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 turning the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
Luckily, there are several ways you can solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call an expert locksmith
A broken key in the lock is among the worst things a car owner could experience. This is particularly aggravating if the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or to drop off the child. In this case you must act swiftly to try and free the stuck key.
A locksmith with experience is the best option because they'll have the proper tools and know how to get rid of the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. A lot of people look around the vehicle for something small and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, but these typically won't work since it is too thick to be able to get into the lock.
The best option is to find a pair of tweezers, as these are quite thin and can easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should also be rigid enough to hold the damaged part of the key and remove it. If you don't own tweezers, it might be worth searching for a set that is available at auto parts stores. They are thin, flat and have small hooks. They can be put into the keyhole and then take the broken portion of the key.
Another possible solution is to find an magnetic key hook that is able to be affixed to the metal inside the lock and pull it out. This is not always the best option as it could get caught in the lock and cause further damage. In this case, it's best to call a professional locksmith.
Some people try to join the two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue order to take it out of the lock. However, this could be extremely risky since the pieces of metal could snag on to one another and break apart later. It is important to not turn the key because it could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to repair the broken key right away.
2. Drill a Hole
Sometimes a key is broken inside the lock, and even with an extra key, you may not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. In these cases drilling the lock is the best option.
First, you must ensure that the keyhole is set for a basic tumbler key. If it's not, 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 know that you'll be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit will suffice to penetrate these layers, but you need to ensure that you don't go any deeper than that. Drilling too deep can damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill to snag.
Wearing a mask or protective equipment is also recommended when using a drill. This will keep the dust and dirt from entering your respiratory system.
In the end, it's an excellent idea to keep a pair of pliers and tweezers available in the event that the broken key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key protruding to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this could be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not you'll need to use a tool such as this one to insert the tool in the lock, and then turn it toward the key to grasp it and pull it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you smash your car key in half, it can leave you stranded. There are a variety of ways to fix the issue without having to hire an locksmith. The first step is use the screw or nail. These can be found in your home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to pick nails that are as thin and as long as possible. This way you can fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to link the two pieces together. It is also important to ensure that the back of the nail is level. This will make it easier to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will keep it from moving and possibly 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 method. You could end up damaging the lock and have to spend more money on replacing it from the dealership or locksmith.
First, you need to examine the keys that have been damaged and make sure they are in terms of size. This step is crucial to ensure that the glued pieces will be properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock after they are bonded together. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the broken pieces. This will strengthen the bond of glue and decrease the likelihood of a future key that is loose.
After you have polished the edges of the broken key then apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Be cautious not to apply too much, because this could cause the key to become too heavy and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. After that, carefully align the two pieces of the key and press them together. After several seconds the glue will begin to set and bind the key fragments.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used to remove a broken key from a lock. They can be cut as a pick, and then inserted into the lock. This method is particularly helpful when the damage is close to or within the keyway or lock hole.
Another thing to remember is that if your car key is equipped with electronic components and requires the cutting of a new key by the dealership or a professional locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip inside the key must be changed. If key fob repair near me or metal part of the key breaks, you will need to replace the cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace electronics.