This Week's Most Popular Stories About How To Repair Broken Car Key
How to Repair Broken Car Keys
There's a need for a quick fix in the event that your car key is damaged. You can wait for a replacement at the dealership, but it is difficult to do. Or, you could find a different way to get around.
If you have the proper tools, you can do some DIY fixes. These include needle-nose pliers as well as penetrating oil.
Damage Assessment
There's nothing more frustrating than getting ready to get in your car to drive somewhere only to realize that your key broke in the ignition. It's a problem that can occur to anyone, and can be a major stressor when you're in a hurry to get where you need to be.
The first thing you need to do is take a deep breath and try not to get stressed. If you're calm you'll be able make more informed decisions and avoid causing more damage.
Then, look over the broken key to see what remains of the key and what percentage of the crack is inside the lock or ignition cylinder. Spray WD-40 or another fluid on the area, if the broken part is inside the lock. This will help loosen the part and make it easier for you to remove it. If the damaged part is located in the ignition, it is necessary to remove it using a special tool known as key extractor.
If the key is in the ring, you may try to bend the key back into place by using pliers. This isn't easy particularly if the break is located near one of the connectors. If you're unable to bend it back into position then you can use a paperclip to grasp the end of the key and pull it straight outward.
The attempt to force the key into the ignition is likely to cause more damage and make it impossible to take it out. If you're not able to remove the damaged key, you should seek out a professional locksmith, or visit the dealership for your car.
Many different hacks are available online that claim to fix damaged keys to cars, but some of them can actually cause more damage. For example, trying to remove a broken key with a screwdriver may push it deeper into the ignition and even cause damage to the lock. To avoid this, don't insert anything other than a tool made for removing keys from the keyhole.
Removing the Broken Part
Car keys are fragile A slight jolt or excessive use could cause them to break inside the ignition. It can be difficult to solve this type of problem without the assistance of an expert. The attempt to repair the broken key yourself may result in further damage. Super glue and other methods are not recommended as they can be difficult to remove and could cause further damage to the ignition cylinder.
It's also a bad choice to use a magnet to remove the broken key. Magnets can cause damage to the electrical components of the ignition cylinder, making it more difficult to remove the broken key. Using excessive force or sudden movements when attempting to turn the key is a common mistake that could cause a damaged car key.
If the key fragment is visible and exposed, pliers and tongs can be employed. If the key is not visible and is stuck in the ignition, a small hacksaw or other thin-profiled tool can be wedged to catch the edge and then pull it out.
Another option is to apply penetrating oil to help lubricate the keyhole and decrease friction. Applying the oil and letting it sit for a couple of minutes could make it easier to remove the broken key fragment. If the oil does not work, a key extractor can be used to remove the damaged car key from the ignition.
A locksmith must replace the key if it is completely damaged in the ignition. A professional locksmith will reassemble the other pieces and use the parts as a template to create a new key that will be as similar as possible to the original. This ensures that the new key will work properly and minimizes the risk of misalignment within the lock or ignition system. This could lead to more issues that require costly and lengthy repairs. It is recommended to regularly check and replace car keys to avoid them becoming worn or damaged to the point of breaking.
Remove the broken blade from the Ignition
You could cause more damage if you push the key into the ignition. Instead, look for tools you may have around your home to attempt to get it out safely.
Tweezers can save the day in this situation. They can grasp a damaged piece of car key and assist you in pulling it out. You can also find dental picks, which are small pointy tools that may be useful. You could also try coat hangers made of wire, which is flexible enough to fit into the lock. You might try tapping the metal against a solid surface to loosen the broken key.
Another alternative is to make use of an incredibly small hacksaw blade which is usually available in hardware stores. This is thinner than a screwdriver, and can be inserted into the lock to latch on to the broken car key. This might be enough to get it out without damaging the ignition. You can also try using thin needle-nosed pliers that will latch onto the broken car key. If you're considering using a tool like this, make sure you have cotton swabs and acetone handy to get any glue that is on the tip of the pliers once you've pulled it out.
One thing to keep in mind is that using magnets to remove a broken car key isn't a good idea. Magnets shouldn't be used near an ignition, as they could damage electrical components. They also can push the broken pieces of the key deeper into the ignition, making it harder to remove them.
After you've removed your key, you must inspect the ignition for visible signs of damage. Contact a locksmith if detect any cracks in the ignition. They can replace keys without causing damage to your car's ignition. They can also provide tips on how to avoid further damage. Keep both pieces of the broken car key. This will help them understand the original shape and create an identical key for you.
Getting a New Key
There are a few options you can try when your car key is broken. It is important to remember that you should not force a damaged key into a lock or ignition. This could cause further damage and could result in costly repairs. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith for a fix.
key repair of the plastic on your key with clear tape will provide support and protect against further damage. Super glue is another option. To do this, clean the broken pieces and apply a small dab of super glue to each. After the glue is dry it is possible to try pressing the pieces together again, and hopefully you will get your key to work.
Alternatively, you can call the dealership to request an alternative key. This could be a good option since it ensures that you have a perfect match for your car and that the key is connected to the vehicle. Typically it will cost more than the services of a locksmith, but it could be the fastest and most effective solution to your problem.
A professional locksmith will also be able to provide you with a spare key which is useful in case of future emergencies. You can also lower the possibility of your key breaking in the future by taking care of it, using an appropriate key protector, and having a plan for emergencies.
A break in a car key can be extremely painful, particularly when you attempt to start your car only to discover that it isn't turning over. DIY fixes can backfire and cause misalignments that can damage ignition systems as well as locks. If you force your key into the ignition, it may harm the battery in the keyfob, or cause issues that require expensive repairs. For these reasons, it is best to seek a professional solution. An experienced automotive locksmith will be able to quickly and efficiently fix the problem without causing damage to your car or causing further issues.