How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're heading to work in rush, and put your keys in the ignition. You try to turn it, and it snaps off from the lock!
There are some things you can do to solve the issue before calling an expert locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
One of the worst things that could happen to an owner of a vehicle is a damaged key in locks. This is particularly aggravating if the driver is in a rush to get somewhere, or pick up a kid. In this situation, it is important to act quickly and try to free the stuck key.
It is recommended to call an experienced locksmith for this job for this job, as they will be able to use the correct tools to take out the broken key without harm the lock. Many people are looking for something thin and stiff, such as a toothpick or paperclip. But this isn't the best option since they are too thick 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 be strong enough to grasp the broken piece of a key and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it's worth looking for a set that is available at auto parts stores. They are narrow, flat and have hooks that are small. They can be put through the keyhole to grab the broken part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal inside the lock and then remove it. This isn't always the best option since it is possible for it to get caught under the lock and cause further damage to it. In car key repair is best to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people will try to stick the two pieces of their broken car key with superglue as it can aid them in remove it from the lock. This can be dangerous since the metal pieces may tangle and break later. It is important to not turn the key, as this could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to replace the broken key immediately.
2. Drill a Hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even if you have a spare, you might not be able to gain access to your vehicle. In these situations, drilling out the lock is the most effective option.
First, you will want to ensure that the key hole is set up to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it's not, you won't be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.
Next, it is important to be aware that you'll be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers using a the smallest drill bit however, you should not go deeper. In the event of drilling too deep, it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill to snag.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear while working using drills. This will keep the dust and dirt from entering your lung.
It's an excellent idea, if the broken key piece is sticking out of the lock, to keep a pair pliers and tweezers handy. If there is enough of the key protruding to grip with tweezers or pliers, this could suffice to pull it out of the lock. If there isn't, however, you will need to use a tool such as this one to encase the tool into the lock and then turn it towards the key to grip and remove it from the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you smash your car key in half, it can cause you to be trapped. There are fortunately some solutions to fix it without having to pay for locksmith. The first option is to make use of a screw or nail. car key repairs can find these in your house or at the hardware store. It is recommended to look for nails that are as thin and long as possible. This way you can fit it into the hole and then use epoxy to link the two parts together. It is also good to make sure the back of the nail is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will keep it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners make use of DIY hacks like using super glue repair a broken car key, but this is a dangerous thing to do. You could end up damaging the lock and having to shell out more money for replacing it from the dealer or locksmith.
You need to check the keys that have been damaged first and make sure they are the same size. This step is essential to ensure that all glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key will fit in the lock after they've been bonded. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will make the glue stick better and reduce the chances of a key becoming loose in the future.
Once you have polished the edges of the damaged key, apply a small amount 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. Then, carefully place the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a short time the glue will begin to set and join together the key fragments.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used as a tool to remove a broken key from a lock. They can be shaped like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This technique is especially helpful in the event that the broken part is close or within the keyway or lock hole.
A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will need an entirely new key from the locksmith or dealer. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a new code and the chip in the key must be changed. If the metal or shell of the key fails, you will need to get a new cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace electronic components.