How to Do repair car key headed to work in rush, and put your keys in the ignition. Then you try turning it around, and it breaks from the lock!
There are a few things you could do to solve the issue before contacting an expert locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is among the worst things a car owner could experience. This is particularly aggravating if the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or to drop off the child. In this situation it is imperative to act fast to try to free the stuck key.
It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith for this job as they will be able to use the correct tools to take out the broken key and not damage the lock. Many people look for something small and stiff such as a toothpick or paperclip. But it is not the best choice since they are too thick to fit inside the lock.
The best option is to find an tweezers set, as these are quite thin and can easily get into the key hole inside the lock. They should be rigid enough to grasp the broken piece of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers then it may be worth trying to locate a set of key extractors that are often sold in auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with hooks that are small enough to be inserted into the key hole, and then hold onto the broken bit of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal inside the lock and then remove it. This is not always the best option since it could get caught in the lock and cause damage. In this situation it is best to contact an experienced locksmith.
Some people try to glue together the two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue in order to remove it from the lock. This could be risky as the metal pieces could get caught and break later. It is also essential not to turn the key, because this could cause damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to replace the broken key right away.
2. Drill through a hole
Sometimes a key breaks inside the lock, and even if you have an extra key, you may not be capable of opening the door to your vehicle. The lock could be drilled out. be the best option in these instances.
First, you need to make sure that the key hole is set up to take a basic tumbler car key. 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 an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers using a a small drill bit, but you shouldn't go any further. If you drill too deeply, it can cause damage to the wiring harness, or cause the drill to snag.
Wearing a protective mask or equipment is also advised when using a drill. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your lung.
In the end, it's an excellent idea to keep a pair of pliers and tweezers in your possession in case the broken key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is long enough to be able to be grasped with tweezers and pliers, then it will be enough to get it out. If not, you'll need to use a tool such as this to encase it into the lock and then turn it toward the key to grab and pull it out.
3. Drill a Nail
If you smash your car key in half, it could leave you stranded. There are fortunately some methods to fix it without paying for a locksmith. The first option is to utilize a screw or nail. These are available at your home or at a local hardware store. But, it is best to look for a nail that is as thin and as long as you can. So you can insert it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. Make key repair for car that the back of the nails is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will stop it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners use DIY hacks, such as using super glue to fix a broken key. This is a risky practice. You could end up ruining the lock and needing to shell out more money for finding a replacement at the dealership or a locksmith.
It is important to examine the broken keys first and make sure they are the same size. This step is essential to ensure that all the pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key fits in the lock after they have been bonded. Then, use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth the edges of the broken pieces of the key. This will help make the glue bond stronger and reduce the chances of a loose key in the future.
After you have polished the edges of the damaged key and polished them, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue, since too much could make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After that, carefully place the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After some time, the glue will start to set and bind the key pieces together.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used as a tool to remove a damaged key from an lock. They can be shaped like a pick and inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly useful if the break is inside or near the keyway or ignition hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will need a new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key will have to be reprogrammed with a different code and the chip inside the key needs to be replaced. If, however, only the shell or metal portion of the key breaks, it usually just requires a new key cut and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of the electronics.