Car Key Snapped Off in Half: What Should You Do?

At first glance, a car key seems tough enough. After all, it’s made of metal, right? But the truth is, car keys are surprisingly fragile. A fall onto a hard surface, an awkward knock in your pocket or even day‑to‑day wear and tear can damage them far more than you’d expect.

One of the most common (and most inconvenient) breakages is when your car key snaps in half. Once that happens, it’s impossible to start the car and if your car key snapped off in half no spare, you’re not just dealing with a broken key, but with being completely locked out of your own vehicle.

In this article, we’ll explore why it happens, how to avoid it and what to do next.

Car Key Snapped in Door

It’s a scenario most drivers dread: you turn the key to unlock the door, and it shears clean off, leaving part of it stuck inside the lock.

Why does this happen? Over time, tiny cracks can form in the metal blade, often after years of twisting, knocks or exposure to moisture. Older locks can get stiffer too, increasing the force you need to turn the key which makes snapping even more likely.

What NOT to do:

• Don’t try to jam the other half of the key in to “fish out” the broken piece it usually pushes it deeper.
• Avoid using glue or superglue; it can permanently damage the lock cylinder.

What CAN help:

• Gently use a pair of fine tweezers if the broken part is still visible.
• Contact a professional auto locksmith who can extract the broken piece safely using specialist tools without damaging the lock.

Car Key Snapped in Ignition

This tends to happen on colder mornings, when the ignition barrel is a little stiff, or on older vehicles where the ignition has worn over time.

Repeated force when turning the key can bend it slightly each time until it finally snaps.

What NOT to do:

• Don’t keep twisting harder if the key feels stuck that’s the quickest way to snap it.
• Avoid poking around with a screwdriver; you risk damaging the ignition barrel, turning a small job into a much bigger (and more expensive) repair.

What CAN help:

• Wiggle gently while pulling back if the key is only partly snapped.
• Call an auto locksmith who can remove the broken blade and, if needed, cut and programme a replacement key.

Car Key Snapped Off Fob

Even modern keyless fobs have a traditional emergency key blade hidden inside. That blade isn’t indestructible either: constant folding, pulling or using it to “force” a stiff lock can cause it to snap.

It often happens when someone forgets the blade isn’t meant for daily use, but only as an emergency backup.

To minimise risk:

1. Keep locks lubricated so you’re not forcing the blade.
2. Avoid using the emergency blade daily.

If it breaks:

1. Keep all pieces; they can help when cutting a replacement.
2. Don’t try to glue it; it won’t hold under real pressure.

Car Key Snapped Off Fob: How to Fix

If your key blade has snapped off the fob, there are a few possible solutions:

1. Recasing the key: In some cases, a professional locksmith can transfer the electronics and the transponder chip into a new shell, cutting a new blade to match.
2. Car key replacement: Sometimes, if the damage is more than cosmetic, a complete new key may be the safest option.

Important to remember: recasing and re‑cutting should only be done by a qualified auto locksmith to make sure the immobiliser chip still works and the new blade matches perfectly.

What to Do If Car Key Snapped Off in Half

When your car key snaps in half, the fastest, safest solution is to call Phoenix Car Keys. Our experienced locksmiths carry diagnostic equipment and key‑cutting tools right in the van.

Here’s why drivers across the UK trust us:

1. We can extract broken key pieces from locks and ignitions quickly.
2. We cut and programme new keys on the spot often the same day.
3. Every replacement key comes with an official 12‑month guarantee.
4. Our mobile service covers all of the UK wherever your car is.

Don’t let a snapped key ruin your day: get expert help quickly and get back on the road.