A key snapping in the cylinder is common with worn keys and cold mornings. What you do next decides whether it's a quick fix or a new lock.
Don't
- Don't push the broken piece deeper with a pin or another key.
- Don't use super glue on the broken half. It almost always glues the pins too.
- Don't keep turning the plug. You can damage the pins and cam.
Do
- If part of the blade sticks out, grip it gently with needle-nose pliers and pull straight out.
- If it's flush, a thin extractor tool can hook the cuts and slide it out.
- Keep both halves. A locksmith can cut a new key from the broken pieces.
If it won't budge, broken key extraction usually saves the lock. Afterward, have a fresh key made through key duplication from the original, not from a worn copy.
Serving Fort Collins, Wellington and Timnath: Choice City Locksmith.
Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.