How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a rush to get to work and put your keys in the ignition. Then you try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps inside the lock!
There are some things you can do to solve the issue before contacting a professional locksmith. Here are a few easy solutions: 1. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
One of the worst things that can happen to the owner of a car is a damaged key in the lock. This is especially frustrating if the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or to drop off a kid. In this case it is essential to act quickly and try to release the stuck key.
It is best to call an expert locksmith for this job, because he or she will be able to use the appropriate tools to remove the broken key and not harm the lock. Many people look around their car for something small and rigid such as a paperclip or toothpick, but this typically won't work since it's too heavy to fit into the lock.
The best option is to look for a pair of tweezers as these are quite thin and can easily get into the key hole in the lock. They should be able to grasp the broken piece of a key, and then pull it out. If key fob repairs don't have tweezers, it could be worth searching for a set available at auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with small hooks that can be put into the key hole, and then hold on the broken piece of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal in the lock, and then remove it. This is not always the best option since it could get caught in the lock and cause damage. In this instance, it's best to call an experienced locksmith.
Some people attempt to join the two pieces of a broken car key using superglue in order to take it out of the lock. This could be risky since the metal pieces could snag and break later. It is also crucial not to turn the key since this could cause further damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to replace the broken key right away.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes a key breaks inside the lock, and even if you have a spare, you might not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. Drilling out the lock may be the best solution in these situations.
First, you will want to make sure that the key hole is set to take a basic tumbler car key. If it's not then you won't have the ability to drill the pins out and cause damage to the lock's door or internal mechanism.
It is also important to know that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit will suffice to cut through these layers, but you must be sure not to go any deeper than this. If you drill too deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck inside the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear when working with a drill. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your respiratory system.
It is an excellent idea, in the event that the key fragment is broken and is still sticking out of the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers handy. If there is enough of the key to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this will be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If there isn't, however, you will require an instrument like this one to wedge the tool inside the lock and then rotate it toward the key in order to grip it and remove it from the hole.
3. Drill a Nail
You may be left in limbo if you break your key in half. There are several ways to fix it without paying for locksmith. The first method is to make use of a screw or nail. They are available at home or in the hardware store. But, it is best to search for the nail that is as thin and as long as you can. This will allow you to fit it in the hole and then use epoxy to link the two pieces. Make sure that the back of the nails are flat. This will help it to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners resort to DIY hacks like using super glue try and fix a broken car key, but this is not a safe thing to do. You could end up ruining the lock and needing to pay more for replacing it from the dealership or locksmith.
You need to check the keys that are broken first and make sure they are of the same size. This step is crucial to ensure that the pieces will be properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock after they have been bonded. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will help the glue stick better and lessen the risk of a loose key in the future.
After you have polished the edges of the broken key then apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Be cautious not to apply too much, as this could cause the key to become too thick and may be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the key that broke, press them together. After a few seconds the glue will begin to set and bond the key pieces together.
A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used as a tool to remove a damaged key from an lock. They can be cut like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This method is especially useful in the event that the broken part is within or close to the keyway or the ignition hole.
Another thing to remember is that if your car key is equipped with electronic components, it will require the cutting of a new key by the dealership or an experienced locksmith. This is because the key will have to be programmed using a new code and the key chip will need to be replaced. In contrast, if only the metal or shell of the key breaks, it usually just requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of electronic components.