How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a rush to get your work done and you put your keys into the ignition. Then you try turning it, and it snaps off inside the lock!
Luckily, there are a few ways you can try to solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Call for a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that can happen to an owner of a vehicle is a damaged key in the lock. This can be even more frustrating if it occurs while the driver is hurrying to get to work or drop off an infant. In this scenario you must act swiftly to attempt to remove the stuck key.
It is recommended 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 without harm the lock. Many people look for something that is thin and rigid like paperclips or toothpicks. However this isn't the best solution as they are too heavy to fit inside the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair tweezers. They are lightweight and easily fit inside the lock. They should be rigid enough to grab the broken part of a key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers it might be worth looking for keys extractors, which are usually available in auto parts stores. They are narrow and flat with hooks that are small enough to be put into the key hole, and then hold onto the broken bit of the key.
Another possible solution is to find an magnetic key hook that will be affixed to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This isn't always the best option since it is possible for it to be caught in the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this instance it is best to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people will try to glue the two pieces of their car key that have snapped together with superglue, as this can help them to get it out of the lock. However, this could be extremely risky because the pieces of metal could stick to one another and fall apart later. It is also crucial not to turn the key as this can cause further damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the damaged key immediately.
2. Drill a hole
Even with a spare key you may not be able access your vehicle if a key is broken inside the lock. Drilling out the lock may be the best solution in these instances.
The first step is to ensure that the key hole is designed to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it's not then you won't be able to drill out the pins and cause damage to the door or internal lock mechanism.
It is important to keep in mind that you will drill through an outer plastic layer as well as an inner metal layer. A small drill bit is enough to get through these layers, but you must be sure to not go further than this. In the event of drilling too deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill to stick.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear when working using drilling. This will prevent dirt and dust from entering your respiratory system.
It is also an excellent idea to keep two pairs of pliers and tweezers on hand in the event that the broken key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this could be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you'll have to use a tool like this to wedge it into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grab and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
If you break your car key in half, it can cause you to be stranded. There are a number of options to fix the problem without having to hire a locksmith. The first step is to use a screw or nail. They can be found in your home or at a local hardware store. It is recommended to search for nails that are as thin and long as possible. This means you can put it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces. Make sure that the back of the nails are flat. This will make it easier to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of motorists 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 have to shell out more money for finding a replacement at the dealer or locksmith.
First, examine the keys that have been damaged and make sure that they match each other in terms of size. This step is essential to ensure that all pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key fits in the lock after they have been bonded. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the damaged pieces. This will help make the glue bond stronger and reduce the chances of a key becoming loose in the future.
After car key fob repair service 've polished the edges of the damaged key and polished them, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Use only tiny amounts of super glue, as excessive amounts can make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully align the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a few seconds the glue will begin to set and join the key pieces together.
Another common household item that can be used to help extract a broken car key is a bobby pin that can be made into a pick-like device and placed inside the lock. This method is particularly useful when the damage is close to or within the keyway or lock hole.
A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will require an entirely new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key will have to be reprogrammed using a new code and the chip inside the key will need to be replaced. If only the metal or shell of the key fails and needs to be replaced, you'll need to replace the cut. You don't have to reprogramme or replace electronic components.