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. Then you try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps in the lock!
Luckily, there are a few ways you can solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A broken key in the lock is one of the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner could face. This can be particularly frustrating when the driver is trying to get somewhere, or drop off the child. In this situation, it is important to act quickly and attempt to release the stuck key.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best option, as they'll have the proper tools and know how to remove the broken keys without damaging the lock. Many people will look for something thin and stiff such as toothpicks or paperclips. However this isn't the best choice since they are too heavy to fit in the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair of tweezers. They are small and are able to easily get inside the lock. They should also be strong enough to grasp the broken part of the key and remove it. If you don't have tweezers, it could be worth searching for a set available at auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with hooks that are small enough to be put into the key hole, and then hold on the broken piece of the key.
Another possible solution is to locate the magnetic key hook that is able to stick to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best choice as it could get caught in a lock and cause more damage. In this case, it is best to call a locksmith.
Some people attempt to join two pieces of a broken car key with superglue in order to get it out of the lock. However, this can be extremely risky because the pieces of metal may cling to one another and break apart later. It is important to not turn the key, as it could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to repair the broken key on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Even with a spare key you might not be able to access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. In these instances drilling out the lock is the most effective option.
First, you need to make sure that the key hole is set up to take a basic tumbler car key. If it's not there, you won't have the ability to drill out the pins and damage the lock's door or internal mechanism.
It is important to keep in mind that you'll drill through an outer plastic layer as well as an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers with a small drill bit, but you should not go any further. In the event of drilling too deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness, or cause the drill to snag.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear while working with a drill. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
It is also a good idea, in the event that the key fragment is broken and is sticking out of the lock, to keep 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'll require tools like this one to encase the tool into the lock and then turn it toward the key in order to grip it and remove it from the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you cut your car key in half, it can leave you stranded. There are fortunately some methods to fix it without paying for a locksmith. The first option is to make use of a screw or nail. These are available at your home or in a hardware store. It is recommended to look for the nail that is as thin as it can be and as long as is possible. You can then insert it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. It is also good to make sure the back of the nail is flat. This will allow it to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving and breaking in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of motorists make use of DIY techniques such as using super glue to attempt to fix a damaged car key, but this is not a safe way to go. You could cause damage to the lock and be forced to shell out more for a replacement.
It is important to examine the broken keys first to ensure they are of the same size. This step is essential to ensure that all the pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key fits in the lock after they've been put in place. After that, you can use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth the edges on the broken pieces of the key. This will help make the glue stick better and reduce the chances of a key becoming loose in the future.
Once you have polished the edges of the damaged key and polished them, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Be cautious not to apply too much glue, as this could cause the key to become too thick and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the key that broke and pressing them together, you can press them. After several seconds, the glue will start to set and join the key fragments.
Another household item that can be used to to remove a damaged car key is a bobby or paperclip pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool and put into the lock. This method is particularly useful if the break is near or within the keyway or lock hole.
remote key fob repair to keep in mind is that if the broken car key is equipped with electronic components, it will require the cutting of a new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. This is because the key will have to be programmed using a new code and the key chip needs to be replaced. However, if the shell or metal portion of the key fails, it usually just requires a new key cut and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of electronics.