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 the key however it locks. the lock.
There are a few things you can do to solve the issue before contacting an expert locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes:: 1. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A broken key in the lock is among the most frustrating things a car owner could experience. This situation is even more difficult if it happens while the driver is rushing to get somewhere or to drop off the child. In this situation you must act swiftly to attempt to free the stuck key.
It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this task, because he or she will have the appropriate tools to remove the broken key and not harm the lock. Many people look around in their vehicle for something thin and rigid like a paperclip or toothpick, but these usually won't work as it's too thick to be able to get into the lock.
The best option is to search for a pair of tweezers, as these are quite thin and easily reach the key hole within the lock. They should also be rigid enough to hold the damaged part of the key and remove it. If you don't own tweezers it might be worth looking for keys extractors that are often sold in auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have small hooks. They can be put through the keyhole to grab the broken part of the key.
Another option is to locate the magnetic key hook that will be affixed to the metal inside the lock and be pulled out. This isn't always a good option, as it can sometimes be caught in the lock and cause further damage to it. In such a scenario, it is best to call locksmith.
Some people attempt to stick the two pieces of their car key that have snapped with superglue as it will help them take it out of the lock. This can be dangerous because the pieces of metal could get caught and break later. It is also crucial not to turn the key as this can cause further damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to replace the broken key right away.
2. Drill 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 situations.
You will first want to ensure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler. If it's not then you won't be able to drill out the pins and damage the lock's door or mechanism.
Next, it is important to know that you'll be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and the inner metal layer. A small drill bit is sufficient to get through these layers, but you must be sure not to go any deeper than that. In the event of drilling too deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness, or cause the drill to stick.
Wearing a mask or other protective equipment is also recommended when using drills. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
It is also a good idea to have pliers and tweezers on hand in case the damaged piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is long enough to be able to be grasped with pliers and tweezers it will be enough to get it out. If not, you'll need to use a tool such as this to wedge it into the lock and then turn it toward the key to grasp it and remove it.
3. Drill a nail
If you smash your car key in half, it could leave you stranded. There are a variety of ways to fix the problem without the expense of a locksmith. The first step is use the screw or nail. They are available at home or at the hardware store. It is recommended to pick the nail that is as thin and as long as possible. This way, you can place it in the hole and then use epoxy to link the two pieces. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut 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 motorists use DIY hacks such as using super glue to repair a broken car key, however this is not a safe thing to do. You could damage the lock, and have to shell out more to replace it.
First, take a look at the keys that have been damaged and ensure that they are in terms of size. This step is crucial to ensure that the pieces will be aligned properly and that the key fits into the lock once they have been bonded. Then, use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will help the glue bond stronger and decrease the chance of a key falling loose in the future.
After polishing the edges After polishing the edges, apply only a small amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue to one end. Use only the smallest amount of super glue, as too much could make the key too large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning nearby key repair shop of the broken key then press them together. After several seconds the glue will begin to set and join the key fragments.
Another household item that can be used to to remove a damaged car key is a paperclip or bobby pin that can be made into a pick-like tool, then put into the lock. This method is especially useful when the damage is located inside or close to the keyway or ignition hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will need a new key from a locksmith or dealer. The key will need to be reprogrammed with a different code and the chip in the key will need to be replaced. If only the shell or metal part of the key breaks, you will need to have a new cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace electronics.