How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a hurry to get to work, and you put your keys into the ignition. Then you try turning it around, and it breaks in the lock!
There are a few options you can try to fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Call an expert locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the worst things a car owner could face. This is especially painful if it occurs when the driver is rushing to get somewhere or to drop off a child. In this situation it is essential to act quickly and attempt to get the key out of the way.
It is recommended to call an experienced locksmith for this task for this job, as they can use the appropriate tools to remove the broken key without harm the lock. Many people look for something small and stiff such as toothpicks or paperclips. However it is not the best choice since they are too large to fit in the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair tweezers. They are lightweight and are able to easily get into the lock. They should be able to grasp the damaged part of a key and pull it out. If you don't own tweezers then you might consider looking for key extractors that are often sold in auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with hooks that are small enough to be put into the key hole and then grip onto the damaged part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal of the lock, and then pull it out. This is not always the best option, as it can sometimes get caught under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this instance it is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith.
Some people attempt to join two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue in order to take it out of the lock. However, this can be very risky as the bits of metal may cling to one another and break apart again later on. It is important to not turn the key, as it could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith who will be able to take out the damaged key and then make a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill a Hole
Sometimes a key is broken inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be capable of opening the door to your vehicle. In these instances drilling out the lock is the most effective option.
First, you will want to make sure that the key hole is set up 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 internal mechanism.
It is also important to understand that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and the inner metal layer. A small drill bit will suffice to get through these layers, but it is important to be sure to not go further than this. If you drill to deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to become stuck inside the hole.
Wearing a mask or protective gear is also recommended when working with drills. This will stop dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.
It is also recommended to have a pair of pliers and tweezers on hand in case the broken key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is long enough to be gripped with pliers and tweezers this will suffice to get it out. If there isn't, however you'll need to use an instrument like this one to insert the tool into the lock and then rotate it toward the key to grasp it and take it out of the hole.
3. Drill a Nail
You can be left stranded if you break your key in half. There are some ways to fix it without paying for locksmith. The first thing you can do is to use a screw or nail. They are available in your house or at a hardware store. However, it is best to try to find the nail that is as thin and long as possible. This way you can fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to join the two parts together. It is also important to ensure that the back of the nail is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will stop it from moving around and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners opt for DIY techniques, such as using super glue to fix a broken key. This is a dangerous practice. You could end up damaging the lock and needing to shell out more money for getting a replacement from the dealership or locksmith.
You need to check the broken keys first and make sure they are of the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key will fit in the lock after they have been joined. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the broken pieces. This will improve the glue's bond and decrease the possibility of a loose key.
After finishing the edges, apply only a small amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue to one side. Use only key repair near me of super glue, since excessive amounts can make the key too heavy. It will then 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 several seconds, the glue will start to set and bond the key pieces together.
Another household item that can be used to help to remove a damaged car key is a bobby pin that can be made into a pick-like tool, then put into the lock. This technique is particularly useful if the break is within or close to the keyway or the ignition hole.
Another important thing to note is that if your car key is equipped with electronic components and requires an entirely new key from the dealership or a professional locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip in the key will need to be changed. In contrast, if only the metal or shell of the key fails the key, it will usually only require a new key cut and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of the electronic components.