How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work, in rush, and put your keys in the ignition. You try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps inside the lock!
Luckily, there are a few ways you can solve 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 face. This can be even more painful if it occurs when the driver is rushing to get to work or drop off the child. In such a situation, it is important to act quickly and attempt to get the key out of the way.
It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this job for this job, as they can use the appropriate tools to remove the broken key and not cause damage to the lock. Many people look for something small and stiff such as toothpicks or paperclips. But this isn't the best choice since they are too large to fit inside the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair tweezers. They are thin and can easily reach inside the lock. They should be able to grasp the broken piece of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it could be worth searching for a set available at 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 option is to find the magnetic key hook that is able to attach to the metal in the lock and pull it out. This is not always the best option as it could get caught in a lock and cause more damage. In this instance it is best to contact an experienced locksmith.
Some people attempt to stick the two pieces of their broken car key together with superglue, as it will help them remove it from the lock. This is a risk as the metal pieces may tangle and break later. It is important to not turn the key as this could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. It is best to contact a professional locksmith who will be able to take out the broken key and create an immediate replacement.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged 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 instances drilling out the lock is the most effective option.
It is important to make sure the keyhole is set up to accept a basic tumbler key. If it's not then you won't be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
The next step is to know that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers using a tiny drill bits, however, you should not go any deeper. If g28carkeys drill too deeply, it can cause damage to the wiring harness, or cause the drill to stick.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear when working with drilling. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
Finally, it is a good idea to have pliers and tweezers in your possession in case the damaged key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key sticking out to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this will suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you'll need to use a tool such as this to encase it in the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grab it and remove it.
3. Drill a Nail
You can be left stranded when you cut your key in half. There are a variety of ways to solve the issue without having to hire a locksmith. The first way is to make use of a screw or nail. These can be found in your home or at a local hardware store. It is best to choose the nail that is as thin and as long as you can. This will allow you to fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to connect the two pieces together. Make sure that the back of the nails is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will stop it from moving around and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists resort to DIY tricks like using super glue to attempt to fix a damaged car key, however this is not a safe option to make. You could damage the lock and be forced to shell out more to replace it.
You need to check the broken keys first and make sure they're the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key fits into the lock after they've been put in place. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the damaged pieces. This will improve the glue's bond and reduce the possibility of a loose key.
After finishing the edges After polishing the edges, apply only a small amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue to one side. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue, as too much could make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully place the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a few moments the glue will begin to set and bond together the key fragments.
A paperclip or bobby-pin can also be used to remove a damaged key from the lock. They can be shaped as a pick, and then inserted into the lock. This technique is especially helpful in the event that the broken part is close or inside the keyway or ignition lock hole.
Another thing to remember is that if the damaged car key has electronic components that require a new key cut by the dealership or an experienced locksmith. This is because the key needs to be programmed using a new code and the key chip will need to be replaced. If only the shell or metal part of the key fails, you will need to have a new cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace electronic components.