How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a hurry to get to work, and you put your keys into the ignition. You try turning the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
There are several ways you can resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some easy fixes. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A broken key in the lock is one of the most frustrating things a car owner could experience. This situation is even more painful if it occurs when the driver is rushing to get somewhere or to drop off a child. In such a situation, it is important to act swiftly and try to get the key out of the way.
It is recommended to call an experienced locksmith for this task, because he or she will be able to use the correct tools to take out the broken key and not damage the lock. Many people look around in their vehicle to find something light and sturdy like a paperclip or toothpick, but this usually won't work as it's too heavy to fit into the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair tweezers. They are thin and are able to easily get into the lock. They should be able to grasp the broken piece of a key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers then you might consider looking for keys extractors which are typically sold in auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with hooks that are small enough to be inserted into the key hole, and then hold onto the broken bit of the key.
Another possible solution is to locate the magnetic key hook that can be affixed to the metal inside the lock and pull it out. This is not always the best option since it can get caught under a lock and cause more damage. In this case it is best to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people try to join two pieces of a damaged car key with superglue in order to remove it from the lock. However, this can be extremely risky since the pieces of metal could stick to each other and then fall apart later. It is also crucial not to turn the key as this can cause further damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to replace the broken key right away.
2. Drill through a hole
Sometimes a key breaks inside the lock, and even if you have a spare, you might not be capable of opening the door to your vehicle. In these instances drilling out the lock is the best choice.
First, you need to ensure that the key hole is set up to take a basic tumbler car key. If it's not then you won't be able to drill the pins out and cause damage to the lock's door or mechanism.
Next, it is important to be aware that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers using a tiny drill bits, however, you should not go deeper. If you drill too deeply, it could harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to become stuck in the hole.
Wearing a mask or other protective gear is also advised when using a drill. This will keep dust and dirt from entering your respiratory system.
It's an excellent idea, in the event that the key fragment is broken and is still sticking out of the lock, to keep a pair pliers and tweezers in your bag. If there is enough of the key protruding to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this should be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you'll have to use an instrument like this to wedge it in the lock, and then rotate it towards the key to grab and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
If you smash your car key in half, it can cause you to be trapped. There are fortunately some solutions to fix it without paying for a locksmith. The first step is to use screws or nails. They can be found in your home or at a hardware store. But, it is best to search for nails that are 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. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will keep it from moving, and could even prevent it from 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 method. You could end up damaging the lock, and then have to pay more money for a replacement.
First, take a look at the keys that are broken and ensure that they are in terms of size. This is vital to ensure that the glued pieces will be aligned properly and that the key fits into the lock once they have been bonded. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will help the glue bond better and reduce the chances of a loose key in the future.
Once you have polished the edges of the broken key, apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Be cautious not to apply too much glue, as this could cause the key to become too heavy and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. After that, carefully place the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a few minutes the glue will begin to set and join together the key fragments.
A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used as a tool to extract a broken key from a lock. They can be shaped like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful in the event that the broken part is within or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
key car repair to remember is that if the damaged car key is equipped with electronic components that require a new key cut from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed with a different code and the chip in the key needs to be replaced. If only the shell or metal part of the key breaks it will be necessary to replace the cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace the electronic components.