The Reasons Key Repair Isn't As Easy As You Think
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work, in hurry, and you jam your keys to your car in the ignition. You try turning the key, but it snaps in the lock.
There are some things you can do to solve the issue before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are a few easy solutions: 1. Super Glue.
1. Contact for a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that can happen to an owner of a vehicle is a broken key inside locks. This can be particularly frustrating when the driver is in a rush to get somewhere, or to drop off the child. In this case you must act swiftly to try and free the stuck key.
It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this task for this job, as they can use the appropriate tools to remove the broken key and not harm the lock. Many people will have a look around their car to find something light and sturdy like a paperclip or toothpick, but this isn't likely to work as it's too thick to be able to get into the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair tweezers. They are small and can easily reach into the lock. They should be rigid enough to grasp the damaged part of a key and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it's worth looking for a set that is sold at auto parts stores. They are thin, flat and have tiny hooks. They can be inserted in the keyhole and grasp the broken piece of the key.
Another possible solution is to find an magnetic key hook that is able to stick to the metal inside the lock and be pulled out. This is not always a good idea because it could become stuck under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this case it is recommended to contact locksmith.
Some people try to join two pieces of a broken car key using superglue in order to take it out of the lock. This can be dangerous because the pieces of metal could get caught and break later. It is important to not turn the key, as it could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the broken key right away.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes a key breaks inside the lock, and even with an extra key, you may not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. Drilling out the lock may be the best solution in these situations.
It is important to make sure the keyhole is set for a basic tumbler key. If it's not there, you won't have the ability to drill out the pins and damage the lock's door or mechanism.
Next, it is important to understand that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner metal layer. More Support will suffice to cut through these layers, but you must be sure to not go any deeper than this. If you drill too deeply it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck inside the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective equipment when working using drills. This will keep the dust and dirt from getting into your respiratory system.
Finally, it is a good idea to have a pair of pliers and tweezers in your possession in case the damaged piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is extending enough to be gripped with pliers and tweezers this is enough to pull it out. If not, you'll have to use an instrument like this to wedge it in the lock, and then rotate it towards the key to grab and pull it out.
3. Drill a nail
If you cut your car key in half, it could leave you in a bind. Luckily, there are some solutions to fix it without paying for locksmith. The first thing you can do is to use screws or nails. You can find them at home or at a hardware store. But, it is best to search for the nail that is as thin as it can be and as long as is possible. You can then insert it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. It is also good to make sure the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will keep it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners make use of DIY hacks like using super glue to attempt to fix a damaged car key, but this is a risky option to make. You could end up damaging the lock and be forced to shell out more for a replacement.
First, you need to examine the keys that are broken and make sure that they are identical 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 once they have been bonded. After that, you can use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will help the glue bond better and lessen the risk of a key falling loose in the future.
After polishing the edges After polishing the edges, apply a small amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue on one end. Use only tiny amounts of super glue, since too much can make the key too large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the broken key and pressing them together, you can press them. After a few moments the glue will begin to set and bond to the key pieces.
Another household item that can be used to help to remove a damaged car key is a bobby or paperclip pin, which can be shaped into a pick-like tool, then inserted in the lock. This technique is particularly useful in the event that the broken part is within 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 an entirely new key by the dealership or an experienced locksmith. This is because the key will need to be programmed with a brand new code and the chip will need to be replaced. However, if the metal or shell of the key is damaged the key, it will usually only require the cutting of a new key and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of electronic components.