Fast, Reliable Help When Your Key Stops Working
A jammed, stuck, or broken car key can leave you stranded, whether you’re heading to work, managing a delivery, or parked outside your home. At Armstrong Smarter Security, we specialise in car ignition key repairs and replacements, providing fast, professional service wherever you are in New Zealand.
With over 45 years of locksmith experience and 15 stores nationwide, our licensed mobile technicians deliver expert solutions that get you moving again without the stress or dealership delays.
Most ignition issues start small, but if left unchecked, they can lead to a full vehicle breakdown. Our team handles a wide range of faults, including:
We help prevent further damage, saving you time and cost by addressing the issue before it escalates.
Armstrong offers full-service mobile support for all ignition-related issues. Our services include:
These services are completed on-site using advanced tools and manufacturer-grade parts, avoiding the need for expensive towing or downtime.
You don’t need to bring your vehicle to a dealership or garage. Armstrong’s mobile ignition key service technicians come to your location — home, workplace, roadside, or car park — with everything needed to carry out the job.
We provide emergency ignition key service 24/7, meaning help is never far when you need it most.
Our automotive locksmiths work with nearly all makes and models that use mechanical or transponder-based key ignition systems:
Whether your issue involves transponder key recognition, a worn ignition barrel, or a broken key, we have the tools and experience to fix it.
We’re not just a locksmith. We’re a trusted partner for automotive security, offering expert car ignition key replacement and repairs you can count on.
If your ignition key is stuck, broken, or won’t turn, don’t wait until the problem worsens. Armstrong’s mobile locksmiths will assess the issue and carry out repairs on the spot.
Not necessarily. Often, the issue is caused by worn "wafers" inside the ignition barrel or a worn-out key, rather than the entire unit failing.
Our mobile technicians can often repair the existing ignition barrel by replacing these internal components or cutting a fresh key to factory specifications, which is much cheaper and faster than replacing the whole ignition assembly.
No, we do not recommend it. A "sticky" ignition is a warning sign that the lock is failing.
If it jams completely while you are driving, you could lose the ability to steer or restart the vehicle. It is best to call us as soon as you notice the key becoming difficult to turn, so we can fix it before it leaves you stranded.
Yes. Attempted theft often leaves the ignition barrel damaged or broken.
We can repair or replace the damaged ignition assembly and repair any surrounding lock damage. If we replace the ignition, we can often "rekey" it to match your existing door keys, so you don't need two separate keys for the car.
Ignition repairs by an automotive locksmith are typically significantly cheaper than dealership replacements.
Dealerships often replace the entire steering column or lock assembly and require the car to be towed to them. We can repair just the specific broken parts on-site, saving you the cost of towing and the high price of dealership parts.
First, ensure your car is fully in "Park" (if automatic) and that the steering wheel isn't locked against the key.
If it is still stuck, do not force it, as you may snap the key inside. Call Armstrong immediately; we can release the stuck key and repair the worn tumblers that caused it to jam, usually in a single visit.

If this is an emergency or urgent job, please contact us on 0800-506-111