How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a rush to get to work and you put your keys into the ignition. Then you try to turn it, and it snaps off from the lock!
There are some things you can try to fix the issue before contacting an experienced locksmith. Here are some quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the most frustrating things a car owner could experience. This is especially frustrating when the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or pick up a kid. In this situation it is crucial to act quickly and attempt to get the key out of the way.
Contacting a professional locksmith is the best choice, because they'll have the right tools and know how to take out the broken keys without damaging the lock. Many people will look for something that is thin and rigid, such as a toothpick or paperclip. However this isn't the best choice since they are too large to fit in the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair tweezers. They are small and easily fit into the lock. They should be able to grab the broken part of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it might be worth searching for a set available at auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with small hooks that can be put into the key hole and then grip on the broken piece of the key.
Another option is to locate a magnetic key hook that can attach to the metal in the lock and be pulled out. This isn't always a good option because it could get caught under the lock and cause further damage to it. In this case, it's best to call an experienced locksmith.
Some people attempt to join two pieces of a broken car key using superglue order to take it out of the lock. This is a risk because the pieces of metal could get caught and break later. It is important to not turn the key, as it could cause further damage to your lock or the ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to repair the damaged key immediately.
2. Drill through a hole
Even with a spare key you may not be able access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. The lock could be drilled out. be the best option in these instances.
The first step is to ensure that the key hole is designed to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it's not then you won't be able to remove the pins without damaging the door, and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.
Next, it is important to understand that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner metal layer. A small drill bit is enough to cut through these layers, but you need to be sure not to go any deeper than that. If you drill too deeply, it can cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill to become stuck.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear when working with drilling. This will keep dirt and dust from entering your respiratory system.
It is an excellent idea, when the broken piece of key remains stuck in the lock, to keep pliers and tweezers in your bag. 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 a tool like this to wedge it into the lock and then turn it toward the key to grab it and remove it.
3. Drill a nail
If you smash your car key in half, it could cause you to be trapped. There are some methods to fix it without paying for a locksmith. The first method is to make use of a screw or nail. These can be found in your home or in a hardware store. However, it is best to search for a nail that is as thin and long as possible. So you can insert it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. Make sure that the back of the nails is flat. This will help it to fit into 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, like using super glue, to repair a damaged or broken key. This is a risky method. You could end up ruining the lock and having to pay more for replacing it from the dealership or locksmith.
First, you need to examine the keys that have been damaged and ensure that they are identical in terms of size. This is vital to ensure that the pieces will be properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock once they are bonded together. After that, use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will strengthen the bond of glue and decrease the chance of a loose key.
After finishing the edges, apply a small amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue on one side. Be cautious not to apply too much glue, as this can cause the key to become too thick and may be difficult to fit into the lock. After that, carefully place 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 paperclip or bobby-pin can also be used as a tool to remove a broken key from an lock. They can be cut as a pick, and then inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful in the event that the broken part is in or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
car key repair to keep in mind is that if the broken car key is equipped with electronic components, it will require the cutting of a new key by the dealership or an experienced locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip in the key needs to be changed. If, however, only the shell or metal portion of the key breaks, it usually just requires a new key cut and doesn't require any reprogramming or replacing of the electronics.