How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're heading to work, in hurry, and you jam your keys to your car in the ignition. You try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps from the lock!
There are a few things you can do to fix the problem before contacting an expert locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A broken key in the lock is one of the worst things a car owner could face. This can be even more frustrating if it occurs while the driver is hurrying to get to work or drop off an infant. In this situation you must act swiftly to attempt to remove the stuck key.
It is recommended to call an experienced locksmith for this task as they will have the right tools to remove the broken key and not cause damage to the lock. Many people will look for something that is thin and rigid such as toothpicks or paperclips. However, this is not the best option since they are too heavy to fit into the lock.
The best option is to search for a pair of tweezers, since they are very thin and can easily reach the key hole in the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to grasp the broken part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it's worth looking for a set that is sold at auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have tiny hooks. They can be inserted through the keyhole to grab the broken part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal in the lock, and then remove it. This isn't always a good idea because it could become stuck under the lock and cause further damage to it. In this case it is recommended to call an expert locksmith.
Some people try to join two pieces of a broken car key with superglue in order to take it out of the lock. However, this can be very risky as the bits of metal could stick to each other and then fall apart later. It is also essential not to turn the key, because this could cause damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the damaged key right away.
2. Drill through a hole
Sometimes a key is broken inside the lock, and even if you have an extra key, you may not be able to gain access to your vehicle. In these instances drilling out the lock is the most effective option.
It is important to make sure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler. If it's not then you won't have the ability to drill the pins out and cause damage to the lock's door or internal mechanism.
Next, it is important to understand that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and the inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with the smallest drill bit but you should not go any further. If you drill to deep it may damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick inside the hole.
Wearing a mask or protective equipment is recommended when using a drill. This will keep the dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.
Finally, it is an excellent idea to keep two pairs of pliers and tweezers in your possession in the event that the broken key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is extending enough to be gripped with pliers and tweezers this will suffice to get it out. If not, you'll need to use a tool like this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it toward the key to grasp it and pull it out.
3. Drill a nail
You can be left stranded when you cut your key in half. There are a few ways to fix it without having to pay for locksmith. The first method is to utilize a screw or nail. These can be found in your home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to select nails that are as thin and as long as possible. This will allow you to fit it into the hole and then use epoxy to join the two parts together. Make sure that the back of the nails is flat. This will allow it to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving around and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many auto owners use DIY techniques, such as using super glue, to repair a damaged key. This is a dangerous method. You could end up damaging the lock and have to shell out more money for getting a replacement from the dealer or a locksmith.
The first step is to examine the broken keys and ensure that they are in terms of size. This step is crucial to ensure that the pieces will be aligned properly and that the key fits into the lock once they have been bonded. Then, use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth the edges of the broken pieces of the key. This will improve the bond of glue and decrease the possibility of a key that is loose.
After you have polished the edges of the damaged key then apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Be careful not to use too much glue, as this can cause the key to become too thick 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 some time the glue will begin to set and join the key fragments together.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used to remove a damaged key from a lock. They can be shaped like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This method is especially useful in the event that the broken part is inside or close to the keyway or the ignition hole.
Another important point to keep in mind is that if your car key has electronic components that require an entirely new key from the dealership or a professional locksmith. broken car key repair is because the key needs to be programmed with a brand new code and the chip must be replaced. However, if the shell or metal portion of the key is damaged, it usually just requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of electronics.