How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a rush to get to work and put your keys in the ignition. You try to turn the key, but it snaps in the lock.
There are a few things you can try to fix the issue before contacting an experienced locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions: 1. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
One of the worst things that could happen to a car owner is a broken key in a lock. This is especially frustrating if it occurs while the driver is hurrying to get to work or to drop off an infant. In this case you must act swiftly to attempt to remove the stuck key.
It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith for this job, because he or she can use the appropriate tools to remove the broken key without cause damage to the lock. Many people will have a look around their car to find something light and sturdy like a paperclip, or toothpick, but this isn't likely to work as it's too heavy to enter the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair tweezers. They are thin and are able to easily get inside the lock. They should be strong enough to grab the broken part of a key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it could be worth looking for a set sold at auto parts stores. They are thin, flat and have hooks that are small. They can be inserted in the keyhole and grasp the broken piece of the key.
Another option is to locate the magnetic key hook that is able to be affixed to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best choice as it could get caught in the lock and cause further damage. In such a situation it is advised to call locksmith.
Some people will try to glue the two pieces of their snapped car key with superglue as this can help them to remove it from the lock. This could be risky as the metal pieces may tangle and break later. It is also essential not to turn the key, since this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is better to call an expert locksmith who will be ready to remove the damaged key and then make a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill a Hole
Sometimes a key is broken inside the lock, and even if you have a spare, you might not be capable of opening the door to your vehicle. In these situations, drilling out the lock is the best option.
First, you will want to ensure that the key hole is set up to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it's not it, you will not be able to remove the pins without damaging the door and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.
Next, it is important to understand that you'll be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner metal layer. A small drill bit is enough to penetrate these layers, but it is important to be sure not to go any deeper than that. If you drill to deep, it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to become stuck within the hole.
Wearing a protective mask or equipment is also recommended when working with a drill. This will keep dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.
In the end, it's recommended to have pliers and tweezers available in case the damaged key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is extending enough to be able to be grasped with pliers and tweezers, this will suffice to get it out. If not, you'll have to use a tool such as this to wedge it into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grab and remove it.
3. Drill a Nail
If you smash your car key in half, it can cause you to be trapped. There are several ways to solve the issue without the expense of a locksmith. The first thing you can do is use screws or nails. These are available at your home or in a hardware store. key repair is recommended to look for nails that are as thin and as long as you can. So you can insert it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. It is also important to ensure that the nail's back is flat. This will make it easier to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of motorists make use of DIY tricks like using super glue try and fix a broken car key, however this is not a safe way to go. You could damage the lock and be forced to shell out more money to get a new one.
It is important to examine the keys that have been damaged first, and ensure that they are of the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key fits in the lock after they've been bonded. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will help the glue bond better and lessen the risk of a loose key in the future.
After you have polished the edges of the damaged key and polished them, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue as too much can make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After that, carefully align the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a few moments, the glue will begin to set and bind to the key pieces.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used to remove a broken key from the lock. They can be cut like a pick and inserted into the lock. This method is particularly helpful in the event that the broken part is close or inside the keyway or lock hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will require an entirely new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key will have to be reprogrammed using a different code, and the chip inside the key must be replaced. However, if the metal or shell of the key fails, it usually just requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of the electronic components.