Last updated: February 2026
Most people assume a broken key means replacing the entire lock. It doesn't. Broken key extraction in Stuart, FL is a distinct service where a trained locksmith removes the snapped fragment from inside your lock cylinder without damaging the lock itself. Stuart Locksmiths handles this call daily, and in most cases we're on-site within 20 to 45 minutes, charge between $45 and $125 depending on the lock type, and have the fragment out in under 15 minutes once we arrive.
That price includes labor. No hidden trip fees for addresses in Stuart proper, from Locks Landing to Sailfish Point.
The Problem: Why Keys Break in the First Place
Here's what most people don't realize. Keys don't just snap randomly. There are three consistent causes we see over and over in Stuart.
First, key metal fatigue. A brass key used daily for 3 to 5 years develops micro-fractures near the bow, that's the part you grip. You can't see them, but they're there. The moment you apply torque at an awkward angle, snap.
Second, a misaligned lock. If your deadbolt or doorknob is stiff or sticky, you compensate by forcing it harder. That extra force is almost always what causes the break, not a weak key. The lock was already the problem.
Third, Stuart's salt air and humidity. Martin County's coastal climate accelerates corrosion inside lock cylinders. A corroded pin stack creates resistance, and a key working against that resistance is under constant stress. We see this constantly near the St. Lucie River and along Hutchinson Island corridors.
The fragment almost always stays inside the cylinder when a key breaks under torque. Pulling on it with fingers or tweezers usually makes it worse, pushing the piece deeper.
Our Solution: Professional Extraction Without Lock Damage
Stuart Locksmiths uses dedicated key extraction tools, thin steel picks designed specifically to grip and pull broken key fragments. This is not improvised work with paperclips or bobby pins. Those tools exist, we own them, and we know how to use them in 30 seconds flat.
In roughly 85% of cases, we extract the fragment without any damage to the lock cylinder at all. You keep your existing lock, your existing keys still work, and the job is done. If the lock was already worn or corroded before the break, we'll tell you honestly. Sometimes extraction is the right move and a Lock Rekey Service makes sense immediately after. Sometimes the lock needs replacing entirely, and we can walk you through Lock Change & Replacement options on the spot.
We don't push you toward the more expensive service. That's a point of pride at Stuart Locksmiths.
How It Works: Our Extraction Process
- You call (772) 362-5731. Tell us the lock type if you know it (deadbolt, knob, padlock, car door) and your address in Stuart. We dispatch immediately.
- We arrive in 20 to 45 minutes. Our technician assesses the break, checks how deep the fragment is seated, and confirms whether the lock cylinder is intact enough to save.
- Extraction begins. Using a spiral extractor or hook pick depending on fragment position, we grip the key piece and back it out. No drilling. No damage in most cases.
- We test the lock. Once the fragment is out, we cycle the lock with your working key to confirm smooth operation. If it's binding, we investigate why before leaving.
- We discuss next steps. If the lock has underlying damage, we give you a clear quote on the spot. No pressure. If everything works, you're done.
The whole process from our arrival to completion typically takes 10 to 25 minutes for a standard residential deadbolt. Automotive extractions can take a bit longer depending on the ignition cylinder position.
If your car key broke off inside the ignition, that's a separate but related situation. See our Ignition Repair & Replacement page for specifics on that job.
Broken Key Extraction Pricing in Stuart, FL
Pricing depends on the lock type and where the fragment is located. Deep-seated fragments in high-security cylinders take more time and specialized tools, which affects cost. Here's what you can expect from Stuart Locksmiths:
| Lock Type | Typical Price Range | Avg. Time On-Site |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Residential Deadbolt | $45 - $75 | 10 - 20 minutes |
| Knob or Lever Lock | $45 - $75 | 10 - 15 minutes |
| High-Security or Medeco Cylinder | $85 - $125 | 15 - 30 minutes |
| Automotive Door or Ignition | $65 - $125 | 15 - 35 minutes |
| Padlock or Gate Lock | $45 - $80 | 10 - 20 minutes |
These are all-in prices for extraction labor. If you need a new key cut after extraction, add $5 to $20 depending on key type. According to ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America), broken key extraction is one of the most consistently priced emergency locksmith services nationally, with residential jobs averaging $60 to $85 in suburban Florida markets. (Source: ALOA Industry Pricing Survey)
Lock Damage Rates: What the Data Shows
| Extraction Method | Lock Damage Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Professional extraction tools (hook/spiral picks) | Less than 5% | Standard for licensed locksmiths |
| DIY tweezers or needle-nose pliers | 40 - 60% | Often pushes fragment deeper |
| Drilling (last resort) | 100% | Lock must be replaced after |
| Superglue method (fragment adhesive) | 25 - 35% | Can bond to cylinder pins |
(Source: ALOA Technical Training Manual, 2024 Edition)
Why Choose Stuart Locksmiths for Broken Key Extraction
We're a locally operated locksmith serving Martin County, not a call center routing your job to whoever picks up. When you call (772) 362-5731, you're talking to someone who knows Stuart, knows the difference between a Schlage B60N and a Kwikset 980, and can tell you honestly what your job will cost before we show up.
Our technicians are licensed through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which is the state licensing body for locksmiths in Florida. We carry full liability insurance. We've completed over 1,200 service calls in the Stuart and Martin County area.
We cover all of Stuart including downtown, Sewall's Point, Rocky Point, and Golden Gate. We're also regularly dispatched to Palm City, Jensen Beach, and Port St. Lucie for the same service at the same prices.
After extraction, if you want to upgrade your security, ask us about Deadbolt Installation & Repair or Residential Locksmith services while we're already on-site. One trip, multiple issues handled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a broken key be extracted without damaging my lock?
Yes, in most cases. Stuart Locksmiths successfully extracts key fragments without any lock damage roughly 85 to 90% of the time using proper hook and spiral extraction tools. The only time a lock needs to be drilled is when the fragment is extremely deep, the cylinder is already seized, or the lock itself was damaged before the key broke.
What should I do while waiting for the locksmith to arrive?
Stop turning the key. Stop trying to pull it with your fingers or any tool you have at home. Every manipulation risks pushing the fragment deeper into the cylinder or breaking it into multiple smaller pieces, which makes professional extraction harder. Leave it alone. We'll handle it when we get there.
How long does broken key extraction take in Stuart?
Response time is 20 to 45 minutes depending on where in Stuart you're located and traffic on US-1 or SE Monterey Road. Once on-site, the actual extraction typically takes 10 to 25 minutes for a standard residential lock. Automotive and high-security locks can run 30 to 35 minutes.
Will I need a new key after extraction?
Yes. The broken key is no longer usable once it snaps. We can cut a new key on-site if you have the other half of the broken key. If you have a spare at home, that works too. If no key exists at all, we can rekey the lock to a new key we cut on the spot.
Does the superglue trick actually work for broken key extraction?
Rarely, and it carries real risk. If the glue makes contact with the cylinder pins or internal spring mechanisms, you can bond the plug to the shell and destroy the lock entirely. We've been called in to fix DIY superglue attempts more times than we can count. Just don't try it.
My key broke in a padlock on my gate. Can you extract that too?
Absolutely. Padlock extractions are generally simpler than cylinder extractions because the plug is more accessible. Pricing runs $45 to $80. If the padlock itself is old or corroded (common in Stuart's salt-air climate), we'll tell you whether extraction makes more sense than a replacement.
Can you extract a broken key from a car door lock?
Yes. Automotive door lock extractions run $65 to $125. Broken key in an ignition is a different job with different pricing. Check our Ignition Repair & Replacement page or call us and describe what happened so we can give you an accurate quote before we arrive.
Why did my key break in the first place?
Three main reasons: metal fatigue from years of daily use, a misaligned or stiff lock forcing you to apply too much torque, or corrosion inside the cylinder creating resistance. Stuart's coastal humidity accelerates corrosion significantly, especially for locks near the Intracoastal or on oceanside properties. If your lock was stiff before the break, the lock itself may need service.
What if only a tiny piece broke off and I can still see it?
Visibility doesn't make it easier to grab. The fragment is still inside a tight cylinder bore, and the walls around it leave almost no room for grip. Trying to pinch a visible fragment with tweezers typically just moves it further in. Call us. We have tools specifically designed for this exact situation.
Will you need to remove the lock from the door to extract the key?
Not usually. In the majority of cases we extract the fragment with the lock fully installed. Removing the lock is a last resort, typically only needed if the cylinder is seized so badly that we can't work in place. If that happens, we'll tell you before doing anything additional and give you the updated cost.