How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a rush to get to work and you put your keys into the ignition. You try to turn the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
There are some things you can try to fix the issue before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are a few easy solutions: 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 locks. This is particularly aggravating if the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or pick up a kid. In such a situation, it is important to act quickly and attempt to free the stuck key.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best choice, as they will have the right tools and know how to take out the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. Many people will have a look around their car for something small and rigid such as a paperclip or toothpick, but this typically won't work since it's too heavy to enter the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair of tweezers. They are thin and easily fit into the lock. They should be rigid enough to grasp the broken piece of a key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers it might be worth trying to locate a set of key extractors that are often available in auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with small hooks that can be placed into the key hole, and then hold onto the broken bit of the key.
Another possible solution is to locate the magnetic key hook that will stick to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This isn't always the best option as it can get caught under a lock and cause more damage. In this case, it's best to call an experienced locksmith.
Some people try to join the two pieces of a broken car key using superglue in order to take it out of the lock. However, this is extremely risky because the pieces of metal could snag on to one another and break apart later. It is essential not to turn the key as this could cause further damage to your lock or the ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the broken key immediately.
2. Drill a Hole
Even having a spare key you may not be able access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. The lock could be drilled out. be the best option in these situations.
First, you will want to make sure that the key hole is designed to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it isn't it, you will not be able to drill the pins without damaging the door, and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.
The next step is to know that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit is sufficient to get through these layers, but you need to be sure not to go further than this. If you drill to deep, it could harm the wiring harness inside 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 drills. This will keep dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.
It's also a good idea, in the event that the key fragment is broken and remains stuck in the lock, to keep two pairs of pliers and tweezers handy. If there is enough of the key sticking out to grip with tweezers or pliers, this should suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you'll need to use an instrument such as this to wedge it into the lock and then turn it towards the key to grab it and pull it out.
3. Drill a Nail
You may be left in limbo when you cut your key in half. There are fortunately a few methods to fix it without having to pay for a locksmith. The first option is to make use of a screw or nail. These can be found in your home or at a hardware store. But, it is best to look for a nail that is as thin and long as possible. This way, you can place it into the hole and then use epoxy to connect the two pieces together. Make sure that the back of the nails is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will stop it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists make use of DIY tricks such as using super glue to try and fix a broken car key, however this is a dangerous way to go. You could cause damage to the lock, and then have to shell out more money for a replacement.
It is important to examine the keys that are broken first to ensure they are of the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all the pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key will fit in the lock after they have been put in place. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the broken pieces. This will improve the bond of glue and decrease the possibility of a loose key.
After finishing the edges After polishing the edges, apply the smallest amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue on the other side. Use only tiny amounts of super glue, since excessive amounts can make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully place the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a short time the glue will begin to set and join together the key fragments.
Another household item that can be used to to remove a damaged car key is a bobby or paperclip pin that can be made into a pick-like tool, then inserted in the lock. key fob repair service near me is particularly helpful if the break is near or inside the keyway or ignition lock hole.
Another important point to keep in mind is that if the damaged car key is equipped with electronic components, it will require the cutting of 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 metal or shell of the key fails it typically requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require any reprogramming or replacing of the electronics.