How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work in rush, and put your car keys into the ignition. You try turning the key however it locks. the lock.
There are some things you can do to solve the issue before contacting an expert locksmith. Here are a few easy fixes:: 1. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A broken key in the lock is one of the worst things a car owner could experience. This is especially difficult if it happens while the driver is hurrying to get somewhere or to drop off an infant. In this case it is imperative to act fast to try and get the key out of the way.
Contacting a professional locksmith is the best option, because they'll have the right tools and know how to get rid of the keys broken without damaging the lock. A lot of people look around the vehicle for something thin and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, however this isn't likely to work as it is too thick to be able to get into the lock.
The best solution is to look for a pair of tweezers because they are thin and easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to hold the damaged part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, then it may be worth searching for a set of key extractors that are often available in auto parts stores. They are narrow, flat and have small hooks. They can be inserted through the keyhole to take the broken portion of the key.
Another possible solution is to find the magnetic key hook that will be affixed to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best option as it can get caught under the lock and cause further damage. In this case it is best to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people try to glue the two pieces of their snapped car key together using superglue, thinking that this can help them to get it out of the lock. This can be dangerous as the metal pieces may tangle and break later. It is important to not turn the key because it could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is better to call an expert locksmith who will be able to take out the damaged key and then make a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill a Hole
Even with a spare key, you may not be able to access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. In these instances drilling out the lock is the best choice.
You will first want to make sure that the keyhole is positioned for a basic tumbler key. If it's not, you won't be able to drill the pins out and damage the lock's door or internal mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you'll be drilling through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit will suffice to penetrate these layers, but it is important to be sure not to go any deeper than this. If you drill too deeply, it can cause damage to the wiring harness, or cause the drill to snag.
Wearing a mask or other protective equipment is also recommended when using drills. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your respiratory system.
It is also a good idea if the broken key piece is still sticking out of the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers at hand. If the key is long 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 a tool such as this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grasp it and pull it out.
3. Drill a nail
If you break your car key in half, it can leave you trapped. There are a number of options to fix the problem without having to pay a locksmith. The first option is to utilize a screw or nail. These can be found in your home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to pick the nail that is as thin and as long as possible. This way, you can place it into the hole, and then use epoxy to link the two pieces together. It is also important to ensure that the nail's back is level. car key fob repair will help it to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will keep it from moving and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of motorists make use of DIY hacks such as using super glue to try and fix a broken car key, however this is not a safe option to make. You could cause damage to the lock, and have to shell out more money to replace it.
The first step is to examine the broken keys and make sure that they match each other in terms of size. This step is essential to ensure that all the glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key will fit into the lock after they have been put in place. 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 stronger and lessen the risk of a key becoming loose in the future.
After polishing the edges after polishing, apply the smallest amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue to one side. Use only tiny amounts of super glue, as too much could make the key too large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully place the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a few seconds the glue will begin to set and bond the key pieces together.
Another common household item that can be used to help extract a broken car key is a bobby pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool and placed inside the lock. This method is especially useful if the break is in or close to the keyway or the ignition hole.
Another important point to keep in mind is that if the broken car key is equipped with electronic components and requires the cutting of a new key from the dealership or a professional locksmith. This is because the key will have to be programmed using a new code and the key chip needs to be replaced. However, if the shell or metal portion of the key is damaged the key, it will usually only require the cutting of a new key and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of electronic components.