How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're rushing to get to work, 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 can try to fix the issue before contacting an experienced locksmith. Here are some quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that could happen to a car owner is a damaged key in the lock. This situation is even more difficult if it happens while the driver is trying to get to work or drop off the child. In this case it is imperative to act fast to try and free the stuck key.
Calling auto key repair is the best option because they'll have the proper tools and know how to get rid of the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. Many people are looking for something thin and stiff like toothpicks or paperclips. But, this is not the best solution as they are too heavy to fit inside the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair of tweezers. They are small and are able to easily get inside the lock. They should be rigid enough to grab the broken part of a key and pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it might be worth looking for a set that is available at auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with small hooks that can be inserted into the key hole, and then hold on the broken piece of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal of the lock, and then pull it out. This isn't always the best option since it could be caught under the lock and cause damage. In such a scenario it is recommended to call an expert locksmith.
Some people try to join the two pieces of their broken car key together with superglue, as this can help them to remove it from the lock. This can be dangerous as the metal pieces may tangle and break later. It is essential not to turn the key as it could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the damaged key immediately.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes a key breaks inside the lock, and even if you have a spare, you might not be able to gain access to your vehicle. A drill may be the best solution in these situations.
You will first want to make sure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler. If it's not then you won't be able to remove the pins and cause damage to the door or internal lock mechanism.
It is also important to know that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner metal layer. A small drill bit will suffice to penetrate these layers, but you must ensure that you don't go further than this. In the event of drilling too deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness, or cause the drill to snag.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective equipment when working using drilling. This will keep dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
It is an excellent idea, when the broken piece of key remains stuck in the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers in your bag. If there is enough of the key to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this could be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you will need to use an instrument like this one to wedge the tool into the lock and then turn it toward the key to grasp it and pull it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
You can be left stranded if you break your key in half. There are some ways to fix it without having to pay for a locksmith. The first way is to make use of a screw or nail. You can find these at home or at the hardware store. It is best to choose nails that are as thin and long as possible. So you can insert it into the hole, and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. It is also good to ensure that the nail's back is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will prevent it from moving and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists opt for DIY hacks, such as using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a risky practice. You could end up ruining the lock and needing to pay more for getting a replacement from the dealer or locksmith.
You must examine the keys that have been damaged first to ensure they are the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all the pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key fits inside the lock once they've been put in place. Then, using key repair near me of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the broken pieces. This will improve the glue's bond and decrease the chance of a loose key.
After polishing the edges After polishing the edges, apply a small amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue on one side. Be careful not to use too much, because this could cause the key to become too thick and may 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 few moments the glue will begin to set and join the key fragments.
A paperclip or bobby-pin can also be used as a tool to extract a broken key from the lock. They can be shaped as a pick, and then inserted into the lock. This method is especially useful when the damage is located in 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 locksmith or dealer. The key will have to be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip inside the key will need to be replaced. If, however, only the shell or metal portion of the key breaks, it usually just requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of electronic components.