10 Things That Everyone Is Misinformed About The Word "Key Repair."
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a rush to get your work done and jam your keys into the ignition. Then you try turning it into a lock, and it snaps in the lock!
Luckily, there are several ways you can try to solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A broken key in the lock is one of the most frustrating things a car owner could face. This is especially frustrating if the driver is in a rush to get somewhere, or drop off a kid. In this situation you must act swiftly to attempt to remove the stuck key.
It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this job as they can use the correct tools to take out the broken key and not harm the lock. Many people look around their car to find something light and sturdy like a paperclip, or toothpick, however this usually won't work as it's too heavy to be able to get into the lock.
The best option is to search for an tweezers set, since they are very thin and can easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should be strong enough to grasp the broken piece of a key and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it's worth looking for a set that is sold at auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with small hooks that can be put into the key hole and grip on the broken piece of the key.
Another possible solution is to find a magnetic key hook that is able to attach to the metal in the lock and pull it out. This is not always the best option as it can get caught under the lock and cause further damage. In such a scenario it is recommended to call an expert locksmith.
Some people attempt to join the two pieces of a damaged car key with superglue in order to remove it from the lock. However, car key repair service is extremely risky since the pieces of metal could stick to each other and then break apart later. It is essential not to turn the key because it could cause further damage to your lock or the ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the damaged key right away.
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. The lock could be drilled out. be the best option in these situations.
The first step is to make sure that the key hole is set up to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it's not, you won't be able to drill the pins out and cause damage to the lock's door or mechanism.
The next step is to understand that you'll be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers with a small drill bit, but you shouldn't go any deeper. If you drill too deeply it may cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck in the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear when working with drills. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your lung.
It's also a good idea, if the broken key piece is still sticking out of the lock, to have pliers and tweezers in your bag. 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 an instrument such as this to wedge it into the lock and then turn it toward the key to grab it and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
If you smash your car key in half, it could leave you trapped. Luckily, there are a few ways to fix it, without having to pay for locksmith. The first way is to use a nail or screw. These can be found in your home or at a local hardware store. It is best to choose the nail that is as thin and as long as you can. You can then insert it into the hole and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. It is also important to ensure that the back of the nail is flat. This will help it to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving and breaking in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners resort to DIY techniques like using super glue to repair a broken car key, however this is not a safe option to make. You could end up ruining the lock and have to shell out more money for finding a replacement at the dealer or locksmith.
You must examine the keys that are broken first and make sure they're the same size. This step is crucial to ensure that the glued parts are properly aligned and that the key fits into the lock after they are bonded together. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the broken pieces. This will improve the bond of glue and decrease the likelihood of a future key that is loose.
After finishing the edges, apply only a small amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue on one end. Be careful not to apply too much, because this could cause the key to become too heavy and may be difficult to fit into the lock. After that, carefully align the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a short time, the glue will begin to set and join to the key pieces.
A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used to remove a damaged key from the lock. They can be cut like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This method is particularly useful if the break is near or inside the keyway or ignition lock hole.
A broken car key with electronic components will require a new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key will have to be reprogrammed with a different code and the chip inside the key must be replaced. In contrast, if only the metal or shell of the key is damaged it typically requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require any reprogramming or replacing of the electronic components.