Broken Key Extraction

Broken Key Extraction in Reading

Matt Ladds removes snapped car keys from the ignition or a door lock at your vehicle in Reading and across Berkshire, using extraction tools rather than force, then cuts a new key from the pieces or by code.

Available 24 hours No call out fee Matt attends personally

Call Matt 0118 469 3408 Get a Quote

Broken key extraction in Reading starts from 45 pounds, with the price agreed before Matt sets off.

Broken key extraction from a car lock in Reading

Removed, not forced outExtraction tools protect the lock while getting the piece out.

The Service

Getting the Piece Out Without Damaging the Lock

A car key that has snapped inside the ignition or a door lock leaves two problems, the broken piece stuck inside, and no working key left. Matt removes the broken piece using proper extraction tools, at your home, workplace or roadside across Reading and Berkshire, rather than forcing it out and risking damage to the lock itself.

Extraction on its own does not give you a working key back. That usually means cutting a new blade or a full replacement, done as part of the same visit.

Key Just Snapped

Car Key Snapped? What to Do Now

A snapped car key is usually a quick fix if the piece is left alone, and the first few minutes decide whether it stays that way.

Stop turning and leave the piece where it isTweezers, superglue or a second key push the piece deeper or bond it to the wafers inside the lock.

Keep both halvesThe head holds the chip and buttons, and the blade shows the cuts, so a new key can often be cut from the pieces.

Use another way in if it broke in a doorThe remote or another door usually still works, while a key snapped in the ignition stays put until it is extracted.

Call with three detailsYour registration, your location and whether it broke in the ignition or a door lock.

Why It Happens

What Actually Causes a Key to Snap

It is rarely just bad luck, and usually one of a few underlying causes.

Metal Fatigue

Years of bending and flexing slightly with every use eventually weakens a blade at its thinnest point.

Excess Force

Turning hard against a lock that is stiff or slightly misaligned puts far more stress on the blade than normal use.

A Worn or Failing Lock

A lock cylinder that is binding internally can make even a good key take the strain, and eventually fail first.

The Wrong Key Forced In

A similar looking key from another vehicle or a slightly wrong cut can jam and snap under pressure.

Where It Broke

Ignition vs Door Lock Extraction

Snapped in the ignition

Generally the more involved of the two, since the ignition barrel sits deeper and often needs the electronics of the vehicle considered too, particularly if the car will not start as a result.

Snapped in a door lock

Usually more straightforward to access, though the same care is needed to avoid pushing the piece further in or damaging the pins inside.

Broke while the car was running

If the vehicle started before the key snapped, the immediate problem is just extraction, and the car may still be driveable once the piece is out.

Will not start and the key is stuck

This combination often points to an underlying ignition or steering lock fault as well as the broken key itself.

The Process

How Extraction Works

Four steps, done carefully rather than quickly.

1Situation assessed

Matt checks where the break is, how much is visible, and whether the vehicle still starts.

2Extraction tools used

Purpose made tools grip and withdraw the broken piece without forcing or drilling.

3Lock checked for damage

The lock or ignition barrel is inspected to confirm it is still working properly afterwards.

4New key sorted

Cutting, programming or a full replacement is arranged, whichever the situation needs.

Worth Checking First

Why the Key Snapped Matters Too

Extraction solves the immediate problem, but if the underlying cause was a worn or binding lock rather than the key itself, the next key can snap the same way. Matt checks the condition of the lock while extracting the broken piece, and flags it if there is a genuine lock or ignition fault worth addressing rather than just cutting a replacement and hoping it does not happen again.

Pricing

How Much Does Broken Key Extraction Cost in Reading?

Broken key extraction in Reading costs from 45 pounds for a door lock, 60 to 100 pounds from the ignition and 70 to 120 pounds with a new blade cut from the pieces, with the price agreed before Matt sets off.

Job	Typical price in Reading	What changes it
Broken key removed from a door lock	From 45 pounds	How deep the piece sits
Broken key removed from the ignition	60 to 100 pounds	Barrel type and whether the car still starts
Extraction plus a new blade cut from the pieces	70 to 120 pounds	Standard or laser cut blade
Extraction plus a new key cut and programmed	Priced as a replacement key	Chip, remote or smart key
Worn lock found after extraction	Quoted separately	Lock repair or replacement

Extraction itself is usually a modest part of the overall cost, and the bigger factor is what is needed afterwards to get you a working key again. Three things move the price.

Location of the breakIgnition extraction is generally more involved than a door lock.

Lock condition afterwardIf the lock itself needs attention as well, that is additional work beyond the extraction.

What is needed for a new keyA simple new blade costs less than a full replacement with programming.

The price is confirmed before Matt attends, with no separate call out fee.

Before You Call

Information to Have Ready

Important. Do not try to remove the broken piece yourself before Matt arrives, because this is the single most common way a straightforward extraction turns into lock damage.

Vehicle registration
Make, model and approximate year
Your Reading or Berkshire location
Whether it broke in the ignition or a door lock
Whether the vehicle still starts or is drivable
How much of the blade is visible, if any
The V5C logbook or other proof of ownership, plus photo ID

Why Book With Matt

Extraction Tools, Not Force

Proper extraction tools

Purpose made for the job, protecting the lock rather than risking further damage.

Matt attends personally

The same person extracts the piece and sorts the new key afterwards.

Lock checked, not just the key

Confirms whether the underlying cause needs addressing too.

Quoted before attending

No call out fee, and the price is agreed by phone first.

Customer Reviews

What Reading Drivers Say

Key Genie is rated 5.0 on Google, across all the services Matt provides.

View the full profile on Google

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 128 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   AJ Willis-Baxter 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very quick response. Booked in the evening for the following afternoon. Friendly and approachable, good quality work and happy to show and exain what he did as he did it. Would definitely recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tithi Dani 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Matt is brilliant, skilled at his job, and quick to help. I called him to unlock my car, and he arrived within 5 minutes. I was having a very tough time. He unlocked the car within 10 minutes and saved me time.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Owen Allaway 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had matt come out to cut and code me a new key as i had lost mine, he managed to do it quickly and got me out of a bad situation! Would recommend
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Richard Ainge 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service to the door, came and helped do a new key for my fathers car on the weekend aswell
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nick Thomas 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Would definitely highly recommend , Key Genie to carry out any work you require, friendly, polite, and professional service.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chris 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great guy...great service...great price
Knows his trade inside and out....quick work
Same day replacement replacement of a 2nd lost key fob.
Smooth as silk fit
Highly recommend
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Pierre Brocas 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service came next day to sort out the key. Very competitive price and pleasant chap to deal with. No hesitation recommending.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chris Beauchamp 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really informative about my options, nice manners. Went the extra mile by making sure that my radio was working before leaving (had to disconnect the battery) would recommend them and would use them again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christopher Taylor 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great communication,very knowledgeable...got me moving when in a tight spot. Grrat service, will use again.Thanks
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rozina Hussain 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently used Key Genie to have the ignition barrel replaced on my Vauxhall Corsa. Matt also supplied and programmed an additional key for me.
Matt was friendly, professional and very knowledgeable. He got everything sorted quickly and efficiently, and made the whole process easy and stress-free.
I’m really pleased with the service and my car is now working perfectly. I would definitely recommend Matt at Key Genie to anyone needing help with their car keys or ignition. Excellent service from start to finish!
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Related Services

What Usually Comes Next

Spare Car Keys

Once the new key works, a spare stops the next snapped key leaving you stranded.

Car Key Replacement

If the whole key needs replacing, cutting and programming are covered together.

Ignition and Steering Lock Repair

If a worn lock caused the break in the first place, this addresses the real cause.

View all services

Broken Key Extraction Across Berkshire and Major Vehicle Brands

Areas Covered

All Berkshire areas

Vehicle Brands

Volkswagen BMW Ford Mercedes-Benz

View all brands

Common Questions

Broken Key Extraction FAQs

How do you extract a snapped key?

A snapped key is extracted by sliding a thin hooked or spiral extractor along the blade, catching the cuts of the broken piece and drawing it straight out without turning the lock. Matt does this at your car in Reading, usually within half an hour of arriving.

How do I remove a snapped key from my car ignition?

Leave the piece where it is, keep the steering wheel still and call an auto locksmith, because an ignition barrel sits deeper than a door lock and a wrong pull pushes the piece behind the wafers. Matt removes it with ignition extractors and checks the barrel turns before cutting a new key.

How much does it cost to fix a snapped car key?

Fixing a snapped car key in Reading costs from 45 pounds to extract the piece from a door lock, 60 to 100 pounds from the ignition and 70 to 120 pounds with a new blade cut from the pieces, with the price agreed before Matt sets off.

Can I get a key cut from a broken key?

Yes, a new key can usually be cut from the two pieces of a broken key, because the blade still carries the cuts, and Matt cuts it at your car. If the pieces are worn or missing, the blade is cut by code instead.

What does key extraction mean?

Key extraction means removing the broken piece of a snapped key from a lock or ignition with purpose made tools, so the lock works again without being drilled or replaced.

Can a high street key shop fix a snapped car key?

Only part of the job. A high street key shop can cut a new blade from the pieces you bring in, while the piece left in the car lock is removed at the vehicle by an auto locksmith.

Where can I buy a broken key extractor?

Broken key extractor sets are sold online and by locksmith suppliers, but car door locks and ignitions use small wafers that a home attempt easily damages, so a snapped car key is safer left to an auto locksmith.

Can you remove a broken key without damaging the lock?

Yes, purpose made extraction tools grip and withdraw the broken piece without the forcing or drilling that risks damaging the lock.

What should I do if my key snaps right now?

Stop turning, leave the piece where it is and keep both halves, then call for extraction rather than risk pushing the piece in deeper.

Is my car still driveable if the key snapped while it was running?

Sometimes, if the engine is already on and the broken piece is not obstructing anything critical, and Matt advises once he understands the situation.

Will I need a whole new key after extraction?

Usually, yes, because the broken piece cannot be reused as a key. Whether that is a new blade or a full replacement depends on which part of the key broke.

Can the broken piece be reused if it is cut cleanly?

Occasionally. If the electronic part of the key is intact and only the blade snapped, a new blade can be fitted to the same head rather than starting from scratch.

Why did my key snap in the first place?

Common causes include metal fatigue from years of use, excess force against a stiff lock, or an underlying fault in the lock or ignition itself.

Can a broken key indicate a bigger problem with my car?

Sometimes. If the lock was already binding or the ignition was hard to turn before the key snapped, that is worth having checked separately.

Does extraction work the same for ignition and door locks?

The principle is similar, but ignition extraction is often more involved, since the barrel sits deeper and may involve the electronics of the vehicle.

How long does broken key extraction take?

Most extractions take under half an hour once Matt arrives, and cutting a new key from the pieces adds a little more time in the same visit.

How quickly can you attend a broken key call out?

Often the same day, and as an emergency auto locksmith 24 hours a day for genuine emergencies, with the response time depending on where Matt is already working.

Do you extract broken keys from vans as well as cars?

Yes, the same extraction approach applies to vans and commercial vehicles.

Key snapped in Reading?

Do not force it. Call 0118 469 3408 or request a quote online.

Get a Quote