How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a rush to get your work done and jam your keys into the ignition. Then you try to turn it around, and it breaks from the lock!
There are a few things you could try to fix the issue before calling an expert locksmith. Here are a few easy fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the most frustrating things a car owner could face. This is particularly aggravating if the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or pick up a kid. In this situation it is crucial to act swiftly and try to free the stuck key.
It is recommended to call an experienced locksmith for this job as they will be able to use the appropriate tools to remove the broken key and not harm the lock. A lot of people look around in their vehicle to find something light and sturdy such as a paperclip or toothpick, but these isn't likely to work as it's too heavy to be able to get into the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair of tweezers. They are thin and are able to easily get into the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to grasp the broken part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers it might be worth looking for keys extractors which are typically available in auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have hooks that are small. They can be put in the keyhole and grasp the broken piece of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal in the lock, and then pull it out. This isn't always the best option, as it can sometimes be caught in the lock and cause further damage to it. In this case it is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith.
Some people attempt to glue the two pieces of their car key that have snapped together with superglue, as this can help them to remove it from the lock. This is a risk as the metal pieces could get caught and break later. It is important to not turn the key because it could cause further damage to your lock or the ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to repair the damaged key immediately.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes a key is broken inside the lock, and even if you have an extra key, you may not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. In these cases drilling the lock is the best choice.
First, you will want to ensure that the key hole is set to take a basic tumbler car key. If it isn't, you won't be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door, and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you'll be drilling through the outer layer of plastic as well as an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers with a small drill bit, but you should not go any further. If you drill to deep it may cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to become stuck in the hole.
Wearing a mask or protective gear is also recommended when working with a drill. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
key fob repair near me is an excellent idea, when the broken piece of key remains stuck in the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers handy. If the key is protruding enough to be able to be grasped with pliers and tweezers it will be enough to get it out. If not you'll need to use an instrument like this one to wedge the tool into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grip and pull it out of the hole.
3. Drill a Nail
You can be left stranded in the event that you break your key in half. There are several ways to fix it without paying for a locksmith. The first way is to utilize a screw or nail. car remote key repair can be found in your home or in a hardware store. It is recommended to pick the nail that is as thin and long as possible. This way you can fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to join the two pieces together. It is also good to make sure the back of the nail is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will prevent it from moving around and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners use DIY hacks like using super glue repair a broken car key, however this is a risky option to make. You could end up damaging the lock, and then have to shell out more money to get a new one.
It is important to examine the broken keys first to ensure they're the same size. This is essential to ensure that the glued pieces are properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock after they have been bonded. After that, you can use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth the edges of the broken pieces of the key. This will make the glue bond better and reduce the chances of a key becoming loose in the future.
After polishing the edges, apply the smallest amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue to the other side. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue as excessive amounts can make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the broken key and pressing them together, you can press them. After some time the glue will begin to set and join the key pieces together.
Another household item that can be used to help extract a broken car key is a bobby or paperclip pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool and inserted in the lock. This technique is particularly useful in the event that the broken part is within or close to the keyway or ignition hole.
Another important thing to note is that if your car key is equipped with electronic components, it will require an entirely new key by the dealership or an experienced locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed using a new code and the chip in the key needs to be replaced. If the metal or shell of the key breaks, you will need to replace the cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace electronics.