How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a rush to get your work done and jam your keys into the ignition. Then you try turning it, and it snaps off inside the lock!
There are some things you can try to fix the issue before calling an expert locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes:: 1. Super Glue.
1. Contact an expert locksmith
One of the most devastating things that could happen to an owner of a vehicle is a broken key in the lock. This situation is even more frustrating if it occurs while the driver is rushing to get somewhere or to drop off the child. In this scenario it is imperative to act fast to attempt to remove the stuck key.
It is recommended to call an experienced locksmith for this task for this job, as they will have the correct tools to take out the broken key and not harm the lock. Many people will have a look around the vehicle for something small and rigid such as a paperclip or toothpick, however this typically won't work since it's too thick to enter the lock.
The best solution is to look for a pair of tweezers as these are quite thin and can easily get into the key hole within the lock. They should be rigid enough to grasp the broken piece of a key and pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it might be worth searching for a set sold at auto parts stores. They are narrow and flat with hooks that are small enough to be placed into the key hole and then grip onto the broken bit of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal inside the lock, and then remove it. This isn't always the best choice as it can get caught under a lock and cause more damage. In this situation it is best to contact an experienced locksmith.
Some people try to join the two pieces of a broken car key using superglue order to remove it from the lock. This can be dangerous as the metal pieces may tangle and break later. It is also essential not to turn the key since this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith who will be on hand to remove the broken key and create a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill through a hole
Sometimes a key is broken inside the lock, and even if you have an extra key, you may not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. In these instances drilling the lock is the best option.
First, you will want to make sure that the key hole is set up to take a basic tumbler car key. If it's not there, you won't have the ability to drill out the pins and damage the door or internal lock mechanism.
It is important to keep in mind that you'll be drilling through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit is enough to penetrate these layers, but you need to be sure to not go any deeper than that. Drilling too deep can cause damage to the wiring harness, or cause the drill to become stuck.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear when working with drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.
It is an excellent idea, if the broken key piece remains stuck in the lock, to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers at hand. If there is enough of the key sticking out to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this should suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you'll have to use an instrument such as this to wedge it in the lock, and then rotate it towards the key to grab and remove it.
3. Drill a Nail
You could be left without a home if you break your key in half. There are a few solutions to fix it, without having to pay for locksmith. The first option is to make use of a screw or nail. They are available at home or in 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 use epoxy glue to join the two pieces. It is also good to make sure the back of the nail is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will stop it from moving and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners tend to use DIY techniques like using super glue try and fix a broken car key, but this is not a safe option to make. You could end up damaging the lock and have to spend more money on getting a replacement from the dealership or a locksmith.
You need to check the keys that have been damaged first and make sure they are of the same size. This step is essential to ensure that all the pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key will fit in the lock after they've been joined. After that, you can use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth the edges of the broken pieces of the key. This will strengthen the glue's bond and reduce the chance of a loose key.
After polishing the edges, apply a small amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue to one end. Be careful not to use too much, as this could cause the key to become too thick and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the key that broke and pressing them together, you can press them. After several seconds the glue will begin to set and bond the key pieces together.
car keys repair that can be used to help to remove a damaged car key is a paperclip or bobby pin that can be made into a pick-like device and put into the lock. This technique is particularly useful in the event that the broken part is in or close to the keyway or the ignition hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will require a new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip in the key will need to be changed. In contrast, if only the shell or metal portion of the key is damaged it typically requires a new key cut and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of the electronic components.