Broken Key Extraction in Dearborn, MI
A key snapped off in your ignition or door lock, removed without further damaging the cylinder where possible — quoted honestly before we start, not after.
- Insured & bonded
- Named technicians, not a call center
- Price confirmed before we start
Usually Metal Fatigue, Not Something You Did Wrong
Older or worn keys can shear off under normal turning pressure, especially in cold weather when metal becomes more brittle. It’s rarely a sign you did anything wrong — it’s a sign the key had reached the end of its life.
Extraction is usually faster and cheaper than people expect. In most cases, we can remove the broken piece without damaging the ignition or door cylinder at all.
Common Places We Get Called
Broken in the Ignition
A key that snaps while starting the car, leaving the broken piece lodged in the ignition cylinder. If the ignition itself is also worn, it may need repair. See our ignition repair service →
Broken in the Door Lock
A key that shears off while locking or unlocking a door, common on older vehicles with worn cylinders.
Snapped at the Bow
Sometimes the key breaks right at the head, leaving nothing to grip — this is often the easiest type of extraction.
Broken Off Flush
A key broken flush with the cylinder face takes more specialized extraction tools, but is still usually removable without replacing the lock.
What Happens When You Call
- You call. Tell us where the key broke — ignition or door — and how much of it is showing.
- You get a real price estimate on the spot, and we’ll be upfront if the exact price depends on what we find once we start.
- We confirm the price before touching anything.
- We extract the broken piece using specialized tools, aiming to avoid damaging the cylinder.
- If a replacement key is needed, we’ll quote that separately and only if you want it done the same visit.
Common Questions About Broken Key Extraction
Will extraction damage my ignition or door lock?
In most cases, no — we use specialized tools designed to remove a broken key without damaging the surrounding cylinder. If the cylinder is already worn and extraction isn’t possible without further damage, we’ll explain that before doing anything.
Why did my key break in the first place?
Usually metal fatigue from age and repeated use, made worse by cold weather. It’s rarely a sign of misuse.
Do I need a new key after extraction?
If it was your only key, yes — we can cut a replacement the same visit. If you have a spare, extraction alone may be all you need.
Can you tell me the price over the phone?
We’ll give you a real estimate based on where the key broke, but the exact price sometimes depends on how the extraction goes once we start — we’ll always confirm before doing anything beyond what was quoted.
Key Broken Off Right Now?
Call now for a real estimate on extraction, ignition or door.
Call Now — (313) 555-0123(313) 555-0123 · Open 24 hours, 7 days a week