Broken Key Extraction: what shapes the quote

Sometimes, and the visit answers it. A key that failed from its own fatigue in a clean, smooth cylinder says nothing against the lock. A key that broke because the pins were worn flat, the cap had loosened or the keyway was full of grit says the cylinder needs a service or a rekey. One that broke in a corroded, pitted plug is telling you the lock is due for replacement.

Whether the plug turned before the break

A key that snapped mid-turn leaves the plug rotated and the pins holding the fragment. Easing the plug back to rest before extraction is an extra step in the work.

How far the locksmith travels

Every call-out includes the drive. A lock on the next street and one at a rural address an hour out are different trips, and the quote includes travel as its own consideration.

Drilling and a replacement cylinder

On the rare occasion a cylinder must be sacrificed, the price includes the new cylinder or complete deadbolt plus fitting it, and that is agreed with you before the drill is picked up.