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Locks and Keys
Key Broke off in the Ignition? Here’s How to Get It Out Download Article Expert-approved tips for removing a broken car key Co-authored by Shawn Fago and Eric McClure
Last Updated: October 10, 2024 Fact Checked
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Removing the Key
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What Not to Do
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Why Keys Break in Car Ignitions
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Removing a Broken Key From a Car Lock
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This article was co-authored by Shawn Fago and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Shawn Fago is a Master Locksmith and the Founder of Noble Locksmith, a nationwide locksmith company based in San Diego, California. With over seven years of experience, he provides commercial, residential, and automotive locksmith services to customers. Shawn attended California State University, Fullerton. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 437,512 times.
If your car key broke off in the ignition, don't panic—you can usually get the broken pieces out without calling a locksmith. We spoke to Shawn Fago, a master locksmith with years of experience, to help walk you through the process. Follow the steps below, and you'll have the snapped-off key out in no time.
Fixing a Key That Snapped in the Ignition: Quick Tips
If a portion of the key is sticking out of the ignition slot, use a thin set of needle-nose pliers to grip the edge of the key and pull it out carefully. If you can’t grab the key, use an unraveled paper clip or wire hanger to pry out the key.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
How to Get a Broken Key Out of Your Ignition
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1 Pull the key out with pliers if you can see part of it. If the key didn’t break off deep within the ignition and you can see the edge of the key, Fago recommends using pliers. He says, “If the break was really shallow and there is a part of the key that can be grasped on to, use needle nose pliers. The thinner, the better. You can also use surgical tools to grab onto the key and pull it out if you have them.”[1]X Expert Source Shawn FagoMaster LocksmithExpert Interview
Fago points out that you may need to turn the key to move the ignition to the “off” position first if the key broke while you were turning it. If you can’t turn the key in the ignition, see a professional to have them disassemble the cover and turn the pins.[2]X Expert Source Shawn FagoMaster LocksmithExpert Interview
2 Use a thin, stiff wire to pull the key out if you can’t see the edge. Fago says that if you can’t grab the edge of the broken key, use a wire to wedge the key out.[3]X Expert Source Shawn FagoMaster LocksmithExpert Interview Try sliding a paper clip or length of wire hanger in between the bottom of the key and the ignition cylinder. Jiggle the wire gently while trying to tug on the key to see if you can work it out far enough to grab it with some pliers.[4]X Expert Source Shawn FagoMaster LocksmithExpert Interview
If you aren’t in a rush, buy a key-extracting tool. These devices slide in the ignition and grip the key safely to remove it.
Struggling to get any leverage? Fago explains that this isn’t always doable for a DIY-er. “Pros use micro tools to grab onto broken keys and pull them out safely. It’s a pretty specialized job.[5]X Expert Source Shawn FagoMaster LocksmithExpert Interview If you can’t get the key out on your own, see a mechanic.
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3 Call a locksmith or go to a mechanic if you can’t get the key out. Removing a broken key can be difficult if the key bent inside of the ignition as it broke. If you can’t remove the key yourself, don’t hesitate to call a locksmith. A mechanic will also be able to retrieve the key.
If you suspect your ignition is damaged, see a mechanic instead of a locksmith. They’ll be able to reassemble the ignition system.
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What Not to Do
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1 Don’t use magnets. Your key might be magnetic, so this could work in theory. Unfortunately, there are other magnetic components in your ignition (alongside metallic debris and iron fillings). You could accidentally destroy your ignition system with a magnet—especially if it’s strong enough to pull a broken key out.[6]XResearch source
2 Don’t use glue. There’s a popular hack for broken keys where you take the broken portion that’s free, put a bit of glue on the edge, and stick it in your ignition to grab the broken part. If you overdo it with the glue though, you may actually make the problem worse. What’s harder than removing a broken key? Removing a broken key that’s glued to the inside of your ignition.[7]XResearch source
3 Don’t use a screwdriver. Car thieves use screwdrivers because it’s really easy to crack an ignition with one. That makes them the suboptimal choice for removing a broken key. If you are even a little bit too rough, you could end up destroying your ignition.[8]XResearch source
Advertisement Section 3 of 3:
Why Keys Break in Car Ignitions
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1 Extreme temperatures Keys are typically made out of softer metals, and cold weather can cause soft metals to become brittle. As a result, keys are much more likely to snap off in your car ignition if it’s freezing outside.[9]XResearch source
Try warming your key up slowly by holding it between your hands before putting it in the ignition.
2 Dirty car key If the key is covered in dirt or debris, that gunk can rub off on the cylinders and pins inside of your ignition. When this happens, the key won’t turn freely without resistance. If you turn too hard, the key could easily snap off inside of the ignition.[10]XResearch source
If your key is dirty, wash it with soap and water. Just make sure you dry it off entirely before using it again.
3 Locked steering wheel Steering wheels lock when you turn them a little bit before shutting the car off. When you go to turn the car back on, the key won’t engage the pins. To fix the locked steering wheel, insert the key and jiggle the wheel back and forth as you turn the key gently. This should unlock the wheel and keep the key from snapping off.[11]XResearch source
4 User error You shouldn’t have to turn a key very hard to get the ignition to activate. If you insert a key and turn it way too hard, it can snap off. Or, if you bent your key on accident and never noticed, you may accidentally force it into the ignition and cause it to snap off. Just be mindful when you turn the key![12]XResearch source
If your car key is bent, visit a dealership to have the key replaced. Locksmiths and mechanics won’t normally replace car keys for legal reasons.
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Removing a Broken Key From a Car Lock
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Question My key is broken, sometimes I can start the car, sometimes not. Why is that? Glenn Letteer Community Answer Because the tip of the key is being forced further down inside of your ignition past the next wafer. You will be stranded soon. Call a locksmith. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 16 Helpful 15
Question Do you have any other suggestions if the ones in the article don't work for me? Community Answer As a master locksmith with 23 years working on automotive keys, I can tell you the techniques listed above will most push the broken portion of your key much deeper into the ignition, causing the expense to be greater. My general rules of thumb are as follows: If you can touch the broken portion with your finger, there is a possibility you can remove it on your own. If you can see the broken portion but can't touch it, you will not be able to remove it on your own (but a locksmith can easily remove it using specialized tools). If you can't see or touch the broken key portion, the ignition likely must be removed for extraction. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 19
Question How do I replace the ignition switch on a Kubota M4900 tractor? Glenn Letteer Community Answer Reach back behind the ignition under the dash, you will feel a ring. Turn the ring with a pair of pliers or a wrench until the ring is completely loose. Remove the wires connected to the back of the ignition, then pull the ignition forward through the hole. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 16 Helpful 14
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Co-authored by: Shawn Fago Master Locksmith This article was co-authored by Shawn Fago and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Shawn Fago is a Master Locksmith and the Founder of Noble Locksmith, a nationwide locksmith company based in San Diego, California. With over seven years of experience, he provides commercial, residential, and automotive locksmith services to customers. Shawn attended California State University, Fullerton. This article has been viewed 437,512 times. 4 votes - 75% Co-authors: 32Updated: October 10, 2024 Views: 437,512 Categories: Locks and KeysArticle SummaryX
To remove a broken key from an ignition lock, don’t spray cleaners or lubricants into the lock, since this can damage it. Instead, spray compressed air into it to clear any debris. Then, put the broken key back in to help you reach the broken piece. With the key in the lock, slide a thin, stiff wire, like a straightened paperclip, along both sides of the key. Once you’ve pushed the wire in, remove the head of the broken key while leaving the wire in the lock. When you’ve removed the head, try to grip the broken piece with the ends of the wire, like you'd use tweezers or chopsticks. It might help to bend the ends of the wire downward so they have more surface area to grip the key fragment with. If you can’t remove it using this method, you’ll need to call a local locksmith. For more tips, including how to open the lock with pliers to get your broken key out, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Peter O'malley
May 17, 2018
"It gave me the idea, I used a hair clip cut it in half then bent the bottom in a little. I threaded it down the one side of the the key until I was able to hook one side of the key. I then gently levered it out. So happy!"..." more Rated this article:
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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Shawn Fago Master Locksmith 4 votes - 75% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 32Updated: October 10, 2024 Views: 437,512
Peter O'malley
May 17, 2018
"It gave me the idea, I used a hair clip cut it in half then bent the bottom in a little. I threaded it down the one side of the the key until I was able to hook one side of the key. I then gently levered it out. So happy!"..." more Rated this article: Share yours!
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Download Article Expert-approved tips for removing a broken car key Co-authored by Shawn Fago and Eric McClure 
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Co-authored by: Shawn Fago Master Locksmith This article was co-authored by Shawn Fago and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Shawn Fago is a Master Locksmith and the Founder of Noble Locksmith, a nationwide locksmith company based in San Diego, California. With over seven years of experience, he provides commercial, residential, and automotive locksmith services to customers. Shawn attended California State University, Fullerton. This article has been viewed 437,512 times. 4 votes - 75% Co-authors: 32 Updated: October 10, 2024 Views: 437,512 Categories: Locks and Keys Article SummaryX
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1 Pull the key out with pliers if you can see part of it. If the key didn’t break off deep within the ignition and you can see the edge of the key, Fago recommends using pliers. He says, “If the break was really shallow and there is a part of the key that can be grasped on to, use needle nose pliers. The thinner, the better. You can also use surgical tools to grab onto the key and pull it out if you have them.”[1] 
2 Use a thin, stiff wire to pull the key out if you can’t see the edge. Fago says that if you can’t grab the edge of the broken key, use a wire to wedge the key out.[3] Try sliding a paper clip or length of wire hanger in between the bottom of the key and the ignition cylinder. Jiggle the wire gently while trying to tug on the key to see if you can work it out far enough to grab it with some pliers.[4] 
3 Call a locksmith or go to a mechanic if you can’t get the key out. Removing a broken key can be difficult if the key bent inside of the ignition as it broke. If you can’t remove the key yourself, don’t hesitate to call a locksmith. A mechanic will also be able to retrieve the key. 
1 Don’t use magnets. Your key might be magnetic, so this could work in theory. Unfortunately, there are other magnetic components in your ignition (alongside metallic debris and iron fillings). You could accidentally destroy your ignition system with a magnet—especially if it’s strong enough to pull a broken key out.[6] 
2 Don’t use glue. There’s a popular hack for broken keys where you take the broken portion that’s free, put a bit of glue on the edge, and stick it in your ignition to grab the broken part. If you overdo it with the glue though, you may actually make the problem worse. What’s harder than removing a broken key? Removing a broken key that’s glued to the inside of your ignition.[7] 
3 Don’t use a screwdriver. Car thieves use screwdrivers because it’s really easy to crack an ignition with one. That makes them the suboptimal choice for removing a broken key. If you are even a little bit too rough, you could end up destroying your ignition.[8] Advertisement 
1 Extreme temperatures Keys are typically made out of softer metals, and cold weather can cause soft metals to become brittle. As a result, keys are much more likely to snap off in your car ignition if it’s freezing outside.[9] 
2 Dirty car key If the key is covered in dirt or debris, that gunk can rub off on the cylinders and pins inside of your ignition. When this happens, the key won’t turn freely without resistance. If you turn too hard, the key could easily snap off inside of the ignition.[10] 
3 Locked steering wheel Steering wheels lock when you turn them a little bit before shutting the car off. When you go to turn the car back on, the key won’t engage the pins. To fix the locked steering wheel, insert the key and jiggle the wheel back and forth as you turn the key gently. This should unlock the wheel and keep the key from snapping off.[11] 
4 User error You shouldn’t have to turn a key very hard to get the ignition to activate. If you insert a key and turn it way too hard, it can snap off. Or, if you bent your key on accident and never noticed, you may accidentally force it into the ignition and cause it to snap off. Just be mindful when you turn the key![12] 
Glenn Letteer Community Answer Because the tip of the key is being forced further down inside of your ignition past the next wafer. You will be stranded soon. Call a locksmith. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 16 Helpful 15 
Community Answer As a master locksmith with 23 years working on automotive keys, I can tell you the techniques listed above will most push the broken portion of your key much deeper into the ignition, causing the expense to be greater. My general rules of thumb are as follows: If you can touch the broken portion with your finger, there is a possibility you can remove it on your own. If you can see the broken portion but can't touch it, you will not be able to remove it on your own (but a locksmith can easily remove it using specialized tools). If you can't see or touch the broken key portion, the ignition likely must be removed for extraction. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 19 