Open 24/7 · Greater Los Angeles & Ventura County

(323) 997-8867
Crenshaw Lock

Broken Key Extraction · 24/7 mobile

Broken Key Extraction in Greater Los Angeles & Ventura County

Crenshaw Lock Company offers mobile broken key extraction across Greater Los Angeles and Ventura County, 24/7. We remove the snapped piece from your door, deadbolt, or ignition and cut a replacement key. Call (323) 997-8867 and we'll come to you.

  • Mobile — we come to your location
  • Available 24/7
  • Upfront price quoted before we start
Call (323) 997-8867or tap to call — we answer 24/7
Broken key stuck in a lock cylinder next to an extractor tool
Open now(323) 997-8867

A key that snaps in the lock is one of the most frustrating little emergencies there is. One moment you're turning the key, and the next you're holding half of it while the other half sits in the cylinder, and the door, the car, or the office stays shut. It usually happens when a key is worn, bent, or the lock is stiff, and it tends to happen at the worst possible time.

The temptation is to dig the piece out with tweezers, a paperclip, or a knife. Please don't. Pushing on the fragment can drive it deeper, jam the pins, or scratch the cylinder, and what could have been a simple extraction can turn into a lock replacement. Stop, leave the lock as it is, and call us.

Crenshaw Lock Company has served this region since 1987 under owner and lead technician David Shar. We are fully mobile, with no storefront to visit. We bring the extraction tools and key-cutting equipment to your door, driveway, or parking lot, remove the broken piece, and make you a working key so you can get on with your day.

How our broken key extraction service works

  1. 1

    Tell us what happened

    When you call (323) 997-8867, we ask where the key broke: a front door, a deadbolt, a padlock, a car door, or an ignition. We also ask how much of the key is sticking out. That helps us bring the right tools.

  2. 2

    Assess the lock

    On site, we look at the broken piece, how deep it sits, and the condition of the cylinder. Whether part of the key is still showing changes our approach, and so does the type of lock.

  3. 3

    Extract the broken piece

    We use fine extractor tools made for this job to draw the fragment out without forcing it. The aim is to keep the cylinder intact so you don't need a new lock.

  4. 4

    Cut a replacement key

    With the fragment out, we cut a new working key. For many locks we can do this on the spot from the pieces of the old key or by decoding the lock itself. Vehicle ignitions and transponder keys may need extra steps.

  5. 5

    Test and check the lock

    We try the new key several times and check that the lock turns smoothly. If the cylinder is worn or damaged, we tell you honestly and explain your options before doing anything more.

What affects the price

  • The type of lock: a standard house deadbolt, a padlock, a car door, and an ignition cylinder each take different tools and effort.
  • How deep the broken piece is lodged and whether any of it is still showing.
  • Whether the replacement key is a basic cut key or a transponder or high-security key that needs programming or special blanks.
  • Whether the cylinder is damaged or worn and needs repair or replacement after the extraction.
  • Time of day and your location within our service area, since we're on call around the clock and travel to you.
  • Whether you need one replacement key or several copies made at the same visit.

Why choose us

  • We are fully mobile. The tools, key-cutting equipment, and blanks come to you, so you don't have to tow a car or find a shop.
  • We've served Greater Los Angeles and Ventura County since 1987, and owner David Shar has seen just about every way a key can break.
  • We try to save your lock. Extraction comes first, and we only recommend replacement when the cylinder is actually damaged.
  • We handle the whole job: extraction and the replacement key, in one visit when possible.
  • We're available 24/7, because keys don't only snap during business hours.
  • We explain what we find and what your options are before we do any extra work.

Where we work

We come to you across Greater Los Angeles and into Ventura County. That includes the San Fernando Valley, the San Gabriel Valley, the South Bay and Harbor area, and the Westside, as well as the Gateway Cities and Central and South LA. Whether the key snapped in a front door, a car ignition, or a business entrance, we travel to the spot.

We also cover parts of Ventura County. Because we're a mobile service with no storefront, there's nothing to visit: call (323) 997-8867, tell us where you are, and we'll let you know whether we serve your address and how we can help.

Need broken key extraction now?

24/7 Mobile Locksmith across Greater Los Angeles & Ventura County. We answer 24/7.

Call (323) 997-8867

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Broken Key Extraction — FAQs

What should I do right after a key breaks in the lock?
Stop turning or pushing. Don't try to pry the piece out, since that can push it deeper or damage the pins. Keep any part of the key you're holding, because it helps us cut a replacement, and call (323) 997-8867.
Can you remove a broken key without replacing the lock?
In most cases, yes. Extraction tools are designed to pull the fragment out and leave the cylinder working. If the lock was already worn or damaged, we'll tell you and go over your options.
Can you make a new key after extracting the broken one?
Yes. We cut a replacement as part of the service, using the pieces of the old key or by working from the lock. Transponder car keys may need programming as well.
Can you extract a key broken in a car ignition?
We can often do so. Ignitions are more delicate than door locks, so we work carefully. Call (323) 997-8867 with your vehicle's make, model, and year so we can plan for the right key.
Should I use super glue to put the key back together?
No. Glue can seep into the lock and make the problem much worse. Please don't glue the key or try to reuse a broken one.
Does the broken piece need to be sticking out for you to get it?
No. A fragment that has gone flush or deeper can often still be removed, though it takes more care. Tell us what you see when you call.
Do you come out at night and on weekends?
Yes. We're available 24/7. Call (323) 997-8867 any time and we'll come to wherever you are in our service area.
How can I keep a key from breaking again?
Replace keys that are visibly worn or bent, and don't use a key to force a stiff lock. If a lock sticks, have it serviced. A fresh, accurately cut key from a good blank also holds up better than a copy of a copy.
DS

Reviewed by David Shar — Owner & Lead Technician

Crenshaw Lock Company has served Greater Los Angeles & Ventura County since 1987.

Last updated 2026-10-12.

Call (323) 997-8867 · Open 24/7