How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a rush to get to work and jam your keys into the ignition. You try turning the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
Luckily, there are a few ways you can solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few easy fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A broken key in the lock is one of the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner could face. This is especially frustrating if the driver is trying to get somewhere, or pick up a kid. In such a situation it is essential to act quickly and try to release the stuck key.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this task, because he or she can use the right tools to remove the broken key and not harm the lock. Many people look around their car for something thin and rigid like a paperclip or toothpick, but these isn't likely to work as it's too heavy to be able to get into the lock.
The best option is to look for a pair of tweezers because they are thin and easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to grasp the broken part of the key and remove it. If you don't own tweezers, it's worth searching for a set sold at auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with small hooks that can be put into the key hole, and then hold onto the damaged part of the key.
Another option is to find a magnetic key hook that will attach to the metal in the lock and pull it out. This is not always the best option since it could get caught in a lock and cause more damage. In this situation it is best to contact an experienced 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 could be extremely risky because the pieces of metal could stick to one another and break apart later. It is important to not turn the key because this could cause further damage to your lock or the ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the damaged key on the spot.
2. Drill through a hole
Even with a spare key, you may not be able to access your vehicle if a key is broken inside the lock. In these instances drilling out the lock is the best option.
First, you must make sure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler. 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 also important to be aware that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner metal layer. A small drill bit is enough to penetrate these layers, but you need to be sure to not go any deeper than that. If you drill to deep it may damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to become stuck in the hole.
Wearing a mask or other protective gear is also advised when using a drill. This will stop dirt and dust from entering your lungs.
It is an excellent idea, if the broken key piece is still sticking out of the lock, to keep two pairs of pliers and tweezers handy. If there is enough of the key sticking out to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this will suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you'll have to use a tool such as this to encase it into the lock and then turn it toward the key to grab and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
You can be left stranded if you break your key in half. There are a variety of ways to fix the problem without having to pay an locksmith. The first way is to make use of a screw or nail. They are available in your house or at a hardware store. It is recommended to select a nail as thin and as long as you can. You can then insert it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces. Make sure that the back of the nails is flat. This will make it easier to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners make use of DIY tricks like using super glue repair a broken car key, but this is a dangerous thing to do. car key fob repairs near me could cause damage to the lock and be forced to shell out more money to get a new one.
First, examine the keys that are broken and ensure that they are in terms of size. This is essential to ensure that the pieces will be properly aligned and that the key fits into the lock after they are bonded together. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the broken pieces. This will help make the glue bond better and decrease the chance of a key falling loose in the future.
After finishing the edges After polishing the edges, apply the smallest amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue to one side. Use only tiny amounts of super glue as too much could make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After that, carefully align the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a few minutes the glue will begin to set and bind the key fragments.
Another household item that can be used to help remove a damaged car key is a paperclip or bobby pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool and placed inside the lock. This method is particularly useful when the damage is close to or inside the keyway or lock hole.
Another important thing to note is that if the broken car key is equipped with electronic components and requires a new key cut from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a different code, and the chip inside the key must be replaced. If, however, only the metal or shell of the key fails, it usually just requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of the electronic components.