How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work in hurry, and you jam your car keys into the ignition. Then you try turning it around, and it breaks in the lock!
There are some things you can try to fix the issue before contacting a professional locksmith. Here are a few easy solutions: 1. Super Glue.
1. Call for a locksmith
A broken key in the lock is one of the worst things a car owner could experience. This is especially frustrating if the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or to drop off an infant. In such a situation, it is important to act swiftly and try to free the stuck key.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this task as they can use the appropriate tools to remove the broken key and not harm the lock. Many people look for something thin and stiff like paperclips or toothpicks. But it is not the best solution as they are too heavy to fit inside the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair of tweezers. They are small and easily fit into the lock. They should be strong enough to grasp the broken piece of a key and pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it's worth looking for a set that is sold at auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with small hooks that can be placed into the key hole and grip on the broken piece of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal in the lock, and then pull it out. This is not always the best option since it could get caught in the lock and cause damage. In this situation, it's best to call a professional locksmith.
Some people try to stick the two pieces of their car key that have snapped together using superglue, thinking that this can help them to remove it from the lock. However, this is very risky as the bits of metal could stick to one another and break apart again later on. It is also important not to turn the key as this can cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to repair the damaged key immediately.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even if you have a spare, you might not be capable of opening the door to your vehicle. A drill may be the best solution in these instances.
The first step is to make sure that the key hole is set up to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it's not then you won't have the ability to drill out the pins and damage the lock's door or mechanism.
The next step is to know that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and the inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers using a a small drill bit, but you should not go any deeper. Drilling too deep can damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill to snag.
Wearing a mask or other protective gear is also advised when using drills. This will stop dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.
It is also a good idea to have a pair of pliers and tweezers available in the event that the broken piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this should suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you will require a tool such as this one to wedge the tool into the lock, and then turn it toward the key in order to grip it and take it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
You can be left stranded if you break your key in half. There are a number of options to fix the issue without the expense of locksmith. The first option is to use a nail or screw. They can be found in your home or in a hardware store. key fob repair is best to choose nails that are as thin and long as possible. This will allow you to fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to join the two pieces together. Make sure that the back of the nails are flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will stop it from moving and potentially breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists opt for DIY techniques, such as using super glue to fix a broken key. This is a dangerous method. You could cause damage to the lock, and then have to shell out more money for a replacement.
The first step is to take a look at the keys that are broken and ensure that they are in terms of size. This step is crucial to ensure that the glued pieces will be aligned properly and the key will fit into the lock once they have been bonded. After that, use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth the edges of the broken pieces of the key. This will help the glue stick better and lessen the risk of a loose key in the future.
After finishing the edges, apply only a small amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue to one end. Be careful not to apply too much, as this can cause the key to become too thick and it will be difficult to fit into the lock. After that, carefully place the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a few moments, the glue will begin to set and bind together the key fragments.
A paperclip or bobby-pin can also be used as a tool to remove a damaged key from the lock. They can be cut like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This method is particularly helpful in the event that the broken part is close or inside the keyway or lock hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will need a new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed with a different code, and the chip inside the key must be changed. If, however, only the shell or metal portion of the key breaks the key, it will usually only require the cutting of a new key and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of the electronic components.