Broken Key Extraction

[2] Keys break for predictable reasons: metal fatigue from years of daily use, a tiny existing crack made worse by lifting a stiff handle at the wrong angle, or the natural wear that comes from a lock that has not been lubricated in a long time. In Erith's older housing stock — particularly the terraced houses around Erith town centre and the blocks of flats close to the riverside — many front doors still carry their original locks from decades ago, and both the lock and the key degrade together. When the key snaps, the broken fragment typically lodges in the keyway either flush with the face of the lock or a centimetre or two inside. In either position it blocks the plug from turning, so no other key — including a spare — will enter fully. The fragment may also partially turn as it breaks, which can leave the latch or deadlock in an awkward mid-position that complicates extraction further.

Understanding the internal geometry matters because each lock type presents a different challenge. A nightlatch (commonly called a Yale lock) has a relatively narrow keyway and a spring-loaded plug, which can grip a broken fragment firmly. A 5-lever mortice deadlock has a longer, deeper keyway and levers that must be aligned before anything moves. A euro cylinder, used in most modern uPVC and composite doors across Erith's newer developments, has a tight pin-tumbler mechanism where a fragment can become held by the driver pins above it. Each scenario calls for a different extraction tool and technique, which is why a trained locksmith achieves results that improvised household tools rarely can.

The most important thing you can do immediately after a key snaps is to stop. Do not attempt to grip the fragment with pliers or tweezers unless a portion is protruding clearly from the face of the lock and you can grip it squarely without pushing it further inward. Even well-intentioned attempts frequently push the fragment deeper, turn it sideways, or score the inside of the keyway, all of which complicate professional extraction. Do not spray lubricant into the lock before we arrive — while lubrication is valuable for maintenance, flooding a lock with WD-40 or similar products at this stage can cause the fragment to shift or make it harder for extraction tools to grip the serrations cleanly.

While you wait, check whether there is a rear entrance, a window you can open safely from outside, or a neighbour or family member who holds a spare key to your property. If you live in a flat, your managing agent or letting agent may hold a spare for the communal entrance, though they are unlikely to hold one for your own front door. If none of those options apply, stay somewhere safe and warm and call us on 020 3757 5599 — we are on call around the clock and will dispatch a trained technician to you straight away. For anyone in Erith waiting in the dark near the station or along the riverside, our team knows the local streets well and will reach you promptly.

We do not publish set prices on this page because the total cost of a broken key extraction varies depending on a combination of factors, and quoting a figure without knowing those details would not be accurate or fair to you. The main factors are: the type of lock involved (nightlatch, mortice, or euro cylinder), the condition and position of the fragment, the time of day or night (evenings, weekends, and bank holidays affect call-out charges), the distance our technician needs to travel within the Erith area, and whether any parts — such as a new cylinder or lock body — are needed after the extraction. We confirm an exact price with you over the phone before anyone leaves to come to you, so you know precisely what you are agreeing to. There are no surprises on the invoice. Call us any time on 020 3757 5599 and we will give you a clear quote for your specific situation.