Scenario • Extraction

Broken key stuck in a lock

A key snapped off in the lock is annoying, not always a disaster. Often the broken piece can be extracted and the lock saved. Tell us whether it's a house door or a car, and whether any of the key is still sticking out.

What happens next

  1. You submit your ZIP and a short note about what happened.
  2. LockUnlocked routes the request to participating locksmiths who cover that ZIP.
  3. If a locksmith is available and accepts, they call to confirm timing and price before dispatch. You pay the locksmith directly for completed work.

Request a locksmith

Takes about a minute. No account and no upfront payment. If a participating locksmith is available and accepts your request, they call to confirm timing and price before dispatch.

What to include

  • Your ZIP and cross streets
  • Car or home — and which door if it's a place
  • What actually happened, in plain words

How LockUnlocked fits in

We're a Los Angeles County dispatch platform, not a national chain. You submit your ZIP and what happened; independent locksmiths who cover that area see it and call to confirm timing and price before driving out.

You pay the locksmith directly for the work, agreed on the phone — there's no extra platform fee stacked on your side. If plans change, the SMS you get has a link to cancel.

Extraction is a distinct job from a normal lockout. Mention broken key + door type in your request so the right tools are loaded.

Short answer

A locksmith extracts the broken blade, tests the cylinder, then may rekey or replace if the core was damaged. Do not force the stub — you can push metal deeper.

Rekey after extraction — every LA County area

After a broken key is cleared, many homes rekey — local intent pages for each area we serve.

Full county list: all LA County service areas. Nearby cities stay above; use the index when your ZIP sits between neighborhoods.

Lock change — every LA County area

If the cylinder is damaged, replacement is common — local lock change pages use the same routing.

Full county list: all LA County service areas. Nearby cities stay above; use the index when your ZIP sits between neighborhoods.

More Los Angeles County locksmith areas

Browse a location page, then request with your ZIP — routing stays local.

Full county list: all LA County service areas. Nearby cities stay above; use the index when your ZIP sits between neighborhoods.

Request Locksmith