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 around, and it breaks in the lock!
Luckily, there are a few options you can attempt to resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact an expert locksmith
One of the most devastating things that can happen to an owner of a vehicle is a broken key inside the lock. This is especially frustrating if it occurs while the driver is rushing to get to work or to drop off a child. In this case, you should act quickly to attempt to free the stuck key.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this job for this job, as they will have the correct tools to take out the broken key and not damage the lock. Many people look around the vehicle to find something light and sturdy like a paperclip, or toothpick, but these usually won't work as it is too thick to enter the lock.
A much better solution is to look for a pair of tweezers, since they are very thin and can easily reach the key hole within the lock. repair car key should also be rigid enough to grasp the broken part of the key and pull it out. If you don't own tweezers then you might consider searching for key extractors that are often found in auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have small hooks. They can be inserted into the keyhole and then grasp the broken piece of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal of the lock, and then remove it. This isn't always the best choice as it could get caught in a lock and cause more damage. In this situation it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people attempt to stick the two pieces of their car key that have snapped together using superglue, thinking that this can help them to take it out of the lock. However, this could be very risky as the bits of metal could stick to one another and fall apart later. It is crucial not to turn the key, as this could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to replace the broken key on the spot.
2. Drill into a hole
Even with a spare key, you may not be able to access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. Drilling out the lock may be the best solution in these instances.
It is important to make sure the keyhole is set for a basic tumbler. If it isn't, you won't be able to remove the pins without damaging the door, and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
Next, it is important to understand that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and the inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers using a the smallest drill bit but you shouldn't go deeper. If you drill too deeply, it can damage the internal wiring harness, or cause the drill to become stuck.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear while working using a drill. This will stop dust and dirt from getting into your lung.
It's also a good idea if the broken key piece is sticking out of the lock, to keep two pairs of pliers and tweezers handy. If there is enough of the key sticking out to grip with tweezers or pliers, this could suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you'll need to use an instrument such as this to wedge it into the lock and then turn it towards the key to grab and pull it out.
3. Drill a Nail
You may be left in limbo when you cut your key in half. There are a variety of ways to solve the issue without the expense of locksmith. The first step is use screws or nails. They are available at home or in a hardware store. It is recommended to pick nails that are as thin and long as you can. This way you can fit it in the hole and then use epoxy to join the two pieces. It is also good to ensure that the nail's back is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will prevent it from moving around and breaking in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners tend to resort to DIY tricks such as using super glue to attempt to fix a damaged car key, but this is not a safe option to make. You could damage the lock, and then have to shell out more to get a new one.
The first step is to examine the keys that are broken and make sure they match each other in terms of size. This step is crucial to ensure that the glued pieces will be aligned properly and the key will fit into the lock after they have been bonded. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the broken pieces. This will strengthen the bond of glue and decrease the likelihood of a future loose key.
After polishing the edges after polishing, apply only a small amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue on one end. Be careful not to apply too much glue, because this could cause the key to become too thick and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. After that, carefully place the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a few seconds, the glue will start to set and join the key fragments together.
Another common household item that can be used to help to remove a damaged car key is a bobby or paperclip pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool, then placed inside the lock. This method is particularly useful when the damage is close to or within the keyway or lock hole.
A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will need an entirely new key from the locksmith or dealer. This is because the key will need to be programmed with a new code and the chip will need to be replaced. In contrast, if only the shell or metal portion of the key breaks, it usually just requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of electronic components.