How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're heading to work in a hurry, and jam your keys to your car in the ignition. You try to turn the key, but it snaps in the lock.
There are a few ways you can resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some quick fixes:: 1. Super Glue.
1. Contact an expert locksmith
One of the most devastating things that could happen to the owner of a car is a damaged key in the lock. This is especially frustrating if the driver is trying to get somewhere, or to drop off an infant. In this case it is crucial to act swiftly and try to free the stuck key.
Calling key fob repairs is the best choice, as they'll have the proper tools and know how to remove the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. Many people are looking for something small and stiff such as a toothpick or paperclip. However this isn't the best choice since they are too heavy to fit inside the lock.
The best option is to use a pair tweezers. They are lightweight and are able to easily get inside the lock. They should be rigid enough to grab the broken part of a key and pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it might be worth searching for a set of key extractors that are often sold in auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have hooks that are small. They can be inserted through the keyhole to grab the broken part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal in the lock and then remove it. This isn't always a good option since it is possible for it to get caught under the lock and cause further damage to it. In this case it is advised to call an expert locksmith.
Some people attempt to join the two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue in order to remove it from the lock. This can be dangerous since the metal pieces may tangle and break later. It is also important not to turn the key since this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to replace the broken key right away.
2. Drill through a hole
Sometimes a key is broken inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be able to gain access to your vehicle. Drilling out the lock may be the best solution in these situations.
The first step is to make sure that the key hole is designed to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it's not there, you won't be able to drill out the pins and cause damage to the lock's door or internal mechanism.
It is also important to know that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner metal layer. A small drill bit will suffice to cut through these layers, but you need to ensure that you don't go any deeper than that. If you drill too deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick inside the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective equipment when working using a drill. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lung.
It is also a good idea, if the broken key piece is still sticking out of the lock, to keep a pair pliers and tweezers in your bag. If there is enough of the key to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this could suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you'll have to use a tool such as this to encase it into the lock and then turn it towards the key to grab it and pull it out.
3. Drill a Nail
You could be left without a home in the event that you break your key in half. There are several ways to fix the problem without having to pay a locksmith. The first method is to use a nail or screw. You can find them in your house or at the hardware store. It is best to choose the nail that is as thin and long as possible. This means you can put it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces. Make sure that the back of the nails is flat. This will help it to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving and possibly breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of motorists use DIY tricks such as using super glue to attempt to fix a damaged car key, however this is a risky thing to do. You could end up damaging the lock and needing to pay more for getting a replacement from the dealership or a locksmith.
It is important to examine the keys that are broken first and make sure they are the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all the pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key fits in the lock after they've been joined. Then, use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will strengthen the glue's bond and reduce the chance of a key that is loose.
Once you have polished the edges of the broken key then apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Use only tiny amounts of super glue, since excessive amounts can make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the key that broke, press them together. After a few moments, the glue will begin to set and join to the key pieces.
A paperclip or bobby-pin can also be used as a tool to extract a broken key from a lock. They can be cut like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This method is particularly helpful when the damage is close to or inside the keyway or lock hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will require an entirely new key from the locksmith or dealer. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a new code and the chip inside the key will need to be replaced. However, if the metal or shell of the key fails, it usually just requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of electronic components.