How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work in a hurry, and jam your car keys into the ignition. You try to turn it, and it snaps off in the lock!
There are a few things you can try to fix the issue before calling a professional locksmith. Here are some quick fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Contact for a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is among the most frustrating things a car owner could experience. This can be particularly frustrating when the driver is trying to get somewhere, or drop off a kid. In this situation it is crucial to act quickly and attempt to free the stuck key.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this task for this job, as they will be able to use the appropriate tools to remove the broken key and not harm the lock. Many people are looking for something that is thin and rigid such as a toothpick or paperclip. But, this is not the best choice since they are too thick to fit in the lock.
The best solution is to search for a pair of tweezers, because they are 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 then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it could be worth searching for a set that is sold at 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 inside the lock, and then pull it out. This isn't always the best choice as it can get caught under the lock and cause further damage. In such a scenario, it is best to contact an expert locksmith.
Some people attempt to join two pieces of a damaged car key with superglue in order to get it out of the lock. This is a risk since the metal pieces could get caught and break later. It is crucial not to turn the key as it could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to replace the broken key on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Even having a spare key you may not be able access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. In these instances, drilling out the lock is the most effective option.
You will first want to ensure that the keyhole is set for a basic tumbler key. If it's not, you won't be able to drill out the pins and damage the door or internal lock mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you will drill through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit will suffice to penetrate these layers, but you need to be sure not to go further than this. If you drill too deeply it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick inside the hole.
Wearing a protective mask or gear is also advised when using drilling. This will keep the dust and dirt from entering your lung.
It is an excellent idea, if the broken key piece is still sticking out of the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers handy. If the key is protruding enough to be gripped with pliers and tweezers, this will suffice to get it out. If there isn't, however, you will require tools like this one to insert the tool into the lock and then turn it toward the key in order to grip it and remove it from the hole.
3. Drill a Nail
You could be left without a home if you break your key in half. There are fortunately a few methods to fix it without having to pay for locksmith. The first step is to use screws or nails. They are available in your house or at the hardware store. It is best to choose nails that are as thin and long as possible. You can then insert it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces. It is also important to ensure that the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will prevent it from moving around and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists opt for DIY hacks, like using super glue to fix a broken key. This is a dangerous method. You could damage the lock, and then have to shell out more money for a replacement.
It is important to examine the keys that are broken first and make sure they're the same size. This step is essential to ensure that all the pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that 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 improve the bond of glue and decrease the chance of a key that is loose.
After polishing the edges after polishing, apply the smallest amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue to one side. Use only a small amount of super glue as too much could make the key too large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully align auto key repair of the key and press them together. After a few moments the glue will begin to set and bond together 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 like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This technique is especially helpful when the damage is close to or inside the keyway or ignition lock hole.
Another important thing to note is that if the broken car key is equipped with electronic components and requires an entirely new key from the dealership or a professional locksmith. This is because the key will have to be programmed with a new code and the chip will need to be replaced. However, if the metal or shell of the key is damaged, it usually just requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require reprogramming or replacing of the electronics.