Broken Keys
A key that has cracked, bent or sheared off in the lock is easy to make worse — one hard push and the broken piece disappears inside the barrel. Knightsbridge Locksmiths offers free, no-obligation extraction for broken keys across Knightsbridge and London, then makes you a fresh, sound key to replace the one that failed.
The Ways a Key Gives Out
Not every broken key snaps clean in two — some crack, some bend, and some just wear down until the teeth no longer bite. Whatever state yours is in, we can extract what's left and replace it.
Cracked or Sheared
A hairline crack becomes a clean break at the worst moment. We remove the sheared piece from the lock at no obligation and make a fresh key.
Bent Out of Shape
A bent key jams and strains until it fails. Straightening rarely lasts, so we replace it with a fresh, true key that turns smoothly.
Worn Teeth
Years of use round off the teeth until the key slips instead of turning. A fresh key made to the lock restores a firm bite.
One Team to Extract, Replace and Spare-Up
Extraction of what's broken, a fresh key to replace it, and a spare so you're never down to one fragile key — the same engineer handles all three, priced before we travel.
Free Extraction, Then a Key That Lasts
Getting the broken piece out shouldn't cost you before you know it can be done, so extraction is free and without obligation. Once it's out, we make a fresh key to the lock and can add a spare, so a single tired key isn't your only way in.
Free, no-obligation extraction
We remove the broken piece first, at no charge and no commitment to anything further.
Fresh key made to the lock
A new, accurate key produced from the mechanism, not a worn copy of a worn key.
Spares while we're there
Extra keys made on the spot, so you're not relying on one fragile original.
Every key type covered
Mortice, euro, dimple, uPVC and padlock keys all extracted and replaced.
Why Bring a Broken Key to Us
Nothing to lose on extraction
Free, no-obligation removal means you only pay once the broken piece is out and you want a fresh key.
Priced before we travel
Describe the key and lock, and the quote you're given holds all the way to the invoice.
Done in one visit
Extraction, a replacement and spares all handled in a single call-out.
Local to SW1, SW3 and SW7
Based on Montpelier Street, we're quick to reach across Knightsbridge and nearby.
How We Handle a Broken Key
- Tell us what broke
The key, the lock it's in, and whether any part is still gripping — a photo helps.
- Free extraction on site
On arrival we remove the broken piece at no obligation, sparing the cylinder.
- A fresh key made
A sound key produced from the lock, with spares added if you'd like them.
- Priced and handed over
Only the replacement work is charged, agreed with you before we make anything.
Broken Key Call-Outs, Neighbourhood by Neighbourhood
Keys give way for different reasons across Central London — here's what our broken-key call-outs tend to involve in four of the areas we're called to most.
Broken Keys Knightsbridge (SW7)
Front-door keys around Sloane Gardens crack quietly for weeks before they finally break. We extract the piece free of charge and make a fresh key, so you're not caught out again.
Broken Keys Chelsea & Belgravia (SW3 / SW1X)
Shop and office keys off Cadogan Street pass through many hands and break more often than home keys. We extract the broken key and make spares, so a single break doesn't lock the team out.
Broken Keys South Kensington (SW7)
Communal keys around Ashburn Gardens see constant use, and their teeth wear until they break. Extracting the piece and making fresh keys keeps every resident let in.
Broken Keys Pimlico & Belgravia (SW1P / SW1E)
Back-door keys around Warwick Way often break where an old bend has weakened the metal. We remove the broken key free of charge and replace it with a straight, sound one.
Where We Extract Broken Keys
Based at 4 Montpelier Street in SW7, we extract broken keys across Knightsbridge, Belgravia, South Kensington and Chelsea, with wider cover through the SW1 postcodes and central London. A key snapped inside the lock or one that broke in your hand, the callout works the same.
Knightsbridge & Belgravia
- Sloane Gardens
- D'Oyley Street
- Symons Street
- Draycott Terrace
- Cadogan Street
South Kensington
- Ashburn Gardens
- Courtfield Gardens
- Wetherby Place
- Rosary Gardens
Chelsea & Brompton
- Lincoln Street
- Coulson Street
- Whiteheads Grove
- Shawfield Street
Home or business, the routine holds: remove the broken piece free of charge, make a fresh key that fits, and add spares so a single break never leaves you stuck.
FAQs — Broken Keys
Is extraction of a broken key really free?
Yes — removing the broken piece is free and no-obligation. You only pay if you'd like a fresh key made once it's out.
Can you make a new key if mine broke in half?
In almost every case. Once the broken piece is extracted, a sound key can be made from the lock, even if you've only got one half.
What kinds of keys can you extract?
Mortice, euro, dimple, uPVC and padlock keys are all covered, whatever way they've cracked or sheared.
Why do keys keep breaking?
Usually the key is worn or bent, or the lock is stiff. Replacing the tired key, and easing the lock if needed, stops the pattern.
Should I keep using a cracked key?
Best not — a cracked key will break, often at the worst time. Replacing it early avoids a lockout later.
How fast can you come out?
Same-day visits are usually available from our Knightsbridge base for most SW1, SW3 and SW7 addresses, with broken keys prioritised.