How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work, in hurry, and you jam your keys in the ignition. You try to turn it around, and it breaks inside the lock!
There are some things you can try to fix the issue before contacting an experienced locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Call an expert locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the worst things a car owner could experience. This is especially frustrating when the driver is in a rush to get somewhere, or drop off the child. In this case, you should act quickly to attempt to remove the stuck key.
It is recommended to call an expert locksmith for this job as they can use the right tools to remove the broken key and not cause damage to the lock. Many people will look for something thin and stiff like a toothpick or paperclip. However, key fob repair service is not the best choice since they are too large to fit inside the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair tweezers. They are lightweight and are able to easily get inside the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to grasp the broken part of the key and pull it out. If you don't own tweezers then you might consider trying to locate key extractors which are typically sold in auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with small hooks that can be inserted into the key hole, and then hold onto the damaged part of the key.
Another possible solution is to find the magnetic key hook that can attach to the metal in the lock and be pulled out. This is not always a good idea since it is possible for it to become stuck under the lock and cause further damage to it. In such a situation, it is best to call an expert locksmith.
Some people will try to glue the two pieces of their car key that have snapped with superglue as it will help them take it out of the lock. However, this can be very risky as the bits of metal could stick to each other and then break apart again later on. It is important to not turn the key as this could cause further damage to your lock or the ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact a professional locksmith who will be ready to take out the broken key and make a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even if you have a spare, you might not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. In these cases drilling out the lock is the most effective option.
First, you must make sure that the keyhole is set to accept a basic tumbler key. If it's not it, you will not be able to remove the pins without damaging the door and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.
Next, it is important to be aware that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner metal layer. A small drill bit is sufficient to penetrate these layers, but you must ensure that you don't go any deeper than this. If you drill too deeply, it can cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill to become stuck.
Wearing a mask or other protective equipment is recommended when working with drills. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your lung.
Finally, it is a good idea to have pliers and tweezers in your possession in case the damaged key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is long enough to be gripped with tweezers and pliers, then this will suffice to get it out. If not you'll require a tool such as this one to encase the tool inside the lock, and then turn it toward the key in order to grip it and pull it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you break your car key in half, it can leave you trapped. There are several ways to solve the issue without the expense of locksmith. The first option is to make use of a screw or nail. These are available at your home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to look for the nail that is as thin as it can be and as long as is possible. So you can insert it into the hole and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces. It is also good to ensure that the back of the nail is flat. This will help it to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving and breaking in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many auto owners resort to DIY techniques, such as using super glue, to repair a damaged key. This is a risky practice. You could end up ruining the lock and having to pay more for finding a replacement at the dealership or locksmith.
The first step is to take a look at the keys that have been damaged and make sure they are identical in terms of size. This is crucial to ensure that all pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key will fit into the lock after they've been bonded. After that, you can use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth out the edges of the broken pieces of the key. This will help make the glue bond stronger and lessen the risk of a key becoming loose in the future.
After finishing the edges After polishing the edges, apply only a small amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue to the other side. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue, since too much can make the key too large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, you can carefully align the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a few seconds, the glue will start to set and bond the key fragments.
A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used to remove a damaged key from a lock. They can be cut like a pick and inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful when the damage is located inside or close to the keyway or ignition hole.
Another important thing to note is that if your car key is equipped with electronic components, it will require the cutting of a new key from the dealer or an experienced locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed using a different code, and the chip inside the key will need to be changed. If, however, only the shell or metal portion of the key is damaged the key, it will usually only require the cutting of a new key and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of electronics.