How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a rush to get to work and jam your keys into the ignition. Then you try to turn it around, and it breaks inside the lock!
There are a few things you can do to solve the issue before contacting a professional locksmith. Here are some quick solutions: 1. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that can happen to an owner of a vehicle is a broken key inside a lock. This situation is even more frustrating if it occurs while the driver is trying to get somewhere or to drop off the child. In this case you must act swiftly to attempt to free the stuck key.
It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this task, because he or she will be able to use the appropriate tools to remove the broken key without cause damage to the lock. Many people look around in their vehicle to find something light and sturdy like a paperclip, or toothpick, but these usually won't work as it's too heavy to fit into the lock.
The best option is to use a pair of tweezers. They are thin and are able to easily get inside the lock. They should also be rigid enough to hold the damaged part of the key and remove it. If you don't own tweezers, it's worth searching for a set that is sold at auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have small hooks. They can be inserted through the keyhole to grasp the broken piece of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal in the lock, and then pull it out. This is not always a good idea since it is possible for it to get caught under the lock and cause further damage to it. In this case it is best to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people try to glue together the two pieces of a broken car key with superglue in order to remove it from the lock. However, this is extremely risky because the pieces of metal could snag on to one another and break apart again later on. It is also essential not to turn the key as this can cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to repair the broken key on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even with an extra key, you may not be able to gain access to your vehicle. A drill may be the best solution in these instances.
You will first want to ensure that the keyhole is set up to accept a basic tumbler key. If it's not there, you won't have the ability to remove the pins and damage the lock's door or internal mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you will drill through the outer layer of plastic as well as an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers with tiny drill bits, but you should not go any deeper. If you drill too deep it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to become stuck inside the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective equipment when working using drilling. This will stop dust and dirt from getting into your respiratory system.
It's also a good idea, when the broken piece of key is sticking out of the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers handy. If there is key fob repair of the key to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this will be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you will require a tool such as this one to encase the tool into the lock and then rotate it toward the key to grasp it and pull it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you smash your car key in half, it could leave you trapped. There are a variety of ways to fix the problem without the expense of an locksmith. The first way is to make use of a screw or nail. You can find these at home or in the hardware store. It is recommended to select nails that are 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 together. It is also important to ensure that the nail's back is level. This will make it easier to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners opt for DIY hacks, such as using super glue to fix a broken key. This is a risky practice. You could cause damage to the lock, and have to shell out more money to get a new one.
The first step is to examine the keys that have been damaged and make sure that they match each other in terms of size. This is essential to ensure that the pieces will be properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock after they have been bonded. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the broken pieces. This will help the glue bond stronger and decrease the chance of a loose key in the future.
After polishing the edges, apply only a small amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue on the other side. Use only a small amount of super glue, since too much can make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the broken key, press them together. After a few seconds the glue will begin to set and bond the key pieces together.
A paperclip or bobby-pin can also be used as a tool to remove a damaged key from a lock. They can be shaped like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This method is especially useful when the damage is located within or near the keyway or ignition hole.
A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will require a new key from a dealer or a professional locksmith. The key will have to be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip in the key must be changed. However, if the metal or shell of the key is damaged it typically requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require any reprogramming or replacing of the electronic components.