How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're rushing to get to work and you put your keys into the ignition. Then you try turning it into a lock, and it snaps in the lock!
There are car keys repair can try to fix the issue before contacting an expert locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A broken key in the lock is among the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner can experience. This situation is even more difficult if it happens while the driver is rushing to get to work or to drop off the child. In this case you must act swiftly to try and free the stuck key.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best option as they'll have the right tools and know how to take out the broken keys without damaging the lock. Many people look around their car for something small and rigid like a paperclip or toothpick, but this typically won't work since it is too thick to enter the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair of tweezers. They are thin and are able to easily get into the lock. They should be strong enough to grab the broken part of a key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it might be worth looking for a set sold at auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with hooks that are small enough to be inserted into the key hole and then grip on the broken piece of the key.
Another option is to find an magnetic key hook that is able to be affixed to the metal inside the lock and pull it out. This is not always the best option since it could be caught under the lock and cause further damage. In this situation it is best to contact an experienced locksmith.
Some people try to join the two pieces of their car key that have snapped together using superglue, thinking that this can help them to take it out of the lock. However, this can be extremely risky since the pieces of metal may cling to each other and then fall apart 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 damaged key and then make a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill through a hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even if you have an extra key, you may not be able to gain access to your vehicle. A drill may be the best solution in these instances.
You will first want to make sure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler key. If it's not then you won't have the ability to remove the pins and cause damage to the door or internal lock mechanism.
Next, it is important to know that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and the inner metal layer. A small drill bit is enough to cut through these layers, but you need to be sure not to go any deeper than this. Drilling too deep can damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill to stick.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear when working with drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.
In the end, it's an excellent idea to keep two pairs of pliers and tweezers available in case the damaged piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is long enough to be gripped with pliers and tweezers, this is enough to pull it out. If not, you'll need to use a tool such as this to encase it into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grab and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
If you break your car key in half, it could cause you to be stranded. There are fortunately some ways to fix it without having to pay for locksmith. The first step is use a screw or nail. You can find them at home or at a hardware store. It is best to choose the nail that is as thin and as long as you can. This way you can fit it into the hole and then use epoxy to link the two pieces. It is also important to ensure that the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will keep it from moving and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many auto owners opt for DIY techniques, such as using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a risky method. You could end up damaging the lock and have to pay more for replacing it from the dealership or a locksmith.
You must examine the keys that have been damaged first, and ensure that they are the same size. This step is crucial to ensure that the pieces will be aligned properly and the key will fit into the lock once they have been bonded. After that, you can use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will strengthen the bond of glue and decrease the possibility of a key that is loose.
After finishing the edges After polishing the edges, apply the smallest amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue to one side. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue, since excessive amounts can make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the key that broke, press them together. After a short time the glue will begin to set and bond the key fragments.
Another common household item that can be used to help to remove a damaged car key is a bobby pin that can be made into a pick-like tool, then placed inside the lock. This technique is particularly helpful in the event that the broken part is in or near the keyway or ignition hole.
Another thing to remember is that if the broken car key has electronic components, it will require a new key cut by the dealership or an experienced locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed using a new code and the chip in the key will need to be changed. If the metal or shell of the key fails, you will need to get a new cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace the electronic components.