5 Key Repair Projects For Any Budget
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a hurry to get your work done and you put your keys into the ignition. You try turning the key however it locks. the lock.
Luckily, there are a few options you can attempt to fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are a few easy fixes:: 1. Super Glue.
1. Contact for a locksmith
One of the worst things that can happen to an owner of a vehicle is a damaged key in a lock. This can be even more difficult if it happens while the driver is hurrying to get to work or to drop off a child. In this case, you should act quickly to attempt to remove the stuck key.
It is recommended to call an experienced locksmith for this job as they will have the right tools to remove the broken key without cause damage to the lock. Many people will have a look around in their vehicle to find something light and sturdy such as a paperclip or toothpick, however this typically won't work since it's too heavy to be able to get into the lock.
The best option is to use a pair of tweezers. They are lightweight and can easily reach into the lock. They should be able to grasp the broken piece of a key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, then it may be worth searching for key extractors, which are usually available in auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with hooks that are small enough to be placed into the key hole, and then hold onto the damaged part of the key.
Another possible solution is to find a magnetic key hook that is able to be affixed to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This isn't always the best option, as it can sometimes be caught in the lock and cause further damage to it. In this instance it is best to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people will try to stick the two pieces of their broken car key with superglue as it will help them get it out of the lock. However, nearby key repair shop is very risky as the bits of metal may cling to each other and then break apart again later on. It is important to not turn the key as it could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is best to contact an expert locksmith who will be ready to take out the broken key and create an immediate replacement.
2. Drill into a hole
Even with a spare key you might not be able to access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. A drill may be the best solution in these situations.
You will first want to make sure the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler. If it's not it, you will not be able to drill the pins without damaging the door and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
The next step is to be aware that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit is sufficient to get through these layers, but you must ensure that you don't go any deeper than that. If you drill too deeply, it can damage the internal wiring harness, or cause the drill to stick.
Wearing a mask or protective gear is also recommended when working with drilling. This will stop dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.
It is also a good idea to have pliers and tweezers in your possession in the event that the broken piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is protruding enough to be able to be grasped with tweezers and pliers, then this is enough to pull it out. If not, you'll have to use an instrument such as this to encase it into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grab and remove it.
3. Drill a nail
If you cut your car key in half, it could cause you to be stranded. There are a variety of ways to solve the issue without the expense of locksmith. The first thing you can do is use the screw or nail. These are available at your home or at a local hardware store. It is recommended to pick a nail as thin and long as possible. You can then insert it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners resort to DIY techniques like using super glue repair a broken car key, but this is not a safe thing to do. You could end up ruining the lock and needing to spend more money on replacing it from the dealership or a locksmith.
First, you need to take a look at the keys that have been damaged and ensure that they are in terms of size. This step is crucial to ensure that the glued pieces will be 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 the edges of the broken pieces. This will make the glue bond better and decrease the chance of a loose key in the future.
After you have polished the edges of the broken key then apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Use only tiny amounts of super glue, as too much could make the key too large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, you can carefully align the two pieces of the key and press them together. After some time the glue will begin to set and bond the key fragments together.
A paperclip or bobby-pin can also be used as a tool to remove a broken key from an lock. They can be shaped like a pick and inserted into the lock. This method is particularly helpful when the damage is close to or within the keyway or lock hole.
A broken car key with electronic components will need an entirely new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. This is because the key needs to be programmed using a new code and the chip needs to be replaced. If only the shell or metal part of the key breaks it will be necessary to get a new cut. You don't have to reprogramme or replace the electronics.