How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're heading to work in a hurry, and jam your keys in the ignition. Then you try to turn it around, and it breaks inside the lock!
There are several ways you can attempt to resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call for a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that could happen to the owner of a car is a damaged key in locks. This is especially frustrating when the driver is in a rush to get somewhere, or drop off a kid. In this case, you should act quickly to try and free the stuck key.
Contacting a professional locksmith is the best option, because they'll have the right tools and know how to get rid of the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. A lot of people look around in their vehicle to find something light and sturdy such as a paperclip or toothpick, however this isn't likely to work as it's too heavy to be able to get into the lock.
The best option is to find an tweezers set, as these are quite thin and can easily get into the key hole inside the lock. They should also be rigid enough to hold the damaged part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers then it may be worth searching for key extractors that are often found in auto parts stores. They are narrow, flat and have tiny hooks. They can be inserted through the keyhole to grasp the broken piece of the key.
Another option is to find the magnetic key hook that can attach to the metal in the lock and be pulled out. This is not always the best option since it could get caught in the lock and cause further damage. In this case, it is best to contact a locksmith.
Some people try to stick the two pieces of their snapped car key together with superglue, as it will help them remove it from the lock. This can be dangerous as the metal pieces may tangle and break later. It is also crucial not to turn the key as this can cause further damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact a professional locksmith who will be able to take the broken key and make an immediate replacement.
2. Drill a Hole
Even with a spare key, you may not be able access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. In these cases, drilling out the lock is the best choice.
First, you need to make sure that the key hole is set up to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it isn't, you won't be able to drill the pins without damaging the door, and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
It is important to note that you'll be drilling through an outer plastic layer as well as an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit will suffice to get through these layers, but you need to be sure to not go any deeper than that. If you drill to deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck in the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective equipment when working with drilling. This will prevent dirt and dust from entering your lung.
It's also a good idea if the broken key piece remains stuck in the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers in your bag. If there is enough of the key 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 a tool such as this to encase it in the lock, and then rotate it towards the key to grasp it and take it out.
3. Drill a Nail
If you cut your car key in half, it could cause you to be stranded. There are a number of options to fix the problem without having to hire locksmith. The first thing you can do is to use the screw or nail. These can be found in your home or in a hardware store. It is recommended to select nails that are as thin and long as you can. This will allow you to fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to connect the two pieces together. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will stop it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists resort to DIY techniques, such as using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a dangerous method. You could end up damaging the lock and needing to shell out more money for finding a replacement at the dealer or a locksmith.
It is important to examine the keys that are broken first, and ensure that they are of the same size. This step is crucial to ensure that the glued parts will be aligned properly and the key will fit into the lock once they have been bonded. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the broken pieces. This will improve the glue's bond and reduce the possibility of a key that is loose.
After polishing key fob repair near me after polishing, apply only a small amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue to one end. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue, since excessive amounts can make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the broken key and pressing them together, you can press them. After a few minutes, the glue will begin to set and join the key fragments.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used 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 if the break is inside or close to the keyway or ignition hole.
A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will need a new key from a dealer or a professional locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a different code, and the chip inside the key needs to be changed. However, if the shell or metal portion of the key breaks the key, it will usually only require the cutting of a new key and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of electronics.