How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're heading to work in hurry, and you jam your car keys into the ignition. Then you try turning it, and it snaps off from the lock!
There are several ways you can try to resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Call an expert locksmith
One of the most devastating things that can happen to the owner of a car is a broken key inside locks. This situation is even more painful if it occurs when the driver is trying to get to work or to drop off a child. In such a situation it is crucial to act quickly and try to release the stuck key.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best choice, as they will have the proper tools and know how to get rid of the keys broken without damaging the lock. Many people look for something small and stiff like toothpicks or paperclips. But this isn't the best option since they are too thick to fit inside the lock.
The best solution is to find an tweezers set, because they are thin and can easily reach the key hole inside the lock. car key fob repair should be able to grasp the damaged part of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it might be worth looking for keys extractors that are often sold in auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have tiny hooks. They can be inserted in the keyhole and take the broken portion of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal in the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best option as it can get caught under the lock and cause damage. In this case it is advised to call an expert locksmith.
Some people try to join the two pieces of a broken car key using superglue order to take it out of the lock. This is a risk since the metal pieces could get caught and break later. It is essential not to turn the key as this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to replace the broken key right away.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes a key is broken inside the lock, and even if you have an extra key, you may not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. In these cases, drilling out the lock is the best option.
You will first want to ensure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler. If it isn't, you won't be able to drill the pins without damaging the door, and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.
The next step is to understand that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers using a tiny drill bits, however, you should not go any deeper. If you drill too deeply it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck in the hole.
Wearing a protective mask or equipment is also advised when using drilling. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
It is also a good idea when the broken piece of key is sticking out of the lock, to keep pliers and tweezers in your bag. If the key is protruding enough to be held by pliers and tweezers, this is enough to pull it out. If not, you'll need to use an instrument like this to wedge it in the lock, and then rotate it towards the key to grasp it and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
You can be left stranded in the event that you break your key in half. Luckily, there are some ways to fix it without having to pay for a locksmith. The first way is to use a nail or screw. They can be found in your home or at a local hardware store. It is recommended to search for a nail that is as thin and long as possible. This way, you can place it into the hole and then use epoxy to link the two pieces together. It is also good to ensure that the back of the nail is flat. This will allow it to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving around and breaking in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners resort to DIY hacks like using super glue attempt to fix a damaged car key, but this is a dangerous thing to do. You could end up damaging the lock and have to pay more for getting a replacement from the dealership or a locksmith.
First, you need to examine the broken keys and make sure they match each other in terms of size. This is crucial to ensure that all pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key will fit into the lock after they've been joined. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the broken pieces. This will help make the glue bond stronger and reduce the chances of a key becoming loose in the future.
Once you have polished the edges of the broken key and polished them, apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Be cautious 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 lining up the two pieces of the broken key and pressing them together, you can press them. After a few seconds, the glue will start to set and bond the key pieces together.
Another household item that can be used to extract a broken car key is a paperclip or bobby pin which can be cut into a pick-like device and put into the lock. This method is particularly useful when the damage is close to or within the keyway or lock hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will need a new key from a locksmith or dealer. The key will have to be reprogrammed using a new code and the chip inside the key needs to be changed. If, however, only the shell or metal portion of the key is damaged it typically requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require reprogramming or replacing of the electronics.