8 Tips To Up Your Key Repair Game
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work in a hurry, and jam your car keys into the ignition. You try to turn it, and it snaps off inside the lock!
There are a few things you could do to fix the problem before calling a professional locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Call a locksmith
One of the worst things that can happen to an owner of a vehicle is a broken key inside a lock. This is especially frustrating if it occurs while the driver is trying to get to work or drop off the child. In this case it is imperative to act fast to try to get the key out of the way.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this task, because he or she will be able to use the appropriate tools to remove the broken key and not harm the lock. Many people look for something small and stiff such as a toothpick or paperclip. But this isn't the best solution as they are too large to fit into the lock.
The best option is to use a pair tweezers. They are thin and are able to easily get into the lock. They should be able to grab the broken part of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers it might be worth trying to locate key extractors, which are usually found in auto parts stores. They are narrow, flat and have tiny hooks. They can be put in the keyhole and grasp the broken piece of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal inside the lock, and then pull it out. This isn't always the best option as it could be caught under a lock and cause more damage. In such a scenario it is advised to contact a locksmith.
Some people attempt to glue the two pieces of their broken car key with superglue as this can help them to get it out of the lock. However, this can be extremely risky because the pieces of metal could snag on to one another and break apart again later on. It is important to not turn the key, as it could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. It is better to call an expert locksmith who will be on hand to take the broken key and make an immediate replacement.
2. Drill a hole
Even with a spare key you may not be able to access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. In these instances drilling the lock is the most effective option.
The first step is to make sure that the key hole is set to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it isn't it, you will not be able to remove the pins without damaging the door and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
The next step is to know that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner metal layer. 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 become stuck within the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear while working with a drill. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your lung.
In the end, it's a good idea to have pliers and tweezers on hand in case the damaged key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key protruding to grip with tweezers or pliers, this should be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If there isn't, however, you will need to use a tool such as this one to encase the tool in the lock and then rotate it towards the key in order to grip it and take it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you break your car key in half, it can leave you in a bind. Luckily, there are several solutions to fix it without paying for locksmith. The first method is to use a nail or screw. These can be found in your home or at a local hardware store. However, it is best to try to find nails that are as thin as it can be and as long as is possible. This will allow you to fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to join the two pieces together. It is also good to ensure that the back of the nail is level. This will allow it to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners use DIY techniques, such as using super glue to repair a damaged key. This is a risky method. You could end up damaging the lock, and have to shell out more money to get a new one.
It is important to examine the broken keys first, and ensure that they are the same size. This is vital to ensure that the glued pieces will be properly aligned and that the key fits into the lock once they are bonded together. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the damaged pieces. This will help the glue bond better and decrease the chance of a loose key in the future.
After 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 it will be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the key that broke and pressing them together, you can press them. After some time the glue will begin to set and bind the key fragments.
car key fob repair service that can be used to extract a broken car key is a bobby or paperclip pin that can be made into a pick-like tool, then placed inside the lock. This technique is particularly helpful if the break is in or close to the keyway or ignition 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 with a new code and the key chip must be replaced. If the metal or shell of the key fails it will be necessary to get a new cut. You don't have to reprogramme or replace electronics.