Key Broke off in the Ignition? Here’s How to Get It Out

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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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Q&A

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.

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.”
- 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.
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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. 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.
- 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. If you can’t get the key out on your own, see a mechanic.
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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.

Section 2 of 3:

What Not to Do

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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.^{[1]
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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.^{[2]
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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.^{[3]
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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.^{[4]
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- Try warming your key up slowly by holding it between your hands before putting it in the ignition.
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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.^{[5]
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- If your key is dirty, wash it with soap and water. Just make sure you dry it off entirely before using it again.
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.^{[6]
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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!^{[7]
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- 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.

Removing a Broken Key From a Car Lock

Community Q&A

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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.

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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.

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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.

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