How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're heading to work, in rush, and put your car keys into the ignition. You try to turn the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
There are a few things you can try to fix the issue before contacting an experienced locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is among the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner could experience. This is especially frustrating if the driver is in a rush to get somewhere, or pick up the child. In such a situation it is crucial to act swiftly and try to release the stuck key.
It is recommended to call an experienced locksmith for this task for this job, as they will have the right tools to remove the broken key and not harm the lock. Many people will have a look around in their vehicle to find something light and sturdy like a paperclip or toothpick, however this isn't likely to work as it is too thick to be able to get into the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair of tweezers. They are lightweight and easily fit into the lock. They should be strong enough to grasp the broken piece of a key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it could be worth looking for a set that is available at auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with small hooks that can be inserted into the key hole and grip on the broken piece of the key.
Another possible solution is to find an magnetic key hook that can be affixed to the metal inside the lock and be pulled out. This is not always a good option because it could be caught in the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this situation it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people attempt to glue the two pieces of their broken car key together with superglue, as it can aid them in take it out of the lock. However, this is extremely risky because the pieces of metal could snag on to each other and then break apart later. It is also important not to turn the key, as this can cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to repair the broken key right away.
2. Drill through a hole
Sometimes a key is broken inside the lock, and even with an extra key, you may not be able to gain access to your vehicle. In these situations, drilling out the lock is the best choice.
First, you need to make sure that the key hole is set up to take a basic tumbler car key. If it isn't, you won't be able to drill the pins without damaging the door, and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.
The next step is to know that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with a small drill bit, but you should not go any deeper. If you drill too deep it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick in the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear while working using a drill. This will stop dirt and dust from entering your lungs.
It is also a good idea to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers available in case the damaged key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is extending enough to be able to be grasped with tweezers and pliers, then 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 toward the key to grab and remove it.
3. Drill a nail
You could be left without a home in the event that you break your key in half. There are a few methods to fix it without having to pay for a locksmith. The first way is to utilize a screw or nail. These can be found in your home or in a hardware store. But, it is best to look 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 join the two pieces together. Make sure that the back of the nails is flat. This will allow it to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving and possibly breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
Many auto owners opt for DIY techniques, such as using super glue to repair a damaged or broken key. This is a dangerous method. You could end up ruining the lock and having to shell out more money for finding a replacement at the dealership or a locksmith.
First, examine key fob repairs near me broken keys and make sure that they are in terms of size. This is vital to ensure that the glued parts will be aligned properly and that the key fits into the lock after they are bonded together. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the broken pieces. This will help the glue stick better and lessen the risk of a loose key in the future.
After polishing the edges, apply a small amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue to one end. Be careful not to use too much, because 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 broken key and pressing them together, you can press them. After a short time the glue will begin to set and join together the key fragments.
A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used as a tool to extract a broken key from a lock. They can be shaped like a pick and inserted into the lock. This method is especially useful when the damage is located within or close to the keyway or the ignition hole.
Another important thing to note is that if the broken car key has electronic components, it will require an entirely new key by the dealership or a professional locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a new code and the chip in the key will need to be changed. However, if the shell or metal portion of the key fails the key, it will usually only require the cutting of a new key and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of the electronics.