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 it into a lock, and it snaps from the lock!
Luckily, there are several ways you can attempt to fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are some quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that could happen to a car owner is a broken key in a lock. This can be even more painful if it occurs when the driver is trying to get somewhere or to drop off a child. In this case, you should act quickly to attempt to remove the stuck key.
It is recommended to call an expert locksmith for this job as they can use the right tools to remove the broken key without cause damage to the lock. A lot of people look around the vehicle for something thin and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, however this typically won't work since it's too thick to fit into the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair tweezers. They are lightweight and easily fit inside the lock. They should also be strong enough to grasp the broken part of the key and pull it out. If you don't have tweezers it might be worth searching for keys extractors which are typically available in auto parts stores. They are narrow and flat with small hooks that can be inserted into the key hole and grip onto the broken bit of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal in the lock, and then remove it. This isn't always a good option, as it can sometimes get caught under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this situation, it's best to call a professional locksmith.
Some people attempt to join two pieces of a broken car key with superglue in order to take it out of the lock. This is a risk since the metal pieces could get caught and break later. It is important to not turn the key because it could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to repair the damaged key on the spot.
2. Drill through a hole
Sometimes a key is broken inside the lock, and even with an extra key, you may not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. Drilling out the lock may be the best solution in these instances.
The first step is to ensure that the key hole is designed to take a basic tumbler car key. If it isn't, you won't be able to remove the pins without damaging the door, and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you will drill through an outer plastic layer as well as an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit is enough to cut through these layers, but it is important to be sure not to go any deeper than that. In the event of drilling too deep, it could damage the internal wiring harness, or cause the drill to stick.
Wearing a mask or protective gear is also advised when using drilling. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
It's an excellent idea, if the broken key piece remains stuck in the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers at hand. If there is enough of the key protruding to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this should suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not you'll need to use tools like this one to wedge the tool into the lock, and then turn it towards the key in order to grip it and pull it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you break your car key in half, it could cause you to be trapped. There are a number of options to solve the issue without having to hire a locksmith. The first option is to utilize a screw or nail. These can be found in your home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to select the nail that is as thin and as long as you can. So you can insert 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 allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will stop it from moving around and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many auto owners resort to DIY hacks, like using super glue to fix a broken key. This is a dangerous method. You could end up damaging the lock and be forced to pay more money to get a new one.
You need to check the broken keys first to ensure they are of the same size. This is essential to ensure that the glued pieces are properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock once they are bonded together. Then, using key fob repair near me -grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the broken pieces. This will make the glue bond better and reduce the chances of a key falling loose in the future.
After polishing the edges After polishing the edges, apply a small amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue to one end. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue, as too much can make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, you can carefully place the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a short time, the glue will begin to set and bond the key fragments.
Another household item that can be used to help to remove a damaged car key is a paperclip or bobby pin, which can be shaped into a pick-like device and inserted in the lock. This method is especially useful if the break is within or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
A broken car key with electronic components will need a new key from a dealer or a professional locksmith. This is because the key needs to be programmed with a brand new code and the chip must be replaced. If the metal or shell of the key is damaged it will be necessary to have a new cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace electronic components.