How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a rush to get to work and jam your keys into the ignition. You try turning the key, but it snaps in the lock.
There are some things you can do to solve the issue before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is among the most frustrating things a car owner can experience. This is particularly aggravating if the driver is trying to get somewhere, or to drop off a kid. In such a situation it is crucial to act swiftly and try to release the stuck key.
Contacting a professional locksmith is the best option as they will have the proper tools and know how to get rid of the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. Many people will have a look around their car for something thin and rigid like a paperclip or toothpick, but this usually won't work as it is too thick to fit into the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair of tweezers. They are small and easily fit into the lock. They should be strong enough to grasp the damaged part of a key and pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, then it may be worth trying to locate a set of key extractors which are typically sold in auto parts stores. They are narrow, flat and have small hooks. They can be put through the keyhole to grab the broken part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal of the lock and then remove it. This is not always the best option as it could get caught in the lock and cause further damage. In this situation it is best to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people attempt to glue the two pieces of their snapped car key together with superglue, as it can aid them in take it out of the lock. This can be dangerous since the metal pieces could snag and break later. It is also essential not to turn the key, because this could cause damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith who will be ready to remove the damaged key and then make a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill a Hole
Even having a spare key you may not be able access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. In these situations drilling out the lock is the best option.
First, you need to ensure that the key hole is set to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it's not, you won't be able to drill the pins out and damage the door or internal lock mechanism.
It is also important to understand 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, but you shouldn't go any deeper. If you drill too deep it may cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck within the hole.
Wearing a mask or other protective equipment is recommended when using drilling. This will keep dirt and dust from entering your respiratory system.
Finally, it is recommended to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers available in the event that the broken 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 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 inside the lock, and then turn it toward the key to grasp it and remove it from the hole.
3. Drill a nail
You can be left stranded when you cut your key in half. There are a number of options to fix the issue without having to pay an locksmith. The first way is to make use of a screw or nail. key fob repairs can be found in your home or at a local hardware store. It is recommended to select the nail that is as thin and long as you can. This will allow you to fit it in 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 cut in the key. This will prevent it from moving and possibly breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners use DIY tricks like using super glue repair a broken car key, but this is not a safe option to make. You could end up damaging the lock and be forced to shell out more money to replace it.
You must examine the keys that are broken first and make sure they are the same size. This step is essential to ensure that all pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key will fit inside the lock once 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 the glue stick better and reduce the chances of a loose key in the future.
After polishing the edges after polishing, apply only a small amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue on one side. Use only the smallest amount of super glue, since too much can make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the broken key, press them together. After a short time the glue will begin to set and bond the key fragments.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used to remove a broken key from the lock. They can be cut as a pick, and then inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful when the damage is located in or close to the keyway or ignition hole.
Another important point to keep in mind is that if the damaged car key has electronic components, it will require the cutting of a new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a new code and the chip inside the key must be replaced. If only the metal or shell of the key fails and needs to be replaced, you'll need to get a new cut. You don't have to reprogramme or replace the electronics.