How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work, in hurry, and you jam your keys in the ignition. You try turning the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
Luckily, there are several ways you can attempt to resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the worst things a car owner could face. This is especially painful if it occurs when the driver is hurrying to get to work or to drop off an infant. In this scenario, you should act quickly to attempt to get the key out of the way.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this job, because he or she will have the correct tools to take out the broken key and not damage the lock. Many people look for something that is thin and rigid, such as toothpicks or paperclips. However, electronic car key repair near me is not the best option since they are too thick to fit into the lock.
A much better solution is to look for a pair of tweezers as these are quite thin and can easily reach the key hole within the lock. They should also be strong enough to hold the damaged part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers it might be worth searching for keys extractors that are often available in auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with small hooks that can be inserted into the key hole and grip onto the damaged part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal in the lock and then remove it. This isn't always a good idea because it could get caught under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In such a situation it is recommended to call locksmith.
Some people try to glue together the two pieces of a broken car key with superglue in order to take it out of the lock. This is a risk as the metal pieces could get caught and break later. It is important to not turn the key, as this could cause further damage to your lock or the ignition cylinder. It is best to contact a professional locksmith who will be able to take the broken key and make a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill a Hole
Even with a spare key you might not be able to access your vehicle if a key is broken inside the lock. Drilling out the lock may be the best option in these instances.
It is important to ensure that the keyhole is positioned for a basic tumbler key. If it's not there, you won't be able to remove the pins and damage the lock's door or internal mechanism.
It is important to keep in mind that you will drill through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers using a the smallest drill bit but you shouldn't go any deeper. If you drill too deeply, it can damage the internal wiring harness, or cause the drill to snag.
Wearing a protective mask or gear is also advised when using drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your respiratory system.
Finally, it is recommended to have a pair of pliers and tweezers on hand in case the damaged piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key protruding to grip with tweezers or pliers, this will suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you'll have to use a tool such as this to encase it into the lock and then turn it towards the key to grab it and remove it.
3. Drill a nail
You can be left stranded in the event that you break your key in half. There are a variety of ways to solve the issue without having to pay locksmith. The first method is to utilize a screw or nail. You can find these at home or at the hardware store. It is recommended to try to find a nail that is as thin as it can be and as long as is possible. This means you can put it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will make it easier to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners tend to use DIY hacks like using super glue attempt to fix a damaged car key, but this is not a safe thing to do. You could damage the lock and be forced to pay more money to get a new one.
First, you need to examine the keys that have been damaged and make sure that they are in terms of size. This is essential to ensure that the glued pieces will be properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock after they are bonded together. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the broken pieces. This will help the glue bond better and reduce the chances of a key falling loose in the future.
After finishing the edges after polishing, apply the smallest amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue on one end. Use only tiny amounts of super glue, as excessive amounts can make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully place the two pieces of the key and press them together. After some time, the glue will start to set and bond the key pieces together.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used as a tool to extract a broken key from the lock. They can be shaped like a pick and inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly useful when the damage is located within or close to the keyway or ignition hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will require an entirely new key from the 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 replaced. If only the shell or metal part of the key breaks and needs to be replaced, you'll need to have a new cut. You don't have to reprogramme or replace electronics.