A snapped key in the door at night is panic mode for most people, but the truth is straightforward: you’ll get back inside, it won’t cost the earth, and we can be there faster than you’d think.
What’s actually going on
When a key snaps in a lock, it usually happens at the weakest point, the shaft, just above the teeth. The bit still in the lock stays put. It’s not jammed, it’s not going anywhere without help. Most of the time the lock itself is fine. The key broke because it was old, worn, or put under too much sideways pressure. Cold weather makes keys more brittle, so you’ll see more of these jobs in winter.
The panic part is understandable: it’s dark, you’re locked out, and there’s a chunk of metal stuck in your door. But this is a standard job for a locksmith. We sort them regularly.
What to do (and what not to)
Don’t try to dig the bit out yourself with a screwdriver or pliers. You’ll wreck the lock internals and make the job harder. Don’t put oil in there hoping it’ll help. It won’t.
What you should do: ring us. That’s it. Tell us where you are in Southampton, Hythe, Totton, or wherever you are on the Waterside, and whether it’s your front door, back door, or a car. We’ll listen to what’s happened, tell you roughly when we can get there, and turn up with the right tools.
How we sort it on the day
We’ll extract the broken bit first, usually non-destructively. If the lock is damaged we can replace the cylinder. If it’s not, we’ll get you back in and give you advice on whether you need a new key made or whether the lock is still safe to use. Straight talk, no pressure.
When to call us
Now. Day or night. We’re open 24 hours for emergency lockouts, and we cover Southampton, Eastleigh, Romsey, the Waterside (Hythe, Totton, Holbury, Fawley, Blackfield), and the New Forest. No call-out fee, no VAT, quoted up front.
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