How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a hurry to get to work and put your keys in the ignition. Then you try to turn it, and it snaps off from the lock!
There are a few things you could try to fix the issue before contacting a professional locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions: 1. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that could happen to an owner of a vehicle is a damaged key in a lock. This can be even more painful if it occurs when the driver is hurrying to get to work or drop off the child. In this case it is crucial to act quickly and try to free the stuck key.
A locksmith with experience is the best option as they'll have the right tools and know how to take out the broken keys without damaging the lock. Many people look around the vehicle to find something light and sturdy like a paperclip, or toothpick, however this usually won't work as it's too thick to be able to get into the lock.
key repair service is to find a pair of tweezers since they are very thin and easily reach the key hole 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 own tweezers, it could be worth searching for a set that is sold at auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with hooks that are small enough to be inserted into the key hole and grip onto the broken bit of the key.
Another possible solution is to locate an magnetic key hook that can stick to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best option as it could be caught under the lock and cause damage. In such a situation it is advised to contact locksmith.
Some people attempt to glue together the two pieces of a broken car key using superglue in order to remove it from the lock. However, this is very risky as the bits of metal could stick to one another and break apart later. It is essential not to turn the key as it could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith who will be able to remove the damaged key and then make a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill a Hole
Even with a spare key you might not be able to access your vehicle if a key is broken inside the lock. Drilling out the lock may be the best solution in these situations.
First, you must make sure the keyhole is positioned for a basic tumbler key. If it's not then you won't have the ability to drill out the pins and cause damage to the door or internal lock mechanism.
The next step is to understand that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and the inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with tiny drill bits, however, you should not go any deeper. If you drill to deep it may cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck in the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear while working with a drill. This will keep the dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
It's also a good idea, if the broken key piece is sticking out of the lock, to keep a pair pliers and tweezers at hand. If there is enough of the key to be grasped by 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 wedge it into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grasp it and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
If you smash your car key in half, it could leave you trapped. There are fortunately several methods to fix it without having to pay for a locksmith. The first step is to use a screw or nail. ignition key repair near me are available at home or at a hardware store. However, it is best to try to find the nail that is as thin as it can be and as long as is possible. So you can insert it into the hole, and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. It is also important to ensure that the back of the nail 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 motorists use DIY hacks like using super glue to attempt to fix a damaged car key, however this is not a safe option to make. You could cause damage to the lock and be forced to pay more money to get a new one.
It is important to examine the keys that have been damaged first, and ensure that they're the same size. This is essential to ensure that the glued pieces are properly aligned and that the key fits into the lock once they have been bonded. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will strengthen the glue's bond and decrease the chance of a loose key.
After finishing the edges, apply only a small amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue on the other side. Be careful not to apply too much, as this could cause the key to become too heavy and it will be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully align the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a few seconds the glue will begin to set and bond the key fragments together.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used to extract a broken key from a lock. They can be shaped as a pick, and then inserted into the lock. This technique is especially helpful if the break is near or within the keyway or lock hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will need an entirely new key from the locksmith or dealer. The key will need to be reprogrammed with a different code and the chip inside the key must be replaced. In contrast, if only the metal or shell of the key breaks, it usually just requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of the electronic components.