How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a hurry to get to work and put your keys in the ignition. You try turning the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
There are some things you can try to fix the issue before calling an expert locksmith. Here are a few easy solutions: 1. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the worst things a car owner could face. This is particularly aggravating when the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or drop off the child. In this scenario, you should act quickly to try and get the key out of the way.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this task for this job, as they will have the appropriate tools to remove the broken key and not harm the lock. Many people will have a look around their car for something thin and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, but this usually won't work as it's too heavy to be able to get into the lock.
The best solution is to look for a pair of tweezers because they are thin and can easily reach the key hole within the lock. They should also be rigid enough to grasp the broken part of the key and pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, then it may be worth looking for a set of key extractors, which are usually sold in auto parts stores. They are narrow and flat with hooks that are small enough to be placed into the key hole and then grip onto the damaged part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This is not always a good idea, as it can sometimes become stuck under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In such a situation, it is best to call locksmith.
Some people try to join the two pieces of a broken car key with superglue in order to take it out of the lock. This could be risky because the pieces of metal could snag and break later. It is also important not to turn the key since this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to repair the damaged key on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Even with a spare key you might not be able to access your vehicle if a key is broken inside the lock. In these instances drilling out the lock is the best option.
First, you will want to ensure that the key hole is set to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it's not, you won't have the ability to drill the pins out and damage the lock's door or mechanism.
It is important to keep in mind that you'll be drilling through an outer plastic layer as well as an inner layer of metal. remote key repair near me will suffice to penetrate these layers, but you must ensure that you don't go any deeper than this. In the event of drilling too deep, it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill to become stuck.
Wearing a mask or other protective gear is also advised when using drills. This will keep the dust and dirt from getting into your lung.
It is also a good idea to have a pair of pliers and tweezers in your possession in the event that the broken piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is extending enough to be gripped with pliers and tweezers this will suffice to get it out. If not, you'll have to use a tool such as this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grasp it and remove it.
3. Drill a nail
If you cut your car key in half, it could leave you trapped. Luckily, there are some ways to fix it, without having to pay for locksmith. The first way is to make use of a screw or nail. You can find them at home or at the hardware store. It is best to choose a nail as thin and as long as you can. This way you can fit it in the hole and then use epoxy to link the two parts together. It is also important to make sure the nail's back is level. This will make it easier to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving around and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners use DIY hacks, such as using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a risky practice. You could end up damaging the lock and having to spend more money on getting a replacement from the dealer or locksmith.
The first step is to examine the keys that are broken and make sure that they are identical in terms of size. This is essential to ensure that the pieces will be aligned properly and the key will fit into the lock after they have been bonded. After that, you can use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will strengthen the glue's bond and reduce the chance of a loose key.
After finishing the edges, apply the smallest amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue on one side. Only apply a small amount of super glue, since too much could make the key too large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the key that broke, press them together. After some time, the glue will start to set and bond the key fragments together.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used to extract a broken key from an lock. They can be shaped as a pick, and then inserted into the lock. This method is particularly helpful when the damage is close to or inside the keyway or ignition lock hole.
Another important thing to note is that if your car key has electronic components, it will require an entirely new key from the dealership or a professional locksmith. This is because the key will need to be programmed using a new code and the key chip needs to be replaced. If the shell or metal part of the key fails and needs to be replaced, you'll need to replace the cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace electronic components.