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 to turn the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
There are some things you can try to fix the issue before contacting a professional locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call an expert locksmith
A broken key in the lock is one of the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner can experience. This is particularly aggravating when the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or drop off the child. In this case, it is important to act quickly and try to free the stuck key.
A locksmith with experience is the best option, as they'll have the proper tools and know how to take out the keys broken without damaging the lock. Many people look for something thin and stiff like a toothpick or paperclip. However it is not the best option since they are too large to fit inside the lock.
A much better solution is to search for a pair of tweezers since they are very thin and can easily get into the key hole in the lock. They should be strong enough to grasp the damaged part of a key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers it might be worth trying to locate keys extractors, which are usually sold in auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with hooks that are small enough to be put into the key hole and then grip onto the damaged part of the key.
Another option is to locate a magnetic key hook that will stick to the metal inside the lock and pull it out. This is not always the best choice as it can get caught under a lock and cause more damage. In such a scenario it is advised to call an expert locksmith.
Some people attempt to stick the two pieces of their snapped car key with superglue as it can aid them in take it out of the lock. This is a risk as the metal pieces may tangle and break later. It is also crucial not to turn the key because this could cause damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to replace the broken key immediately.
2. Drill into a hole
Sometimes a key breaks inside the lock, and even if you have an extra key, you may not be able to gain access to your vehicle. Drilling out the lock may be the best solution in these instances.
It is important to make sure the keyhole is positioned for a basic tumbler. If it's not there, you won't be able to remove the pins and damage the door or internal lock mechanism.
The next step is to understand that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and the inner metal layer. A small drill bit will suffice to get through these layers, but you must be sure to not go any deeper than that. If you drill too deeply it may damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick within the hole.
Wearing a mask or protective equipment is also recommended when using drills. This will prevent dirt and dust from entering your respiratory system.
It's also a good idea in the event that the key fragment is broken and is sticking out of the lock, to have pliers and tweezers handy. If the key is protruding enough to be held by pliers and tweezers, this is enough to pull it out. If not, you'll have to use a tool such as this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grab it and remove it.
3. Drill a nail
If you cut your car key in half, it can leave you in a bind. There are a variety of ways to fix the problem without having to hire a locksmith. The first method is to utilize a screw or nail. These are available at your home or in a hardware store. However, it is best to search for nails that are as thin and as long as you can. You can then insert it into the hole and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. Make sure that the back of the nails is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will keep it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners resort to DIY techniques like using super glue attempt to fix a damaged car key, however this is not a safe thing to do. You could end up ruining the lock and having to pay more for getting a replacement from the dealer or a locksmith.
auto key repair near me is to examine the keys that have been damaged and make sure that they match each other in terms of size. This is vital to ensure that the pieces will be properly aligned and that the key fits into the lock after they have been bonded. Then, use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth out the edges of the broken pieces of the key. This will help make the glue bond stronger and reduce the chances of a key falling loose in the future.
After you've polished the edges of the damaged key and polished them, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Be careful not to apply too much glue, as this can cause the key to become too heavy and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. Then, carefully align 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.
Another common household item that can be used to help remove a damaged car key is a paperclip or bobby pin, which can be shaped into a pick-like device and put into the lock. This method is especially useful when the damage is located within or close to the keyway or the ignition hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will need a new key from the locksmith or dealer. The key will need to be reprogrammed with a different code, and the chip inside the key will need to be changed. However, if the shell or metal portion of the key breaks the key, it will usually only require the cutting of a new key and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of the electronics.