How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a rush to get your work done and put your keys in the ignition. Then you try turning it, and it snaps off inside the lock!
Luckily, there are a few ways you can fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are a few easy fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
One of the worst things that could happen to an owner of a vehicle is a broken key inside a lock. This can be even more difficult if it happens while the driver is trying to get to work or to drop off an infant. In this case you must act swiftly to try to free the stuck key.
Contacting a professional locksmith is the best option as they will have the proper tools and know how to get rid of the broken keys without damaging the lock. Many people will look for something that is thin and rigid, such as paperclips or toothpicks. However, this is not the best option since they are too large to fit in the lock.
A much better solution is to search for a pair of tweezers, because they are thin and can easily reach the key hole within the lock. They should be strong enough to grasp the damaged part of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it's worth searching for a set available at auto parts stores. They are thin, flat and have tiny hooks. They can be put in the keyhole and grab the broken part of the key.
Another option is to find the magnetic key hook that can attach to the metal in the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best choice as it can get caught under the lock and cause damage. In this case, it is best to contact an expert locksmith.
Some people attempt to glue together the two pieces of a broken car key with superglue in order to remove it from the lock. This can be dangerous as the metal pieces may tangle and break later. It is crucial not to turn the key because it could cause further damage to your lock or the ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to repair the broken key right away.
2. Drill through a hole
Sometimes a key breaks inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. In these cases drilling out the lock is the best option.
You will first want to ensure that the keyhole is positioned for a basic tumbler key. If it's not then you won't be able to remove the pins without damaging the door, and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.
The next step is to know that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers with a small drill bit, but you should not go any deeper. If you drill to deep it could harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to stick within the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear while working with drills. This will stop dirt and dust from entering your respiratory system.
Finally, it is a good idea to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers in your possession in case the damaged key is sticking out of the lock. If there is key fob repair near me of the key protruding to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this will be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, however you'll require an instrument like this one to wedge the tool inside the lock and then rotate it towards the key in order to grip it and pull it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you cut your car key in half, it could cause you to be in a bind. There are several ways to fix the issue without having to pay a locksmith. The first method is to make use of a screw or nail. These are available at your home or in a hardware store. But, it is best to try to find the nail that is as thin and long as possible. This will allow you to fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to join the two parts together. It is also important to ensure that the nail's back is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will prevent it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners resort to DIY techniques, such as using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a dangerous practice. You could cause damage to the lock and be forced to pay more money to get a new one.
It is important to examine the keys that are broken first and make sure they're the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all the pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key will fit inside the lock once they've been joined. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will make the glue bond better and reduce the chances of a key falling loose in the future.
After finishing the edges After polishing the edges, apply only a small amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue to the other side. Be cautious not to apply too much, as this could cause the key to become too thick and may be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, you can carefully place the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a few moments the glue will begin to set and join the key fragments.
Another household item that can be used to help remove a damaged car key is a bobby pin that can be made into a pick-like tool and put into the lock. This method is especially useful when the damage is located inside or close to the keyway or ignition hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will require an entirely new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key will have to be reprogrammed using a new code, and the chip inside the key will need to be changed. If the metal or shell of the key breaks, you will need to replace the cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace electronic components.