How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're rushing to get to work and you put your keys into the ignition. Then you try to turn it, and it snaps off from the lock!
Luckily, there are a few ways you can try to solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions: 1. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is among the most frustrating things a car owner can experience. This is especially painful if it occurs when the driver is rushing to get to work or drop off a child. In such a situation, it is important to act quickly and try to free the stuck key.
It is recommended to call an experienced locksmith for this task as they will have the correct tools to take out the broken key without harm the lock. A lot of people look around their car for something thin and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, however this isn't likely to work as it's too heavy to enter the lock.
The best option is to use a pair of tweezers. They are thin and can easily reach into the lock. They should be strong enough to grasp the broken piece of a key and pull it out. If you don't have tweezers then you might consider searching for a set of key extractors, which are usually sold in auto parts stores. They are narrow, flat and have small hooks. They can be put into the keyhole and then grab the broken part of the key.
Another possible solution is to locate an magnetic key hook that is able to attach to the metal in the lock and be pulled out. This isn't always the best option as it can get caught under the lock and cause further damage. In this case, it's best to call an experienced locksmith.
Some people attempt to glue together the two pieces of a broken car key using superglue order to get it out of the lock. This can be dangerous as the metal pieces could snag and break later. It is also crucial not to turn the key since this could cause further damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith who will be on hand to remove the broken key and make an immediate replacement.
2. Drill into a hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged 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 most effective option.
You will first want to make sure the keyhole is set to accept a basic tumbler key. If it's not then you won't be able to remove the pins and cause damage to the door or internal lock mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you will drill through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner metal layer. A small drill bit is enough to penetrate these layers, but you must be sure not to go any deeper than that. In the event of drilling too deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness, or cause the drill to become stuck.
Wearing a mask or other protective equipment is recommended when working with drills. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
It is also an excellent idea to keep two pairs of pliers and tweezers available in case the damaged key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is long enough to be gripped with tweezers and pliers, then it will be enough to get it out. If not, you'll need to use an instrument like this to wedge it into the lock and then turn it towards the key to grab and remove it.
3. Drill a nail
You may be left in limbo if you break your key in half. There are some ways to fix it, without having to pay for a locksmith. The first method is to utilize a screw or nail. try this site can find them in your house or at a hardware store. It is best to choose nails that are as thin and as long as possible. So you can insert it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will stop it from moving around and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners use DIY techniques such as using super glue to try and fix a broken car key, but this is not a safe option to make. You could end up damaging the lock and needing to shell out more money for replacing it from the dealer or a locksmith.
It is important to examine the keys that have been damaged first to ensure they are the same size. This is vital to ensure that the glued parts will be properly aligned and that the key fits into the lock once they have been bonded. After that, use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the broken pieces of the key. This will improve the bond of glue and decrease the likelihood of a future loose key.
After you've polished the edges of the damaged key then apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Use only 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 aligning the two pieces of the broken key, press them together. After a few seconds the glue will begin to set and bond the key pieces together.
Another household item that can be used to extract a broken car key is a bobby or paperclip pin, which can be shaped into a pick-like device and inserted in the lock. This technique is particularly useful if the break is within or near the keyway or ignition hole.
Another important thing to note is that if the damaged car key is equipped with electronic components and requires an entirely new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a new code and the chip inside the key will need to be changed. If, however, only the shell or metal portion of the key fails it typically requires a new key cut and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of the electronic components.