How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work in a hurry, and jam your keys in the ignition. You try to turn the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
There are some 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
One of the worst things that could happen to an owner of a vehicle is a damaged key in a lock. This is especially frustrating if it occurs while the driver is hurrying to get to work or drop off a child. In this case it is essential to act quickly and try to release the stuck key.
It is best to call an expert locksmith for this job as they can use the correct tools to take out the broken key without cause damage to the lock. Many people look for something small and stiff like paperclips or toothpicks. However, this is not the best choice since they are too heavy to fit into the lock.
A much better solution is to find an tweezers set, as these are quite thin and easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should be rigid enough to grasp the broken piece of a key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, then it may be worth searching for key extractors which are typically sold in auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have small hooks. They can be put into the keyhole and then take the broken portion of the key.
Another option is to find the magnetic key hook that can attach to the metal in the lock and then pull it out. This isn't always the best option as it can get caught under the lock and cause damage. In such a situation it is advised to contact locksmith.
Some people attempt to join the two pieces of their snapped car key with superglue as this can help them to remove it from the lock. This is a risk because the pieces of metal could snag and break later. It is also essential not to turn the key because this could cause damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the broken key immediately.
2. Drill through a hole
Even with a spare key, you may not be able access your vehicle if a key is broken inside the lock. In these situations drilling the lock is the most effective option.
The first step is to make sure that the key hole is set up to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it's not, you won't be able to remove the pins and cause damage to the lock's door or mechanism.
It is also important to be aware that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner metal layer. A small drill bit will suffice to get through these layers, but it is important to ensure that you don't go any deeper than that. If you drill too deeply it may cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck within the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear when working using a drill. This will keep dust and dirt from entering your lung.
It is also a good idea, in the event that the key fragment is broken and is sticking out of the lock, to keep a pair pliers and tweezers handy. If there is enough of the key protruding to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this should suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you'll have to use an instrument like this to wedge it into the lock and then turn it toward the key to grab and pull it out.
3. Drill a nail
If you cut your car key in half, it can cause you to be stranded. There are a number of options to fix the issue without the expense of locksmith. The first option is to utilize a screw or nail. You can find them at home or at a hardware store. But, it is best to look for a nail that is as thin as it can be and as long as is possible. This will allow you to fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to connect the two pieces. Make sure that the back of the nails is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. car key repair service will stop it from moving and possibly breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
Many auto owners use DIY hacks, like using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a risky practice. You could end up damaging the lock, and then have to pay more money for a replacement.
You must examine the broken keys first and make sure they are the same size. This step is crucial to ensure that the pieces will be properly aligned and that the key fits into the lock once they have been bonded. After that, you can use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth the edges on the broken pieces of the key. This will help make the glue bond better and lessen the risk of a key falling loose in the future.
After you have polished the edges of the broken key then apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Be cautious not to apply too much, as this could cause the key to become too heavy and it will be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the key that broke and pressing them together, you can press them. After a short time, the glue will begin to set and bond to the key pieces.
Another household item that can be used to remove a damaged 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 if the break is in or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will need a new key from a dealer or a professional locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip in the key needs to be changed. If only the metal or shell of the key is damaged it will be necessary to get a new cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace electronic components.