How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're heading to work in rush, and put your keys in the ignition. You try to turn the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
Luckily, there are a few ways you can solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call an expert locksmith
One of the worst things that could happen to the owner of a car is a broken key inside a lock. This is particularly aggravating if the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or pick up a kid. In this situation, you should act quickly to attempt to remove the stuck key.
It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this task for this job, as they will be able to use the right tools to remove the broken key without cause damage to the lock. Many people look around the vehicle for something thin and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, however this isn't likely to work as it's too heavy to fit into the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair of tweezers. car key fob repair near me are lightweight and are able to easily get 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, then you might consider trying to locate keys extractors that are often sold in auto parts stores. They are thin, flat and have hooks that are small. They can be put into the keyhole and then grasp the broken piece of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal in the lock, and then remove it. This is not always the best option as it could be caught under the lock and cause further damage. In this case it is best to contact an experienced locksmith.
Some people attempt to glue together the two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue order to take it out of the lock. This is a risk because the pieces of metal may tangle and break later. It is also important not to turn the key, since this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the broken key immediately.
2. Drill a Hole
Even with a spare key you might not be able to access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. In these situations, drilling out the lock is the most effective option.
The first step is to ensure that the key hole is set up to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it's not there, you won't be able to remove the pins and cause damage to the lock's door or mechanism.
Next, it is important to be aware that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit is enough to cut through these layers, but you need to be sure to not 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 with drills. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your respiratory system.
It is an excellent idea, in the event that the key fragment is broken and remains stuck in the lock, to keep two pairs of pliers and tweezers handy. If there is enough of the key sticking out to grip with tweezers or pliers, this should suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you'll have to use a tool such as this to encase it into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grasp it and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
If you cut your car key in half, it can cause you to be trapped. There are several ways to fix the problem without the expense of an locksmith. The first way is to make use of a screw or nail. These are available at your home or at a local hardware store. It is best to choose a nail as thin and as long as you can. This way, you can place it into the hole, and then use epoxy to link the two pieces. It is also good to ensure that the nail's back is flat. 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 like using super glue to repair a broken car key, however this is a risky option to make. You could cause damage to the lock, and have to shell out more money for a replacement.
The first step is to take a look at the keys that have been damaged and make sure they are identical in terms of size. This is crucial to ensure that all pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key fits inside the lock once they have been put in place. After that, you can use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth the edges on the broken pieces of the key. This will help the glue stick better and decrease the chance of a key becoming loose in the future.
After you've polished the edges of the damaged key and polished them, apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Be cautious not to apply too much, as this could cause the key to become too heavy and may be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the key that broke and pressing them together, you can press them. After several seconds, the glue will start to set and bond the key pieces together.
A paperclip or bobby-pin can also be used as a tool to extract a broken key from the lock. They can be shaped as a pick, and then inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly useful when the damage is located in or near the keyway or ignition hole.
Another important point to keep in mind is that if your car key is equipped with electronic components that require a new key cut from the dealer or an experienced locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip inside the key must be replaced. If only the metal or shell of the key breaks and needs to be replaced, you'll need to have a new cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace the electronic components.