How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work in a hurry, and jam your keys in the ignition. Then you try turning it into a lock, and it snaps from the lock!
There are a few things you could do to fix the problem before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes:: 1. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
One of the worst things that could happen to the owner of a car is a damaged key in the lock. This can be even more difficult if it happens while the driver is rushing to get somewhere or to drop off an infant. In this case, it is important to act swiftly and try to free the stuck key.
It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this job as they can use the appropriate tools to remove the broken key without damage the lock. A lot of people look around their car to find something light and sturdy like a paperclip, or toothpick, however this isn't likely to work as it's too thick to enter the lock.
The best solution is to find an tweezers set, since they are very thin and can easily reach the key hole in the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to hold the damaged part of the key and remove it. If you don't own tweezers, it might be worth searching for a set that is available at auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with small hooks that can be placed into the key hole and then grip on the broken piece of the key.
Another option is to find an magnetic key hook that can attach to the metal in the lock and be pulled out. This is not always the best choice as it can get caught under the lock and cause further damage. In this case it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people try to join the two pieces of their snapped car key together using superglue, thinking that it will help them take it out of the lock. This is a risk because the pieces of metal could snag and break later. It is crucial not to turn the key as it could cause further damage to your lock or the ignition cylinder. It is best to contact an expert locksmith who will be ready to take out the broken key and make a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Even with a spare key, you may not be able access your vehicle if a key is broken inside the lock. Drilling out the lock may be the best option in these instances.
First, you need to make sure that the key hole is set up to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it isn't, you won't be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door, and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.
It is also important to be aware that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with tiny drill bits, but you should not go any further. If you drill too deep it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck in the hole.
Wearing a protective mask or equipment is recommended when using a drill. This will stop dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.
It is also a good idea if the broken key piece is still sticking out of the lock, to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers at hand. If there is enough of the key sticking out to be able to grasp 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 encase it in the lock, and then turn it toward the key to grab and remove it.
3. Drill a Nail
You can be left stranded when you cut your key in half. There are several ways to fix the problem without having to hire locksmith. The first thing you can do is use screws or nails. They can be found in your home or in a hardware store. It is best to choose the nail that is as thin and as long as possible. This way, you can place it in the hole and then use epoxy to join the two parts together. It is also good to ensure that the back of the nail is level. This will make it easier to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners make use of DIY hacks such as using super glue to repair a broken car key, however this is not a safe thing to do. You could cause damage to the lock, and have to pay more money to get a new one.
It is important to examine the keys that have been damaged first, and ensure that they're the same size. This step is essential to ensure that all the pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key fits into the lock after they have been bonded. Then, use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will help make the glue bond better and decrease the chance of a key becoming loose in the future.
After polishing the edges after polishing, apply a small amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue on the other side. Only apply the smallest amount of super glue, as excessive amounts can make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the key that broke, press them together. After a few seconds the glue will begin to set and join the key fragments together.
Another household item that can be used to extract a broken car key is a bobby pin which can be cut into a pick-like device and placed inside the lock. This method is particularly helpful when the damage is close to or inside the keyway or lock hole.
A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will need a new key from the locksmith or dealer. The key must be reprogrammed with a different code and the chip in the key needs to be replaced. If the metal or shell of the key breaks and needs to be replaced, you'll need to have a new cut. key fob repair near me don't have to reprogramme or replace electronics.