How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a hurry to get your work done and jam your keys into the ignition. Then you try turning it around, and it breaks in the lock!
Luckily, there are a few ways you can resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Contact for a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that can happen to an owner of a vehicle is a broken key in a lock. This situation is even more painful if it occurs when the driver is trying to get to work or to drop off a child. In this situation you must act swiftly to try and get the key out of the way.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best option, as they'll have the right tools and know how to get rid of the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. Many people look around their car for something thin and rigid such as a paperclip or toothpick, but this isn't likely to work as it's too thick to enter the lock.
The best option is to search for a pair of tweezers, because they are thin and can easily get into the key hole inside 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 you might consider searching for keys extractors that are often available in auto parts stores. They are narrow and flat with hooks that are small enough to be placed 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 is able to be affixed to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best choice as it could get caught in a lock and cause more damage. In this case it is advised to call a locksmith.
Some people will try to stick the two pieces of their snapped car key with superglue as it can aid them in get it out of the lock. This is a risk as the metal pieces may tangle 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 a professional locksmith who will be on hand to take the damaged key and then make an immediate replacement.
2. Drill a hole
Even with a spare key you may not be able access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. A drill may be the best solution in these situations.
First, you need to ensure that the key hole is set to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it's not, you won't be able to remove the pins and damage the lock's door or mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you will drill through the outer layer of plastic as well as an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit will suffice to penetrate these layers, but you need to be sure not to go further than this. Drilling too deep can damage the internal wiring harness, or cause the drill to snag.
Wearing car key remote repair near me or other protective equipment is also recommended when working with a drill. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lung.
It's an excellent idea, when the broken piece of key is still sticking out of the lock, to keep two pairs of pliers and tweezers handy. If there is enough of the key to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this will be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you will require an instrument like this one to wedge the tool into the lock and then turn it towards the key to grasp it and pull it out of the hole.
3. Drill a Nail
You can be left stranded in the event that you break your key in half. There are some ways to fix it, without having to pay for locksmith. The first step is to use screws or nails. These are available at your home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to select the nail that is as thin and as long as you can. This way, you can place it into the hole, and then use epoxy to link the two parts together. It is also good to make sure the nail's back is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will stop it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists opt for DIY techniques, such as using super glue, to repair a damaged or broken key. This is a risky method. You could end up damaging the lock and needing to pay more for finding a replacement at the dealership or a locksmith.
You need to check the broken keys first, and ensure that they are the same size. This step is crucial to ensure that the pieces are properly aligned and that the key fits into the lock once they have been bonded. Then, 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 make the glue bond better and reduce the chances of a loose key in the future.
After polishing the edges after polishing, apply a small amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue to one end. Be careful not to apply too much glue, as this can cause the key to become too thick and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. After lining up 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 bind together the key fragments.
Another common household item that can be used to help extract a broken car key is a bobby pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool and placed inside the lock. Related Homepag is especially useful when the damage is located in or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
Another important thing to note is that if the broken car key has electronic components and requires the cutting of a new key from the dealership or a professional locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed with a different code and the chip inside the key must be changed. If, however, only the shell or metal portion of the key fails, it usually just requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require reprogramming or replacing of the electronics.