How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work, in hurry, and you jam your keys to your car in the ignition. You try to turn it, and it snaps off inside the lock!
There are a few things you can do to solve the issue before calling a professional locksmith. Here are some quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that can happen to a car owner is a damaged key in locks. This can be particularly frustrating when the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or drop off a kid. In such a situation it is essential to act swiftly and try to get the key out of the way.
It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this job, because he or she can use the right tools to remove the broken key and not harm the lock. Many people will have a look around in their vehicle for something thin and rigid like a paperclip or toothpick, but these isn't likely to work as it's too thick to enter the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair tweezers. They are thin and are able to easily get into the lock. They should also be strong enough to grasp the broken part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it could be worth searching for a set available at auto parts stores. They are thin, flat and have hooks that are small. They can be put in the keyhole and grasp the broken piece of the key.
Another possible solution is to find an magnetic key hook that is able to attach to the metal in the lock and be pulled out. This is not always the best choice as it could be caught under the lock and cause damage. In this instance it is best to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people attempt to join the two pieces of their car key that have snapped with superglue as it will help them take it out of the lock. This is a risk since the metal pieces could snag and break later. It is also crucial not to turn the key as this can cause further damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to replace the broken key immediately.
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 instances drilling out the lock is the best option.
You will first want to make sure that the keyhole is positioned to accept a basic tumbler key. If it isn't it, you will not be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door, and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
It is also important to know that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers using a tiny drill bits, but you should not go any deeper. If you drill too deeply, it could harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to stick inside the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear while working using drills. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your lung.
It's also a good idea, if the broken key piece is still sticking out of the lock, to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers at hand. If there is enough of the key sticking out to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this should suffice to pull it out of the lock. If there isn't, however you'll need to use an instrument like this one to wedge the tool in the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grip and pull it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you cut your car key in half, it could leave you trapped. There are a variety of ways to fix the problem without having to pay an locksmith. The first option is to make use of a screw or nail. They can be found in your home or in a hardware store. It is recommended to select a nail as thin and as long as you can. This means you can put it into the hole and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces. It is also good to ensure that the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will keep it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many auto owners opt for DIY hacks, like using super glue to fix a broken key. This is a dangerous practice. You could end up ruining the lock and have to shell out more money for replacing it from the dealer or locksmith.
The first step is to examine the keys that are broken and make sure they are in terms of size. This step is essential to ensure that all pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key fits in the lock after they've been joined. After that, you can use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will improve the bond of glue and decrease the likelihood of a future loose key.
Once you have polished the edges of the broken key, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Be cautious not to apply too much glue, as this could cause the key to become too thick and it will be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully place the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a few moments, the glue will begin to set and bind the key fragments.
Another household item that can be used to help remove a damaged car key is a bobby or paperclip pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool and put into the lock. This technique is particularly useful if the break is within or close to the keyway or ignition hole.
Another important thing to note is that if the damaged car key has electronic components and requires an entirely new key by the dealership or an experienced locksmith. car remote key repair will need to be reprogrammed with a different code and the chip in the key will need to be replaced. If, however, only the shell or metal portion of the key fails the key, it will usually only require an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of the electronic components.