How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work, in hurry, and you jam your keys to your car in the ignition. Then you try turning it around, and it breaks inside the lock!
Luckily, there are a few options you can resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions: 1. Super Glue.
1. Call for a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is among the most frustrating things a car owner could face. This is especially difficult if it happens while the driver is rushing to get somewhere or to drop off the child. In this case it is crucial to act swiftly and try to get the key out of the way.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this task, because he or she can use the appropriate tools to remove the broken key without harm the lock. Many people look for something small and stiff such as a toothpick or paperclip. However it is not the best solution as they are too large to fit in the lock.
The best option is to use a pair tweezers. They are lightweight and are able to easily get inside the lock. They should be rigid enough to grasp the damaged part of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it could be worth looking for a set available at auto parts stores. They are thin, flat and have hooks that are small. They can be put through the keyhole to take the broken portion of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal of the lock and then pull it out. This isn't always the best option as it could be caught under the lock and cause further damage. In such a scenario it is advised to call a locksmith.
Some people will try to glue the two pieces of their broken car key together using superglue, thinking that this can help them to remove it from the lock. However, this can be very risky as the bits of metal may cling to each other and then fall apart later. It is important to not turn the key, as this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact a professional locksmith who will be able to take out the damaged key and then make an immediate replacement.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes a key is broken inside the lock, and even with an extra key, you may not be capable of opening the door to your vehicle. The lock could be drilled out. be the best solution in these instances.
First, you need to make sure that the key hole is designed to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it's not, you won't be able to remove the pins without damaging the door and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.
Next, it is important to know that you'll be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner metal layer. A small drill bit is sufficient to cut through these layers, but you need to ensure that you don't go further than this. In the event of drilling too deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill to become stuck.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective equipment when working with drills. This will stop dirt and dust from entering your lung.
In the end, it's an excellent idea to keep pliers and tweezers on hand in case the damaged key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is protruding enough to be held by tweezers and pliers, then this is enough to pull it out. If not, you will require a tool such as this one to encase the tool into the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grip and pull it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
You may be left in limbo if you break your key in half. There are a variety of ways to fix the problem without having to pay a locksmith. The first way is to use a nail or screw. They can be found in your home or at a hardware store. But, it is best to try to find a nail that is as thin and as long as you can. So you can insert it into the hole and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces. remote key fob repair is also good to make sure the back of the nail is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will stop it from moving and possibly breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
Many auto owners use DIY techniques, such as using super glue to fix a broken key. This is a risky method. advice here could end up ruining the lock and having to spend more money on getting a replacement from the dealer or locksmith.
It is important to examine the keys that have been damaged first and make sure they are the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key fits into the lock after they've been put in place. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will strengthen the glue's bond and decrease the chance of a loose key.
Once you have polished the edges of the broken key then apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Be careful not to use too much, because this could cause the key to become too thick and it will be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, you can carefully align the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After some time the glue will begin to set and bond the key pieces together.
Another common household item that can be used to remove a damaged car key is a bobby pin that can be made into a pick-like tool and inserted in the lock. This method is particularly useful when the damage is close to or inside the keyway or lock hole.
Another thing to remember is that if the broken car key is equipped with electronic components that require a new key cut from the dealer or an experienced locksmith. This is because the key will need to be programmed with a new code and the key chip will need to be replaced. However, if the shell or metal portion of the key fails it typically requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of the electronics.