How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work, in a hurry, and jam your car keys into the ignition. You try turning the key however it locks. the lock.
Luckily, there are a few ways you can attempt to fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are some quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
One of the most devastating things that could happen to a car owner is a broken key inside a lock. This can be even more difficult if it happens while the driver is trying to get to work or to drop off an infant. In this case it is imperative to act fast to attempt to remove the stuck key.
Contacting a professional locksmith is the best option because they'll have the proper tools and know how to remove the broken keys without damaging the lock. Many people look for something thin and stiff such as a toothpick or paperclip. However, this is not the best choice since they are too large to fit into the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair of tweezers. They are thin and easily fit inside the lock. They should be strong enough to grasp the damaged part of a key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it might be worth searching for a set available at auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with hooks that are small enough to be put into the key hole and grip on the broken piece of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal inside the lock and then remove it. This isn't always the best option, as it can sometimes be caught in the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this instance, it's best to call an experienced locksmith.
Some people attempt to join two pieces of a damaged car key with superglue in order to get it out of the lock. However, this could be extremely risky because the pieces of metal could snag on to each other and then fall apart later. It is also essential not to turn the key, as this can cause further damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. It is better to call an expert locksmith who will be on hand to remove the damaged key and then make an immediate replacement.
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. The lock could be drilled out. be the best solution in these situations.
The first step is to ensure that the key hole is set to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it's not then you won't be able to remove the pins without damaging the door and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.
It is important to note that you will drill through an outer plastic layer as well as an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with tiny drill bits, however, you should not go any further. If you drill too deep, it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck in the hole.
Wearing a protective mask or gear is also advised when using a drill. This will keep the dust and dirt from getting into your lung.
It's also a good idea if the broken key piece is sticking out of the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers at hand. If the key is extending enough to be gripped with tweezers and pliers, then this will suffice to get it out. If not you'll need to use a tool such as this one to encase the tool into the lock and then turn it towards the key to grip and remove it from the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you smash your car key in half, it could leave you trapped. There are a variety of ways to fix the problem without having to pay a locksmith. The first step is use a screw or nail. You can find them at home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to pick a nail as thin and long as possible. This will allow you to fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to link the two pieces. It is also good to ensure that the nail's back is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. car key fob repair near me will keep it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists resort to DIY hacks, like using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a risky practice. You could end up ruining the lock and needing to shell out more money for finding a replacement at the dealership or locksmith.
First, you need to take a look at the keys that have been damaged and ensure that they match each other in terms of size. This is vital to ensure that the glued parts will be properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock after they have been bonded. After that, you can use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth the edges of the broken pieces of the key. This will strengthen the glue's bond and decrease the possibility of a key that is loose.
After you've polished the edges of the damaged key, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue as too much can make the key too large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully align the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a few moments the glue will begin to set and bind together the key fragments.
A paperclip or bobby-pin can also be used to remove a damaged key from an lock. They can be shaped like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This method is particularly helpful in the event that the broken part is close or inside the keyway or ignition lock hole.
A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will require an entirely new key from the locksmith or dealer. The key must be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip in the key must be replaced. If only the shell or metal part of the key fails, you will need to have a new cut. You don't have to reprogramme or replace electronic components.