How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work, in rush, and put your keys to your car in the ignition. You try to turn the key, but it snaps in the lock.
There are a few ways you can try to solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some easy fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact an expert locksmith
One of the worst things that can happen to the owner of a car is a damaged key in the lock. This can be particularly frustrating when the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or drop off the child. In this case it is essential to act quickly and try to free the stuck key.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best choice, as they'll have the proper tools and know how to remove the keys broken without damaging the lock. A lot of people look around the vehicle for something thin and rigid such as a paperclip or toothpick, but this usually won't work as it is too thick to fit into the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair of tweezers. They are thin and easily fit into the lock. They should be able to grasp the broken piece of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers it might be worth trying to locate a set of key extractors, which are usually sold in auto parts stores. remote key fob repair are flat and narrow with small hooks that can be put into the key hole, and then hold onto the broken bit of the key.
Another possible solution is to find the magnetic key hook that will attach to the metal in the lock and then pull it out. This isn't always a good option since it is possible for it to become stuck under the lock and cause further damage to it. In such a situation it is recommended to contact an expert locksmith.
Some people try to join the two pieces of a broken car key with superglue in order to get it out of the lock. However, this could be extremely risky because the pieces of metal could snag on to each other and then fall apart later. It is important to not turn the key, as this could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact a professional locksmith who will be on hand to remove the broken key and create an immediate replacement.
2. Drill a Hole
Sometimes a key breaks inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. In these instances drilling out the lock is the most effective option.
First, you need to make sure that the key hole is set up to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it isn't then you won't be able to drill 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 layer of metal. A small drill bit is enough to get through these layers, but it is important to ensure that you don't go any deeper than this. Drilling too deep can cause damage to the wiring harness, or cause the drill to stick.
Wearing a protective mask or equipment is advised when using a drill. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your respiratory system.
In the end, it's recommended to have pliers and tweezers in your possession in case the damaged key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key to grip with tweezers or pliers, this could be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you'll have to use an instrument such as this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it toward the key to grab it and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
You could be left without a home if you break your key in half. Luckily, there are several solutions to fix it without having to pay for a locksmith. The first thing you can do is to use the screw or nail. These are available at your home or at a local hardware store. However, it is best to try to find the nail that is as thin and long as possible. This way you can fit it in the hole and then use epoxy to join the two pieces together. It is also important to ensure that the nail's back is level. This will help it to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving and possibly breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners make use of DIY hacks like using super glue repair a broken car key, however this is not a safe thing to do. You could end up damaging the lock and needing to shell out more money for replacing it from the dealership or locksmith.
You must examine the keys that are broken first and make sure they are the same size. This step is crucial to ensure that the pieces are 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 out the edges of the damaged pieces. This will improve the glue's bond and reduce the likelihood of a future loose key.
After polishing the edges, apply the smallest amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue on one side. Use only the smallest amount of super glue as excessive amounts can make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After that, carefully align the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After several seconds, the glue will start to set and bind the key pieces together.
A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used to remove a broken key from an lock. They can be cut like a pick and inserted into the lock. This method is especially useful when the damage is located inside or close to the keyway or ignition hole.
Another important thing to note is that if your car key is equipped with electronic components that require the cutting of a new key by the dealership or an experienced locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed using a different code, and the chip inside the key will need to be changed. In contrast, if only the shell or metal portion of the key is damaged the key, it will usually only require an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of the electronic components.