Five Key Repair Lessons From The Pros
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're heading to work, in a hurry, and jam your car keys into the ignition. Then you try turning it, and it snaps off inside the lock!
There are a few things you can do to solve the issue before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions: 1. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is among the worst things a car owner can experience. This is especially frustrating when the driver is trying to get somewhere, or drop off a kid. In this situation, it is important to act swiftly and try to free the stuck key.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best option as they'll have the right tools and know how to get rid of the broken keys without damaging the lock. Many people will look for something thin and stiff like toothpicks or paperclips. But it is not the best solution as they are too thick to fit in the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair tweezers. They are thin and easily fit into the lock. They should also be rigid enough to grasp the broken part of the key and remove it. If car key repair near me don't have tweezers, it could be worth searching for a set that is sold at auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have small hooks. They can be inserted into the keyhole and then take the broken portion of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal of the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best choice as it can get caught under the lock and cause damage. In such a situation, it is best to contact an expert locksmith.
Some people attempt to join two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue order to take it out of the lock. However, this could be extremely risky since the pieces of metal could snag on to each other and then fall apart later. It is also important not to turn the key because this could cause damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the damaged key on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes a key breaks inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. In these cases drilling out the lock is the most effective option.
You will first want to make sure the keyhole is set for a basic tumbler. If it's not, you won't be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door, and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.
It is also important to be aware that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner metal layer. A small drill bit is sufficient to cut through these layers, but you must be sure not to go further than this. Drilling too deep can damage the internal wiring harness, or cause the drill to stick.
Wearing a mask or other protective equipment is advised when using a drill. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lung.
In the end, it's an excellent idea to keep a pair of pliers and tweezers available in case the broken piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is protruding enough to be held by pliers and tweezers this will suffice to get it out. If not you'll require a tool such as this one to insert the tool inside the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grasp it and remove it from the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you break your car key in half, it can leave you in a bind. There are fortunately a few solutions to fix it, without having to pay for locksmith. The first method is to use a nail or screw. You can find them in your house or at the hardware store. It is best to choose a nail as thin and long as possible. This way you can fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to link the two pieces. It is also good to ensure that the back of the nail is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will prevent it from moving around and breaking in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners tend to resort to DIY tricks like using super glue repair a broken car key, but this is a risky option to make. You could cause damage to the lock and be forced to pay more money to get a new one.
You need to check the keys that are broken first, and ensure that they're the same size. This step is essential to ensure that all glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key fits in the lock after they've been bonded. 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 chance of a key that is loose.
After finishing the edges, apply the smallest amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue on one end. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue, as too much can make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After that, carefully align the two pieces of the key and press them together. After several seconds, the glue will start to set and bond the key fragments together.
Another household item that can be used to help extract a broken car key is a bobby pin, which can be shaped into a pick-like device and put into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful when the damage is located inside or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
Another thing to remember is that if the damaged car key is equipped with electronic components and requires the cutting of a new key by the dealership or a professional locksmith. This is because the key will need to be programmed with a new code and the chip will need to be replaced. If only the shell or metal part of the key fails it will be necessary to replace the cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace the electronic components.