10 Unexpected Key Repair Tips
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work, in hurry, and you jam your car keys into the ignition. You try turning the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
There are a few things you could try to fix the issue before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Contact for a locksmith
One of the worst things that could happen to a car owner is a damaged key in locks. This is especially painful if it occurs when the driver is hurrying to get to work or to drop off an infant. In such a situation, it is important to act quickly and try to release the stuck key.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best option as they'll have the right tools and know how to take out the broken keys without damaging the lock. Many people look for something small and stiff, such as a toothpick or paperclip. However, this is not the best option since they are too thick to fit into the lock.
A much better solution is to find an tweezers set, because they are thin and can easily reach the key hole in 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 then you might consider searching for a set of key extractors which are typically available in auto parts stores. G28CarKeys are flat and narrow with small hooks that can be inserted into the key hole, and then hold onto the broken bit of the key.
Another possible solution is to locate the magnetic key hook that is able to be affixed to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best option because it could be caught in the lock and cause further damage to it. In such a situation it is advised to contact an expert locksmith.
Some people attempt to join the two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue in order to remove it from the lock. This can be dangerous as the metal pieces may tangle and break later. It is also crucial not to turn the key since this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to repair the damaged key immediately.
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 cases drilling the lock is the best choice.
First, you must ensure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler key. If it isn't then you won't be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
It is important to note 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 shouldn't go any deeper. If you drill to deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick in the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective equipment when working with drills. This will keep the dust and dirt from getting into your respiratory system.
It is also a good idea, in the event that the key fragment is broken and is still sticking out of the lock, to keep pliers and tweezers handy. If there is enough of the key to grip with tweezers or pliers, this should suffice to pull it out of the lock. If there isn't, however, you will need to use a tool such as this one to wedge the tool inside the lock, and then turn it towards the key in order to grip it and pull it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
You may be left in limbo if you break your key in half. Luckily, there are some methods to fix it without having to pay for a locksmith. The first way is to utilize a screw or nail. These are available at your home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to select a nail as thin and long as you can. This way you can fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to link the two parts together. It is also important to make sure the back of the nail is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will stop it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners use DIY techniques, such as using super glue to repair a damaged or broken key. This is a risky practice. You could cause damage to the lock and be forced to shell out more money to replace it.
You must examine the broken keys first and make sure they are the same size. This is essential to ensure that the glued parts will be properly aligned and the key will fit 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 damaged pieces. This will help the glue bond stronger and decrease the chance of a key becoming loose in the future.
Once you have polished the edges of the broken key, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Use only a small amount of super glue as excessive amounts can make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the key that broke and pressing them together, you can press them. After a few seconds the glue will begin to set and join the key pieces together.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used as a tool to remove a broken key from the lock. They can be shaped like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful in the event that the broken part is in or near the keyway or ignition hole.
Another important point to keep in mind is that if the broken car key is equipped with electronic components, it will require an entirely new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip in the key needs to be replaced. If the shell or metal part of the key breaks and needs to be replaced, you'll need to have a new cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace the electronics.