How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work, in a hurry, and jam your keys to your car in the ignition. Then you try to turn it around, and it breaks from the lock!
There are several ways you can try to resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner can experience. key repair for car is especially frustrating if it occurs while the driver is hurrying to get somewhere or to drop off the child. In this scenario it is imperative to act fast to try to remove the stuck key.
A locksmith with experience is the best choice, because they'll have the right tools and know how to remove the broken keys without damaging the lock. A lot of people look around the vehicle to find something light and sturdy like a paperclip, or toothpick, but this usually won't work as it's too heavy to be able to get into the lock.
A much better solution is to look for a pair of tweezers as these are quite thin and can easily get into the key hole in the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to grasp the broken part of the key and pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it's worth searching for a set available at auto parts stores. They are narrow and flat with hooks that are small enough to be inserted into the key hole and grip on the broken piece of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal inside the lock and then remove it. This is not always a good idea since it is possible for it to be caught in the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In such a situation it is advised to contact an expert locksmith.
Some people try to join two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue order to take it out of the lock. This can be dangerous as the metal pieces could get caught 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. It is better to call a professional locksmith who will be able to remove the broken key and create an immediate replacement.
2. Drill through a hole
Even with a spare key you may not be able access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. Drilling out the lock may be the best option in these situations.
You will first want to make sure the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler key. If it's not, you won't have the ability to drill the pins out and damage the lock's door or mechanism.
It is also important to know 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, but you shouldn't go any further. If you drill too deeply, it could harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to stick within the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear when working with drilling. This will keep dust and dirt from entering your lung.
In the end, it's a good idea to have pliers and tweezers in your possession in the event that the broken piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is long enough to be gripped with pliers and tweezers this is enough to pull it out. If not, you'll need to use an instrument such as this to encase it into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grasp it and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
If you cut your car key in half, it could cause you to be trapped. There are a variety of ways to solve the issue without having to pay an locksmith. The first method is to make use of a screw or nail. These are available at your home or at a hardware store. But, it is best to try to find nails that are as thin and long as possible. This way you can fit it in the hole and then use epoxy to connect the two pieces. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will help it to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners tend to use DIY techniques like using super glue try and fix a broken car key, however this is a risky way to go. You could end up ruining the lock and have to spend more money on replacing it from the dealer or a locksmith.
The first step is to examine the keys that have been damaged and make sure that they match each other in terms of size. This step is crucial to ensure that the glued pieces will be aligned properly and that the key fits into the lock after they are bonded together. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will make the glue stick better and decrease the chance of a loose key in the future.
Once you have polished the edges of the broken key then apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Be careful not to use too much, as this could cause the key to become too heavy and may be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully align the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a few moments the glue will begin to set and bond to the key pieces.
Another common household item that can be used to extract a broken car key is a paperclip or bobby pin that can be made into a pick-like device and put into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful in the event that the broken part is within or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
Another thing to remember is that if the damaged car key has electronic components that require an entirely new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key will have to be reprogrammed using a different code, and the chip inside the key needs to be replaced. However, if the shell or metal portion of the key fails it typically requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require reprogramming or replacing of the electronic components.