How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're heading to work, in hurry, and you jam your keys to your car in the ignition. You try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps from the lock!
Luckily, there are a few ways you can attempt to fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are some easy fixes. Super Glue.
1. Call for a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that can happen to an owner of a vehicle is a broken key inside locks. This is especially painful if it occurs when the driver is trying to get to work or to drop off a child. In this situation it is essential to act quickly and attempt to release the stuck key.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this job, because he or she will have the correct tools to take out the broken key without cause damage to the lock. Many people look for something that is thin and rigid such as toothpicks or paperclips. However, this is not the best solution as they are too heavy to fit in the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair tweezers. They are lightweight and easily fit into the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to hold the damaged part of the key and pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it could be worth looking for a set that is sold at auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with hooks that are small enough to be inserted into the key hole and grip on the broken piece of the key.
Another option is to find the magnetic key hook that can attach to the metal in the lock and pull it out. This is not always the best option since it could be caught under the lock and cause damage. In this situation it is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith.
Some people try to join two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue order to remove it from the lock. This can be dangerous because the pieces of metal could get caught and break later. It is crucial not to turn the key as this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to repair the broken key right away.
2. Drill a Hole
Sometimes a key is broken inside the lock, and even if you have an extra key, you may not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. In these instances, drilling out the lock is the best option.
The first step is to make sure that the key hole is set to take a basic tumbler car key. If it's not it, you will not be able to drill the pins without damaging the door, and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
It is also important to understand that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit is sufficient to get through these layers, but it is important to be sure not to go any deeper than that. If you drill too deep, it could harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to stick in the hole.
Wearing repair car key or other protective equipment is also recommended when working with drilling. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
It is also a good idea when the broken piece of key is sticking out of the lock, to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers at hand. If there is enough of the key protruding to grip with tweezers or pliers, this should be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you'll need to use an instrument such as this to wedge it into the lock and then turn it towards the key to grab it and pull it out.
3. Drill a Nail
If you cut your car key in half, it can leave you stranded. There are a variety of ways to fix the problem without having to pay an locksmith. The first way is to use a nail or screw. They can be found in your home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to select the nail that is as thin and as long as you can. This will allow you to fit it into the hole and then use epoxy to connect the two pieces together. It is also important to make sure the nail's back is flat. This will make it easier to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving and breaking in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners tend to make use of DIY hacks such as using super glue to try and fix a broken car key, however this is not a safe option to make. You could end up damaging the lock, and have to shell out more money to replace it.
It is important to examine the keys that have been damaged first to ensure they are of the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all the pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key will fit in the lock after they have been bonded. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will strengthen the glue's bond and reduce the possibility of a loose key.
After you've polished the edges of the damaged key, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Be careful not to use too much glue, because this could cause the key to become too thick and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. Then, carefully align the two pieces of the key and press them together. After some time the glue will begin to set and join the key fragments together.
A paperclip or bobby-pin can also be used as a tool to remove a damaged key from the lock. They can be shaped as a pick, and then inserted into the lock. This method is especially useful when the damage is located inside or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
A broken car key with electronic components will need a new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. This is because the key will have to be programmed using a new code and the chip needs to be replaced. If only the shell or metal part of the key fails, you will need to have a new cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace electronic components.