How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're rushing to get your work done and you put your keys into the ignition. You try to turn the key however it locks. the lock.
There are a few things you can do to fix the problem before contacting a professional locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is among the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner could face. This is especially frustrating if it occurs while the driver is rushing to get to work or drop off a child. In this scenario it is imperative to act fast to attempt to free the stuck key.
It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this job as they will have the right tools to remove the broken key and not harm the lock. Many people will have a look around the vehicle for something thin and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, however this usually won't work as it's too thick to enter the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair tweezers. They are lightweight and are able to easily get inside the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to hold the damaged part of the key and remove it. If you don't have tweezers then you might consider looking for key extractors, which are usually available in auto parts stores. They are narrow and flat with small hooks that can be put into the key hole, and then hold onto the damaged part of the key.
Another possible solution is to find the magnetic key hook that will be affixed to the metal inside the lock and pull it out. This isn't always a good idea since it is possible for it to get caught under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this case, it's best to call an experienced locksmith.
Some people try to glue together the two pieces of a broken car key using superglue in order to get it out of the lock. This can be dangerous because the pieces of metal may tangle and break later. It is crucial not to turn the key as this could cause further damage to your lock or the ignition cylinder. It is better to call a professional locksmith who will be ready to remove the broken key and create an immediate replacement.
2. Drill through a hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be capable of opening the door to your vehicle. A drill may be the best solution in these instances.
The first step is to ensure that the key hole is set up to take a basic tumbler car key. If it isn't then you won't be able to drill the pins without damaging the door and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.
It is important to keep in mind that you will drill through an outer plastic layer as well as an inner metal layer. A small drill bit is sufficient to penetrate these layers, but you must be sure not to go any deeper than that. In the event of drilling too deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness, or cause the drill to stick.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear when working using drills. This will keep dirt and dust from entering your respiratory system.
It is also a good idea, if the broken key piece remains stuck in the lock, to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers in your bag. If there is enough of the key protruding to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this could be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you'll have to use a tool such as this to wedge it in the lock, and then rotate it towards the key to grab and remove it.
3. Drill a nail
If you break your car key in half, it could leave you stranded. There are some solutions to fix it, without having to pay for locksmith. The first thing you can do is to use screws or nails. These can be found in your home or at a hardware store. However, it is best to look for nails that are as thin and long as possible. This means you can put it into the hole and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. It is also important to make sure the back of the nail is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will stop it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners tend to use DIY tricks such as using super glue to repair a broken car key, but this is a dangerous thing to do. You could cause damage to the lock and be forced to pay more money to replace it.
It is important to examine the keys that have been damaged first to ensure they are the same size. This is essential to ensure that the glued parts will be properly aligned and that the key fits into the lock after they have been bonded. After that, use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will make the glue stick better and reduce the chances of a loose key in the future.
After finishing the edges after polishing, apply only a small amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue on one end. Be careful not to apply too much, because this could cause the key to become too heavy and may be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully place the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a few moments the glue will begin to set and bond together the key fragments.
Another common household item that can be used to help remove a damaged car key is a bobby pin that can be made into a pick-like tool and placed inside the lock. This technique is particularly helpful when the damage is located within or close to the keyway or the ignition hole.
A broken car key with electronic components will require a new key from the locksmith or dealer. This is because the key will have to be programmed with a new code and the chip needs to be replaced. However, if web page or metal portion of the key breaks it typically requires a new key cut and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of electronics.