Broken Key Extraction in Truckee & North Lake Tahoe
Key snapped off in the lock or ignition? We extract the broken blade without damaging the cylinder — and cut you a fresh key.
Half a key in your hand
The other half is still in the lock — and pliers, glue and screwdrivers usually push it deeper or ruin the cylinder. Extraction tools reach in, grab the blade, and pull it clean. Then we cut you a new key and check why the lock was binding in the first place.
What’s included
- Broken key removal — doors, deadbolts, ignitions, padlocks
- Cylinder inspection after extraction
- Fresh keys cut on-site
- Binding-lock diagnosis (the reason keys snap)
- Frozen lock service
- Ignition extraction without steering-column damage
How a visit works
1 Call with year, model and where you are
Ski lot, trailhead or driveway — you'll get a straight answer on what your vehicle needs and a free estimate before we roll.
2 We work at the vehicle
Opening, cutting and programming happen curbside from the van. No tow truck, no dealer waiting room.
3 Start it before we leave
Every key and fob is tested in the door and the ignition. You drive away; we wave.
Built for the mountains
Cold metal is brittle metal — keys snap in frozen cabin deadbolts and stiff ignitions up here every winter. We extract the broken half without wrecking the cylinder, then cut a fresh key so you're not gluing your keyring back together.
What shapes the price
- Key type — basic transponder, remote-head, or proximity fob
- Whether a working key exists — cloning a spare is far cheaper than all-keys-lost
- Where the vehicle sits — resort lots and roadside add drive time, quoted honestly up front
No games: the estimate is free, the phone answer is honest, and the number at the door matches the number on the call. Serving Truckee, North Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, the West Shore and Donner Summit — fully mobile, Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Free phone estimates: (530) 308-6643.
Key Extraction across Truckee–North Tahoe — at your door since 1996.
Proof, not promises
Recent Key Extraction Work
⚡ Broken key extraction — ski cabin
Snapped blade pulled clean from a frozen deadbolt, fresh key cut on-site.
Locked out right now? Don’t panic — and please don’t pry anything. Call for a free phone estimate and a real arrival window.
☎ (530) 308-6643Broken Key Extraction — FAQs
Can I get the broken piece out with tweezers or glue?
Please don't — glue especially turns a 10-minute extraction into a cylinder replacement. Extraction tools grip the blade properly; improvising usually pushes it deeper.
Why did my key snap at all?
Usually a binding lock (misaligned strike, dry cylinder, frozen moisture) plus a worn key. We fix the cause while we're there so the new key doesn't meet the same fate.
Key broke in the ignition — is that a big job?
Usually not. Extraction at the vehicle is routine; we get the blade out, cut a replacement, and check the ignition's action before we leave.
Loved on Google & Yelp — 4.8★ on Yelp across 42 reviews
They Love Us — and We Love Truckee–Tahoe
“Lightning Lock & Key provided excellent service from start to finish. Dean was great to work with — patient, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive. …I was scheduled for the very next day, and Dean arrived on time, communicated clearly throughout the process, and walked me through what needed to be done. …If you’re looking for a reliable, knowledgeable locksmith in the Tahoe/Truckee area, I highly recommend Lightning Lock & Key.”
“Dean is my go-to for lock and lock-related issues. He is prompt, responsive and an all-around wonderful locksmith and has been for many years of service!”
“Dean was super-knowledgeable and helped us when we were locked out. Hope to never need again but would definitely recommend Lightning to others.”
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Tell Us What’s Going On
Fastest help is always a call — (530) 308-6643. Prefer to write? Send the details and we’ll get right back to you with a free estimate.
One Call. Problem Solved.
Free phone estimate · Licensed, bonded & insured · Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM