Broken key extraction Hobart
Fast broken key locksmiths with a 30-minute arrival window, across Southern Tasmania
When your key snaps, every minute counts. Tasmanian Mobile Locksmith’s broken key extraction experts arrive fast, fix cleanly, and get you secure again.



Fast broken key locksmiths across Southern Tasmania
Happens to the best of us — one twist too hard, a bit of wear in the metal, and suddenly you’re staring at half a key and a very stubborn lock. Don’t stress, mate. We’ve seen this a thousand times and we carry the proper gear to sort it fast. Tasmanian Mobile Locksmith’s accredited Masters can pull out the broken key bit, check the barrel, and have your door turning smoothly again before you’ve finished your cuppa.
- We use specialist tools to pull out broken keys cleanly, without scratching up your lock.
- If the lock’s seized or damaged, we can repair or replace it on the spot, no waiting around.
- We test and lubricate everything before we go, so the next time your key turns, it feels like new.
The 5-star Google reviews we’ve worked hard to earn
Thank you for every review; your words keep our family business turning its keys.
What’s included in our broken key locksmith service
When you call us, you’re getting more than a quick patch-up — we sort the problem properly and make sure your lock’s good as new before we leave.
Safe broken key extraction
We use precision extractors to pull out the broken piece without damaging the lock body or keyway. No drilling, no mess, just a clean removal and a working door again.
Lock repairs and on-site replacements
If the barrel’s jammed, cracked, or rusted, we repair or replace it on the spot using high-quality parts. You’ll be turning your key smoothly again before we pack the van.
Door and frame realignment checks
A misaligned latch can make locks catch or keys snap. We inspect and adjust hinges and strike plates to stop the problem from happening again once the key’s out.
Why locals trust Tas Mobile Locksmith

Accredited Master Locksmiths
Fully licensed experts who follow strict industry standards and handle every job with precision and care.

RACT-approved repairer
Recognised for trustworthy workmanship and fair pricing across Hobart and Southern Tasmania.

Backed by industry and trusted locally
Accredited to install and service SALTO systems, bringing proven expertise in modern digital security.

Need a broken key locksmith right now?
No mucking around. If your key’s snapped and you’re locked out, Tasmanian Mobile Locksmith will come to you within half an hour with everything we need to get you back inside. Call now and we’ll be there before your kettle’s boiled.


What to do, what to avoid, and how to stay calm when your key snaps
No need to panic or make it worse with guesswork. This section walks you through what to do right now, what to steer clear of, and how we handle things to get you back on track quickly.
What to do right after a key snaps
First things first, don’t force it. Leave the rest of the key where it is and give us a call straight away. We’ll head your way, usually within half an hour, and bring the gear to get it out cleanly. In the meantime, keep the area clear so we can work as soon as we arrive.
How to tell if the lock’s damaged
If your key broke while turning, there’s a good chance the barrel or pins inside are strained. Try turning the lock gently with a spare key. If it’s stiff, uneven, or crunches, don’t push it. That lock needs a bit of professional care before it locks up for good.
What happens during a professional broken key extraction
We use precision tools designed to grab and pull out the broken piece without drilling or damaging the keyway. Once the key’s out, we clean, lubricate, and test the lock to make sure it turns smooth again. No rough handling, no shortcuts, just tidy, skilled work.
How to secure your home or business while you wait
If you’re locked out, wait somewhere safe and well-lit, or head to a neighbour’s until we arrive. If the key snapped in a back or side door, lock your front door and windows. Our locksmiths always call when they’re on the way, so you’ll know exactly when to expect us.
Why DIY fixes often make things worse
We’ve seen it all: butter knives, superglue, tweezers, even paperclips. Most of the time they push the broken bit further in or ruin the lock entirely. Save yourself the stress and the extra bill by calling a locksmith who’s got the right tools and a steady hand.
How to stop it happening again
A little maintenance goes a long way. Replace worn keys before they start bending, keep locks clean and lubricated, and make sure the door lines up properly with the frame. If your key ever starts sticking, don’t ignore it. That’s the lock asking for attention.
About Tas Mobile Locksmith
We started this business back in 1989 with a van, a toolkit, and a promise to show up when folks needed help. Decades later, that hasn’t changed. We’re a Hobart family who still believes in hard work, steady hands, and looking after people.
- Rob kicked things off when the kids were young, fixing locks by day and building trust by night.
- These days, his daughter Emma runs the show with the same mix of heart and hustle that built our name.
- We’re proud of our crew, locals through and through, who treat every call-out like they’re helping a neighbour.
A few snaps from life on the road
The vans, the locks, the tools, and the grins when that last turn of the key clicks smooth again. Every picture’s a story worth telling.
Why locals call us when a key breaks
When you’re locked out, you don’t need fancy talk. You need a steady hand and a quick arrival. Here’s why Hobart calls us when things jam, snap, or seize.
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We’ve been at it for 35 years
Started in a backyard shed and still running strong. We’ve seen every type of broken key you can imagine and learned every way to fix them.
Fully equipped mobile vans
Each van is a rolling workshop with precision extractors, spare locks, and the know-how to get it right the first time.
Honest work and fair prices
We’ll tell you what’s wrong, what it’ll cost, and when it’ll be fixed. No hidden bits or polished sales talk, just straight answers.
Calm heads in a rush
We keep our cool so you can too. A bit of humour, a bit of skill, and before long that stuck door’s swinging open again.
Accreditations, memberships, and awards
Our service area
We’re based in Hobart and cover all of Southern Tasmania. Whether your key’s stuck in a house door, a shopfront, or the ute outside the pub, we’ll bring the workshop to you and get it sorted on-site.
South
From Kingston to Lauderdale, New Norfolk to Huonville, we cover the lot. Our team’s on the road every day helping locals get back inside, stay secure, and breathe a bit easier.
Meet the crew who make the magic happen
Locksmiths with sharp minds, steady hands, and a sense of humour about just how many times they’ve saved the day.
Frequently Asked Questions about broken key extractions
We’ve heard every story, from keys snapped in the rain to ones lost halfway through a move. These answers have been checked by our locksmiths, so you’re getting the real deal straight from the people who fix it.
How quickly can a locksmith reach me for broken key extraction in Hobart?
Most of the time, we can reach customers within 30 to 60 minutes anywhere in the greater Hobart area. We provide emergency locksmith services every day and always prioritise people who can’t get into their property. When you call, we’ll assess the situation immediately and confirm an accurate arrival time.
Once we’re on-site, a locksmith will be able to inspect the lock and remove the broken part using proper tools. A standard extraction takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of door and how deeply the key has jammed.
If you’re faced with a broken key, don’t risk making things worse. Call a professional locksmith to extract it safely and test the lock. If you can’t get back inside, our locksmiths can help if you're locked out anywhere across Hobart.
Can you extract a broken key from any type of lock?
Yes, we can remove the broken key from a lock of almost any kind, whether it’s for your home, business, or car. Every lock and key setup has its own mechanism and requires different techniques to keep the components intact.
We use precision extractors to extract the broken key fragment, no matter where it’s stuck in a lock. Our locksmiths check how deep the metal sits and whether the part of the key is blocking the pins or tumblers.
Even if only a small section is visible, we can usually pull the key out of a lock safely. If the key is visible at the keyway edge, that often helps us complete the job quickly without any drilling or damage.
Will you need to replace the whole lock after a key breaks?
Usually, a full replacement isn’t necessary. We can cut a new key, test the mechanism, and lubricate the barrel to keep it working smoothly. If your system is worn or outdated, upgrading to a smart lock may improve security and reduce future breakages.
We can also have a key made that matches your existing set, or we’ll repair the broken part of the key if it has caused damage. If the cylinder feels rough, we can rapidly rekey or change your locks so the system is smooth again.
After extracting the key from the lock, we check alignment, spring tension, and lubrication. That process ensures your door turns freely without needing to replace the entire mechanism.
Is it safe to try pulling out a broken key myself?
It might look easy, but it rarely goes to plan. While you might think you can gently pull the piece free, most pliers and tweezers are going to be too thick to fit the keyway properly.
Applying the wrong force risks applying too much force and pushing the fragment deeper. Even if you consider yourself a diy locksmith it could take multiple tries and still end up damaging the lock beyond repair.
It’s nearly impossible to remove a key without bending or scratching the pins. A trained locksmith can push the broken key part out carefully, ensuring the lock works perfectly once it’s clear.
What tools do locksmiths use for broken key extraction?
Professional locksmiths rely on purpose-built gear because key extractor tools aren’t something you can replace with basic pliers. These tools grip the edge of the blade to remove the fragment with precision.
The extraction process involves identifying the best extraction method for the type of cylinder and inserting the tool carefully to remove the broken piece. A skilled locksmith maintains constant tension to prevent pin movement.
Some older locks require extra finesse. In those cases, we might modify a hacksaw blade to reach the obstruction. There are several different methods available depending on the situation, especially when the metal is deep at the end of the key.
Can you remove a broken key from a car door or ignition?
Yes. Our team regularly removes keys using long pliers or tweezers and specialist automotive extractors. These allow us to move the key carefully and free it without harming the ignition’s delicate wafers.
When necessary, we’ll turn and twist the extractor to release the key gently. Whether the key is protruding or buried deeper, we use calibrated tools to reduce strain on the barrel and ensure the ignition works smoothly afterwards.
If you’re worried about lost or stolen keys, we can cut replacements and recode systems for security.
How much does broken key extraction cost in Hobart?
Most customers pay between $150 and $250 to get a broken key removed from a household lock, while automotive extractions typically cost $220 to $300. These prices reflect professional skill and specialised tools.
The fee includes time to remove a broken key, smooth the mechanism, and polish the pins. If we need to remove the broken part, adjust springs, or clean corrosion, that might add to the final cost slightly.
We’ve seen many locks scratched by bobby pins or the side of the key from DIY attempts. It’s always best to remove the remains of the key with proper extraction tools to protect the mechanism and keep the lock’s lifespan long.
What should I do if my key breaks late at night or on the weekend?
If your key snaps after hours, keep calm and think through a few things you can try, such as checking whether other entry points are open. Avoid poking at any metal inside the lock, as that can wedge the piece deeper.
When the key teeth are worn or weak, we use the correct way of removing the broken section so the lock isn’t damaged. Don’t twist or force the mechanism — it can jam or shear off more metal.
A trained locksmith will remove broken key fragments and then remove the broken piece cleanly with minimal disruption. For peace of mind, we can also inspect your security setup; see lost or stolen keys for full after-hours service options.

Lock and roll on Instagram
You’ll find a mix of lock fixes, workshop banter, and a few too many coffee shots. Give us a follow if you like a good before-and-after or just want to see what a day in the life of a Tassie locksmith looks like.
Get your broken key fixed fast in Hobart
Snapped your key and stuck outside? Don’t wait around. Send us a message and we’ll call you back with a quote and an arrival time. Local locksmiths, real service, and a bit of calm when you need it most.
(When visiting, use the carpark on Percy Street)












