Broken Key Extraction
A key snaps because it was worn, because the lock was stiff, or because somebody put a bit too much shoulder into a door that needed adjusting. The fragment comes out; the reason it broke is worth fixing too.
Extraction uses purpose-made tools that grip the blade and draw it out along the keyway. Done properly it leaves the wafers and pins undamaged, so the lock is still serviceable afterwards.
Once the fragment is out we cut you a fresh key from the lock rather than from the broken one, because copying a worn key just produces another worn key. If the cylinder itself is the problem, we will say so and price a replacement.
What the job involves
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The lock usually survives
Correct extraction leaves the pins and wafers intact.
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A new key cut from the lock
Not a copy of the broken one, which would break again.
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Root cause addressed
Stiff cylinder, dropped door or worn cam, whichever it turned out to be.
Extract Broken Key: what it costs
Typical Austin-metro ranges. Your exact number is quoted on the phone.
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Broken key extractionDoor, ignition or padlock | $75 – $150 |
| Cylinder replacement, per lockLabour plus a standard cylinder | $65 – $145 |
| Extra keys cut on siteWhile the technician is with you | $3 – $8 each |
| Lock repair (no parts)Seized cylinders, sagging doors, worn cams | $65 – $140 |
| Service call / dispatchCharged once per visit, never per lock | $29 – $49 |
| Nights, Sundays & holidaysQuoted on the phone before a van is sent | +$25 – $65 |
These are the ranges most jobs in the Austin metro land between. The exact number is quoted on the phone before a technician is dispatched, and it is the number on the invoice. Parts are itemised separately and priced from a rate card, not invented at the door.
Common questions
Can I get it out with superglue or a jigsaw blade?
Please do not. Glue seizes the cylinder and improvised blades chew the wafers. Both turn a small job into a lock replacement.
Will I need a new lock?
Usually not. Most extractions leave the lock perfectly serviceable.
It snapped in the ignition. Same job?
Same technique, tighter space. It is routine, and we can cut and program a replacement key at the same visit.
Part of our 24/7 Emergency Lockout Service work. Covering Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Leander, Lakeway, Kyle, Buda, Hutto, Manor and Dripping Springs.
What Austin says
about us
Reviews left by customers across Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park and Pflugerville.
Locked myself out at eleven at night with a toddler asleep upstairs. Quoted me on the phone, arrived in half an hour, had the door open in under five minutes without a scratch on it. Charged exactly what was quoted.
Marisol Trevino
Homeowner, Mueller
We turn over about forty units a year and they handle every rekey. Invoiced to the office, keying schedule emailed the same day, never had to chase them.
Dwayne Whitfield
Property manager, North Austin
Dealer wanted a tow plus two days for a lost Kia key. These guys did it in my driveway in about an hour for a lot less. Two keys, both tested before he left.
Priya Raghunathan
Driver, Cedar Park
Panic bar failed on a Friday during service. They came out after close, fixed it properly and talked me through what the inspector would be looking for.
Ben Ostrowski
Restaurant owner, East Sixth
Locked out? We answer the phone at 3 a.m.
One call gets a licensed, insured technician rolling to you anywhere in the Austin metro.
