How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're rushing to get to work and you put your keys into the ignition. Then you try turning it around, and it breaks inside the lock!
There are some things you can try to fix the issue before contacting an expert locksmith. Here are some quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that could happen to an owner of a vehicle is a broken key in a lock. This is especially difficult if it happens while the driver is trying to get to work or to drop off a child. In this situation it is essential to act quickly and attempt to release the stuck key.
Contacting a professional locksmith is the best option because they'll have the proper tools and know how to take out the broken keys without damaging the lock. repair car key will have a look around the vehicle to find something light and sturdy like a paperclip or toothpick, but this isn't likely to work as it's too thick to be able to get into the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair tweezers. They are small and easily fit inside the lock. They should be able to grasp the damaged part of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it could be worth searching for a set available at auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have small hooks. They can be put into the keyhole and then take the broken portion of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best option since it is possible for it to be caught in the lock and cause further damage to it. In such a situation it is advised to contact locksmith.
Some people will try to join the two pieces of their car key that have snapped with superglue as it can aid them in take it out of the lock. However, this could be extremely risky because the pieces of metal could snag on to each other and then break apart later. It is crucial not to turn the key as it could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to replace the broken key on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes a key breaks inside the lock, and even if you have a spare, you might not be able to gain access to your vehicle. The lock could be drilled out. be the best solution in these instances.
It is important to make sure that the keyhole is set for a basic tumbler key. If it isn't it, you will not be able to drill the pins without damaging the door, and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.
Next, it is important to understand that you'll be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and the inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with a small drill bit, but you should not go deeper. In the event of drilling too deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill to stick.
Wearing a mask or other protective equipment is advised when using a drill. This will stop dirt and dust from entering your lungs.
In the end, it's an excellent idea to keep two pairs of pliers and tweezers on hand in case the damaged piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is long enough to be held by tweezers and pliers, then this is enough to pull it out. If there isn't, however you'll require tools like this one to encase the tool inside the lock and then rotate it toward the key in order to grip it and take it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you break your car key in half, it could cause you to be in a bind. There are a number of options to fix the issue without having to hire an locksmith. The first way is to utilize a screw or nail. You can find these in your house or at a hardware store. It is recommended to select the nail that is as thin and as long as you can. This way, you can place it in the hole and then use epoxy to join the two pieces. It is also important to make sure the back of the nail is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will prevent it from moving around and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners tend to use DIY hacks like using super glue to try and fix a broken car key, but this is a dangerous way to go. You could end up ruining the lock and have to spend more money on replacing it from the dealer or a locksmith.
First, examine the keys that have been damaged and make sure they are identical in terms of size. This step is crucial to ensure that the glued pieces will be properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock after they are bonded together. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the broken pieces. This will help make the glue bond stronger and lessen the risk of a loose key in the future.
After finishing the edges after polishing, apply only a small amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue to one end. Be careful not to apply too much, because this could cause the key to become too thick and it will be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully place the two pieces of the key and press them together. After some time, the glue will start to set and bind the key fragments together.
Another common household item that can be used to help extract a broken car key is a bobby pin, which can be shaped into a pick-like tool and put into the lock. This technique is particularly useful if the break is within or near the keyway or ignition hole.
A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will need a new key from a locksmith or dealer. The key must be reprogrammed using a new code and the chip inside the key must be replaced. If the metal or shell of the key is damaged and needs to be replaced, you'll need to replace the cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace electronic components.