trained technicians are well-known for our superb emergency locksmith services.
Top Quality Guarantee
Your property will be fitted with the highest quality locks. Each one comes with a satisfactory guarantee.
Key Broken in a Lock?
Call (314) 745-4590 and we will tell you the price before we come out.
About Prime Locksmith Services
We’re a tool for your home or business protection
- Professional
- Certified
- Commitments
- Top Quality
- Expertise
- Support
Our Dedication to You
Prime Locksmith Services St. Louis
Residential
Commercial
Automotive
Why Choose Prime Locksmith Services
We Get The Job Done Right!
Use Top Quality Products
Free Consultations
Certified Technicians
Upfront Pricing
Cost Effective Service
Work Guarantee
We Are an Authorized Locksmith With:
St. Louis Locksmith Services
Residential Locksmith
We bring the same commitment to quality that we do to all of our other services to our residential lock service.
Commercial Locksmith
Protect your investment with our help, your source for commercial locksmith and security services!
Smart Lockouts
Your smart locks aren't always "Smart". Let our experts fix any smart lock issues you may have in your home or business.
Safe Locks
Safes are the pinnacle of business security, this is why we offer comprehensive safe services to our client!
Auto Lockouts
Auto Locksmith provides lockout services, car key replacements, transponder key programming and more!
Emergency Locksmith
Professional locksmith technicians on call and ready to assist you with all your lock and key needs!
Key Duplication
We offer key duplication for all types of keys ranging from residential, commercial and automotive.
Emergency Lockouts
Emergencies happen, and our team is here to help you resolve them with our emergency locksmith services.
You Got Questions, We Got Answers...
Frequently Asked Questions.
