Don't Replace — Repair First

Auto Locksmith
Repairs

Key snapped in the ignition? Lock barrel seized? Remote fob stopped working? We repair car locks and keys on-site — often saving you the cost of a full replacement. Mobile service across East Yorkshire, from £45.

Car Lock & Key Repair Services

Before you pay for a full replacement, let us see if we can repair it. Most lock and key problems are fixable — and a repair costs a fraction of a new unit.

Broken Key Extraction

Key snapped off in the ignition or door lock? We extract the broken piece without damaging the lock barrel, then cut a replacement key on-site. Most extractions take under 30 minutes.

From £75

Ignition Barrel Repair & Replacement

Key won't turn? Ignition stiff or jammed? We diagnose and repair ignition barrels, or replace them with new units. We also handle ignition switch faults and steering lock issues.

From £120

Door Lock Repair & Replacement

Damaged or seized door locks — common on coastal vehicles exposed to salt air. We repair or replace door lock barrels, match them to your existing key, or supply new matched sets.

From £95

Remote Key Fob Repair

Buttons stopped working? Casing cracked? Battery terminal corroded? We repair remote key fobs where possible, saving you the cost of a full replacement. Programming included if needed.

From £45

Worn Key Repair & Replacement

Key worn smooth, barely working? A worn key can damage your ignition barrel. We cut a fresh key from your vehicle's key code or decode the worn key — better than waiting for it to fail completely.

From £75

Boot & Glovebox Lock Repairs

Boot lock seized? Glovebox jammed shut? We repair locks throughout the vehicle — not just doors and ignition. All locks can be matched to your existing key for single-key convenience.

From £65

Common Lock Problems We Fix

Key won't turn in the ignition+

Often caused by a worn key, debris in the ignition barrel, or a binding steering lock. Jiggle the steering wheel while gently turning the key — if that doesn't work, call us. Don't force it — you'll snap the key and make it worse.

Key snapped off in the lock+

This is one of the most common call-outs we get. DON'T try to remove it yourself with pliers — you'll push it deeper or damage the lock barrel. We have specialist extraction tools that remove the broken piece cleanly, then we cut you a new key.

Remote fob buttons not working+

Could be a dead battery, dirty contacts, cracked solder joints, or water damage. We open the fob, clean the contacts, test the battery, and re-solder if needed. If the circuit board is dead, we can supply and programme a replacement.

Door lock seized or stiff+

Very common on coastal cars — Bridlington's sea air corrodes lock internals. We strip, clean, and lubricate the lock mechanism. If it's beyond repair, we replace the barrel and match it to your existing key.

Key worn smooth — works sometimes+

A worn key is a ticking time bomb — it'll eventually fail completely, often at the worst moment. We decode the key code from the vehicle or the remaining key pattern, then cut a fresh, crisp key that works perfectly.

Repair or Replace?

We'll always try to repair first — it's cheaper for you. But sometimes replacement is the smarter long-term choice. We'll give you honest advice either way.

When Repair Works

  • Snapped key — blade only, housing intact
  • Dirty or corroded lock barrel
  • Worn key — we can decode the original
  • Cracked fob casing (replace casing only)
  • Stuck ignition — lubrication fixes it

When Replacement Is Better

  • Ignition barrel is cracked or shattered
  • Fob circuit board is water-damaged
  • Key has snapped at the transponder chip
  • Lock has been drilled or forced by thieves
  • Internal ignition wafers have collapsed

Got a Lock Problem?

Don't ignore it — a sticky lock or worn key will fail at the worst possible moment. We'll fix it on-site, same day.