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How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work in a hurry, and jam your keys to your car in the ignition. You try to turn it around, and it breaks from the lock!
There are a few things you could do to solve the issue before calling an expert locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call an expert locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the worst things a car owner could experience. This situation is even more difficult if it happens while the driver is hurrying to get somewhere or to drop off an infant. In this scenario you must act swiftly to try and get the key out of the way.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best option as they will have the right tools and know how to take out the keys broken without damaging the lock. car key repair shop near me will have a look around the vehicle to find something light and sturdy like a paperclip, or toothpick, but this typically won't work since it's too heavy to fit into the lock.
The best option is to find an tweezers set, since they are very thin and can easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should also be strong enough to hold the damaged part of the key and remove it. If you don't own tweezers, it might be worth looking for a set available at auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with hooks that are small enough to be inserted into the key hole and grip onto the damaged part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal of the lock and then remove it. This is not always the best choice as it could get caught in the lock and cause further damage. In this case, it is best to call a locksmith.
Some people try to join the two pieces of a damaged car key with superglue in order to remove it from the lock. This is a risk because the pieces of metal may tangle and break later. It is also crucial not to turn the key since this could cause further damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to replace the broken key immediately.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even with an extra key, you may not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. In these situations drilling the lock is the best choice.
First, you must make sure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler key. If it's not, you won't be able to drill out the pins and damage the lock's door or mechanism.
It is important to note that you will drill through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers using a the smallest drill bit but you should not go any further. Drilling too deep can cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill to become stuck.
Wearing a mask or protective equipment is advised when using drills. This will prevent dirt and dust from entering your lungs.
It is also a good idea, in the event that the key fragment is broken and remains stuck in the lock, to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers handy. If there is enough of the key to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this could suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, however, you will require an instrument like this one to insert the tool into the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grasp it and pull it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
You could be left without a home if you break your key in half. There are fortunately some ways to fix it without having to pay for a locksmith. The first option is to utilize a screw or nail. They can be found in your home or in a hardware store. It is recommended to select a nail as thin and as long as possible. So you can insert it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces. Make sure that the back of the nails are flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will stop it from moving around and breaking in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners tend to make use of DIY tricks such as using super glue to attempt to fix a damaged car key, however this is a dangerous way to go. You could cause damage to the lock and be forced to shell out more to replace it.
You need to check the broken keys first, and ensure that they are the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all the pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key will fit in the lock after they've been put in place. Then, use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges of the broken pieces of the key. This will improve the glue's bond and reduce the likelihood of a future key that is loose.
After you've polished the edges of the broken key then apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. 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 lining up the two pieces of the key that broke and pressing them together, you can press them. After a few moments, the glue will begin to set and bond the key fragments.
A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used to remove a broken key from an lock. They can be cut like a pick and inserted into the lock. This method is particularly useful when the damage is close to or inside the keyway or lock hole.
Another important thing to note is that if the damaged car key is equipped with electronic components, it will require a new key cut by the dealership or a professional locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip in the key will need to be replaced. If only the shell or metal part of the key fails, you will need to get a new cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace electronics.