How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a rush to get to work and you put your keys into the ignition. You try to turn the key, but it snaps in the lock.
Luckily, there are a few options you can attempt to fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are some easy fixes. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A broken key in the lock is one of the worst things a car owner can experience. This situation is even more painful if it occurs when the driver is hurrying to get to work or to drop off a child. In this case it is imperative to act fast to try and free the stuck key.
It is recommended to call an experienced locksmith for this task as they will be able to use the correct tools to take out the broken key without damage the lock. Many people look around the vehicle for something thin and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, but this typically won't work since it's too thick to be able to get into the lock.
A much better solution is to find a pair of tweezers, since they are very thin and can easily get into the key hole inside the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to grasp the broken part of the key and remove it. If mobile key repair near me don't own tweezers, it could be worth looking for a set sold at auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have hooks that are small. They can be put in the keyhole and grasp the broken piece of the key.
Another possible solution is to locate an magnetic key hook that can attach to the metal in the lock and then pull it out. This isn't always the best option since it could be caught under a lock and cause more damage. In this case it is recommended to call locksmith.
Some people attempt to glue together the two pieces of a broken car key with superglue in order to remove it from the lock. This could be risky as the metal pieces could snag and break later. It is also crucial not to turn the key, because this could cause damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is better to call an expert locksmith who will be able to remove the broken key and create a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes a key breaks inside the lock, and even if you have an extra key, you may not be able to gain access to your vehicle. In these cases, drilling out the lock is the best option.
First, you will want to make sure that the key hole is designed to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it's not then you won't be able to drill the pins without damaging the door and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you will drill through an outer plastic layer as well as an inner metal layer. A small drill bit is sufficient to penetrate these layers, but it is important to ensure that you don't go any deeper than this. If you drill to deep it may damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick inside the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear when working with a drill. This will stop dust and dirt from getting into your respiratory system.
It's an excellent idea, if the broken key piece is still sticking out of the lock, to keep pliers and tweezers handy. If there is enough of the key sticking out to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this could suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not you'll require a tool such as this one to wedge the tool into the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grasp it and take it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you smash your car key in half, it could cause you to be in a bind. There are several solutions to fix it, without having to pay for locksmith. The first way is to utilize a screw or nail. They are available in your house or at the hardware store. However, it is best to try to find a nail that is as thin and as long as you can. This way, you can place it into the hole and then use epoxy to join 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 prevent it from moving around and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of motorists use DIY techniques such as using super glue to try and fix a broken car key, but this is a dangerous option to make. You could end up damaging the lock, and then have to shell out more to replace it.
The first step is to take a look at the broken keys and ensure that they are identical in terms of size. This step is crucial to ensure that the glued parts will be aligned properly and the key will fit into the lock after they have been bonded. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the damaged pieces. This will strengthen the glue's bond and reduce the chance of a loose key.
After finishing the edges after polishing, apply a small amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue on the other side. Be cautious not to apply too much glue, because this could cause the key to become too heavy and may be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully align the two pieces of the key and press them together. After several seconds the glue will begin to set and join 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 as a pick, and then inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful when the damage is located within or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will need an entirely new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a new code and the chip inside the key must be changed. If, however, only the metal or shell of the key is damaged, it usually just requires a new key cut and doesn't require reprogramming or replacing of the electronics.