How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work, in a hurry, and jam your car keys into the ignition. Then you try to turn it, and it snaps off inside the lock!
Luckily, there are a few options you can solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.
1. Contact for a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that can happen to an owner of a vehicle is a broken key in the lock. This is especially painful if it occurs when the driver is hurrying to get to work or drop off the child. In this situation, it is important to act quickly and try to get the key out of the way.
It is recommended to call an expert locksmith for this job for this job, as they will have the correct tools to take out the broken key without cause damage to the lock. Many people are looking for something that is thin and rigid such as paperclips or toothpicks. But, this is not the best solution as they are too heavy to fit inside the lock.
The best option is to use a pair tweezers. They are lightweight and are able to easily get into the lock. They should also be strong enough to grasp the broken part of the key and pull it out. If you don't have tweezers then it may be worth trying to locate keys extractors which are typically found in auto parts stores. They are narrow and flat with small hooks that can be inserted into the key hole and grip onto the broken bit of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal of the lock and then pull it out. This isn't always a good idea since it is possible for it to become stuck under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this case it is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith.
Some people will try to glue the two pieces of their broken car key together using superglue, thinking that this can help them to take it out of the lock. This could be risky because the pieces of metal may tangle and break later. It is crucial not to turn the key as it could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to replace the broken key on the spot.
2. Drill a Hole
Even having a spare key you might not be able to access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. In these situations drilling the lock is the best choice.
First, broken key repair must ensure that the keyhole is set up to accept a basic tumbler key. If it's not then you won't be able to drill the pins without damaging the door, and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you'll drill through an outer plastic layer 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 this. Drilling too deep can cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill to stick.
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, in the event that the key fragment is broken and remains stuck in the lock, to keep pliers and tweezers handy. If the key is long enough to be held by 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 grab it and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
If you break your car key in half, it can cause you to be trapped. Luckily, there are a few methods to fix it, without having to pay for locksmith. The first method is to utilize a screw or nail. These can be found in your home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to pick the nail that is as thin and as long as possible. This will allow you to fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to link the two pieces together. It is also important to make sure the back of the nail is level. This will make it easier to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists use DIY hacks, such as using super glue to fix a broken key. This is a dangerous practice. You could end up damaging the lock and needing to spend more money on replacing it from the dealer or locksmith.
You need to check the keys that are broken first and make sure they are of the same size. This is vital to ensure that the glued parts 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 out the edges of the broken pieces. This will improve the bond of glue and decrease the possibility of a loose key.
After finishing the edges After polishing the edges, apply the smallest amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue on one side. Be careful not to use too much, as this can cause the key to become too thick and it will be difficult to fit into the lock. After that, carefully align the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a few minutes, the glue will begin to set and bind to the key pieces.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used as a tool to remove a damaged key from the lock. They can be cut like a pick and inserted into the lock. This method is particularly useful when the damage is close to or inside the keyway or ignition lock hole.
A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will 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 in the key needs to be replaced. If the shell or metal part of the key is damaged and needs to be replaced, you'll need to replace the cut. You don't have to reprogramme or replace the electronics.