How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work in a hurry, and jam your keys in the ignition. You try to turn the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
There are some things you can do to solve the issue before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are some quick fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Call an expert locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner can experience. This can be particularly frustrating when the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or drop off a kid. In this scenario it is imperative to act fast to attempt to get the key out of the way.
It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this task, because he or she can use the correct tools to take out the broken key without damage the lock. Many people look for something thin and stiff, such as toothpicks or paperclips. But this isn't the best solution as they are too large to fit in the lock.
The best solution is to find a pair of tweezers as these are quite thin and can easily reach the key hole within the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to hold the damaged part of the key and remove it. If you don't have tweezers, it might be worth looking for a set 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 stick to the metal of the lock and then pull it out. This isn't always a good idea, as it can sometimes be caught in the lock and cause further damage to it. In this case, it's best to call an experienced locksmith.
Some people attempt to join two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue order to take it out of the lock. This could be risky since the metal pieces could snag and break later. It is important to not turn the key as this could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to repair the broken key right away.
2. Drill through a hole
Even having a spare key you may not be able to access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. In these instances drilling the lock is the most effective option.
First, you need to make sure that the key hole is set up to take a basic tumbler car key. If it's not then you won't be able to drill out the pins and cause damage to the lock's door or internal mechanism.
It is important to note that you will drill through an outer plastic layer as well as an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit is sufficient to cut through these layers, but you need to be sure not to go any deeper than this. If you drill to deep it may damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck inside the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear while working using drills. This will keep the dust and dirt from getting into your respiratory system.
It is also a good idea to have a pair of pliers and tweezers in your possession in the event that the broken piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is protruding enough to be held by pliers and tweezers, this is enough to pull it out. If not you'll need to use an instrument like this one to wedge the tool in the lock, and then turn it towards the key in order to grip it and take it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
You may be left in limbo in the event that you break your key in half. There are a variety of ways to solve the issue without having to hire an locksmith. The first option is to make use of a screw or nail. These are available at your home or in a hardware store. repair car key is recommended to try to find nails that are as thin and as long as you can. This will allow you to fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to connect the two parts together. Make sure that the nail's back 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
A lot of car owners make use of DIY techniques such as using super glue to repair a broken car key, but this is a dangerous thing to do. You could end up damaging the lock and having to shell out more money for replacing it from the dealer or locksmith.
It is important to examine the keys that are broken first to ensure they are of the same size. This step is crucial to ensure that the pieces are properly aligned and that the key fits into the lock once they have been bonded. After that, you can use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth the edges of the broken pieces of the key. This will help the glue bond better and reduce the chances of a key becoming loose in the future.
After you have polished the edges of the broken key then apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Only apply the smallest amount of super glue, as too much can make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the broken key and pressing them together, you can press them. After a few moments, the glue will begin to set and bond the key fragments.
Another household item that can be used to help extract a broken car key is a bobby pin that can be made into a pick-like tool and placed inside the lock. This technique is particularly useful if the break is within or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
A broken car key with electronic components will require a new key from a dealer or a professional locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed with a different code, and the chip inside the key will need to be changed. If the shell or metal part of the key is damaged it will be necessary to get a new cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace the electronics.