Key being cut on the machine in the Metro Locksmith van
Snapped Keys Removed

Broken Key Extraction for Doors, Cars & Ignitions

Half the key in your hand and the other half stuck in the lock? We remove broken keys from front doors, deadbolts, padlocks, car doors and ignitions across Columbia and the Midlands — and cut a new key before we leave.

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Serving homes & businesses across the Midlands

Quality Hardware

Grade-rated deadbolts and cylinders from established brands, not bargain-bin locks.

Experienced Technicians

Residential lock work every day across Columbia and the Midlands.

Upfront Pricing

Parts and labor quoted before we start, so the invoice matches the quote.

Licensed & Insured

Background-checked, licensed in South Carolina and insured for work in your home.

Broken Key Extraction

Why Keys Break — and What Not to Do

Keys usually snap because they are worn thin from years of use, bent from being used as a pry tool, or forced into a lock that was already stiff. Once a piece is stuck inside, the instinct is to dig at it with tweezers, a paper clip or super glue. All three tend to push the fragment deeper or glue the pins solid, turning a simple extraction into a lock replacement.

We use thin, hooked extraction tools that slide along the keyway and catch the cuts of the broken piece. In most cases the fragment comes out cleanly and the lock works normally afterwards. If the lock was the reason the key broke — stiff, worn or damaged — we will tell you and offer to service or replace it.

Because we have both halves of the key, we can cut a new one on the spot. For car keys with a chip, we can cut and program a replacement during the same visit.

How It Works

From Snapped Key to Working Lock

Most extractions take minutes, not hours.

1

Stop and Call

Don’t push the broken piece deeper with tweezers or glue. Call and tell us where it broke.

2

Clean Extraction

We use purpose-made extractors to pull the fragment out without damaging the lock.

3

New Key Cut

We cut a fresh key from the pieces or the code, so the same thing doesn’t happen again.

What We Cover

Where We Extract Broken Keys

  • Front door knobs and deadbolts
  • Commercial storefront and office locks
  • Car doors and trunks
  • Ignition cylinders
  • Padlocks, mailboxes and gate locks
  • Filing cabinets and desk locks
Testimonials

What Our Customers Say

Real Google reviews from customers across Columbia and the Midlands.

Google 5.0
Review us on Google
“Abel was quick and fast didn’t have to wait 30 minutes to an hour . If ever in need of an locksmith contact Abel metro locksmith very speedy nice and reasonable.”
Stephany Dinkins
Source: Google
“Came very fast and got my keys out in seconds !”
Laiyah Robinson
Source: Google
“Car keys replacement for my Car !! Excellent job!!”
trey Townsend
Source: Google
“That got my truck unlocked in a pinch”
Dan Delasalas
Source: Google
“Professional and quick, and curteous”
Khalid Ramsundar
Source: Google
“On time & fast service!!!!!”
Marquieranna
Source: Google
“I can honestly say that I was ever pleased with his service and the prompt of them arriving. Also, he made sure that everything worked properly before leaving. His workmanship really was a relief in a frustrating situation made better. I recommend.”
A.D Green
Source: Google
“I had a problem with my car keys l called metro locksmith and they arrived within minutes very professional and affordable.”
Ken Lion
Source: Google
“The tech was very knowledgeable and and fast, excellent service”
Corithian Mack
Source: Google
“Great guy made a key for my truck with a active alarm”
Ethan Coleman
Source: Google
“Fast and efficient! Won't call anyone else!”
Lauren Cale
Source: Google
“Very good service”
Braxton R#1
Source: Google
“Fast service”
cab CAB
Source: Google
“Buen servicio ❤️”
Joseline fiorella Laurente solano
Source: Google
“Muy buen servicio”
Katherine Jiménez
Source: Google
Have a Question?

Broken Key Extraction FAQ

Can you remove a broken key without replacing the lock?

In most cases, yes. We use extraction tools designed to remove the fragment without damaging the pins or cylinder.

Should I try to get it out myself?

We recommend not. Tweezers and glue often push the piece deeper or jam the lock, which makes the job more expensive.

Can you make a new key from the broken pieces?

Yes. With both pieces we can cut an accurate new key on site. For chip car keys we also program the new key.

My key broke in the car ignition — can you help?

Yes. We extract keys from ignitions and can repair the cylinder if it is damaged.

Is broken key extraction an emergency service?

Yes, we handle it 24/7 — especially when the broken key has left you locked out.

How much does broken key extraction cost?

It depends on the lock and time of day. We quote before we start, with no hidden fees.

Key Snapped Off in the Lock?

Leave it where it is and call us. We remove broken keys and cut replacements on site across Columbia and the Midlands, day or night.

CALL NOW · (803) 414-2260 24/7 — a locksmith on the way in minutes