How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a hurry to get to work, and put your keys in the ignition. Then you try turning it around, and it breaks in the lock!
There are a few things you can do to solve the issue before contacting a professional locksmith. Here are some quick fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is among the most frustrating things a car owner could experience. This can be particularly frustrating if the driver is trying to get somewhere, or to drop off the child. In this case it is essential to act quickly and try to free the stuck key.
A locksmith with experience is the best option because they'll have the proper tools and know how to get rid of the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. Many people look around in their vehicle for something thin and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, but these usually won't work as it's too heavy to be able to get into the lock.
The best option is to use a pair of tweezers. They are small and easily fit inside the lock. They should also be rigid enough to hold the damaged part of the key and remove it. If you don't have tweezers, then you might consider searching for a set of key extractors, which are usually found in auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with hooks that are small enough to be put into the key hole, and then hold on the broken piece of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal of the lock and then remove it. This is not always a good idea, as it can sometimes be caught in the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this situation it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people try to join two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue order to take it out of the lock. However, this can be extremely risky since the pieces of metal could stick to each other and then break apart later. It is crucial not to turn the key as it could cause further damage to your lock or the ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to repair the broken key immediately.
2. Drill a Hole
Even with a spare key you may not be able to access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. Drilling out the lock may be the best solution in these situations.
You will first want to ensure that the keyhole is positioned for a basic tumbler. If it's not there, you won't have the ability to remove the pins and cause damage to the lock's door or mechanism.
Next, it is important to be aware that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and the inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers using a tiny drill bits, but you should not go deeper. If you drill too deep it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick inside the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear while working using drilling. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lung.
It's an excellent idea, when the broken piece of key is still sticking out of the lock, to have pliers and tweezers handy. If the key is protruding enough to be held by pliers and tweezers this will suffice to get it out. If not you'll need to use a tool such as this one to encase the tool into the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grip and take it out of the hole.
3. Drill a Nail
If you break your car key in half, it could leave you in a bind. There are several ways to solve the issue without having to hire an locksmith. car key fob repair can do is to use the screw or nail. They are available in your house or at the hardware store. It is recommended to pick a nail as thin and as long as possible. This way, you can place it into the hole and then use epoxy to join the two pieces together. It is also good to make sure 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
A lot of motorists use DIY techniques like using super glue attempt to fix a damaged car key, however this is a dangerous thing to do. You could end up ruining the lock and have to pay more for replacing it from the dealer or a locksmith.
You must examine the broken keys first to ensure they are the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all the pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key fits into the lock after they've been bonded. After that, use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will strengthen the bond of glue and decrease the possibility of a key that is loose.
After polishing the edges, apply a small amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue to one end. Be careful not to use too much glue, as this can cause the key to become too thick and may be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the key that broke, press them together. After a few minutes, the glue will begin to set and join to the key pieces.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used to remove a broken key from an lock. They can be shaped like a pick and inserted into the lock. This method is especially useful when the damage is located within or near the keyway or ignition hole.
A broken car key with electronic components will need a new key from the locksmith or dealer. This is because the key will need to be programmed using a new code and the key chip must be replaced. If only the metal or shell of the key fails and needs to be replaced, you'll need to replace the cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace the electronic components.