How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a rush to get your work done and put your keys in the ignition. Then you try turning it, and it snaps off from the lock!
Luckily, there are a few ways you can solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some quick solutions: 1. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
One of the worst things that could happen to the owner of a car is a broken key in locks. This is particularly aggravating if the driver is trying to get somewhere, or to drop off the child. In this situation, you should act quickly to try to remove the stuck key.
It is best to call an expert locksmith for this job for this job, as they will have the right tools to remove the broken key without cause damage to the lock. Many people look around their car for something small and rigid such as a paperclip or toothpick, but this isn't likely to work as it's too heavy to enter the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair of tweezers. They are thin and easily fit into the lock. They should also be rigid enough to hold the damaged part of the key and pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it could be worth searching for a set that is available at auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have tiny hooks. They can be put through the keyhole to grab the broken part of the key.
Another option is to find an magnetic key hook that is able to attach to the metal in the lock and be pulled out. This isn't always the best option because it could get caught under the lock and cause further damage to it. In such a scenario it is recommended to call a locksmith.
Some people try to join two pieces of a damaged car key with superglue in order to get it out of the lock. This could be risky because the pieces of metal could snag and break later. It is also crucial not to turn the key because this could cause damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is best to contact an expert locksmith who will be able to remove the broken key and make a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill into a hole
Sometimes a key breaks inside the lock, and even if you have a spare, you might not be able to gain access to your vehicle. In these cases drilling out the lock is the most effective option.
First, you will want to make sure that the key hole is designed to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it's not there, you won't be able to drill the pins out and cause damage to the lock's door or internal mechanism.
It is important to note that you'll drill through the outer layer of plastic as well as an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers using a the smallest drill bit however, you should not go any deeper. In the event of drilling too deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill to become stuck.
Wearing a protective mask or equipment is also advised when using a drill. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your respiratory system.
It is also recommended to have a pair of pliers and tweezers on hand in case the damaged piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is extending enough to be gripped with tweezers and pliers, then it will be enough to get it out. If not, you'll need to use a tool like this to wedge it into the lock and then turn it towards the key to grasp it and take it out.
3. Drill a Nail
If you break your car key in half, it can leave you stranded. There are several ways to fix the issue without having to hire an locksmith. The first option is to make use of a screw or nail. You can find them at home or in 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 in the hole and then use epoxy to join the two parts 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 keep it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists opt for DIY hacks, such as using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a dangerous method. You could end up ruining the lock and having to spend more money on finding a replacement at the dealer or locksmith.
It is important to examine the broken keys first to ensure they're the same size. This step is crucial to ensure that the glued parts will be aligned properly and that the key fits into the lock after they are bonded together. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the damaged pieces. This will strengthen the glue's bond and reduce the chance of a loose key.
After you have polished the edges of the broken key, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Be careful not to apply too much glue, because this could cause the key to become too heavy and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the key that broke, press them together. After some time the glue will begin to set and bond the key fragments together.
Another household item that can be used to help remove a damaged car key is a bobby or paperclip pin that can be made into a pick-like tool and placed inside the lock. This method is particularly useful in the event that the broken part is close or inside the keyway or ignition lock hole.
car remote key repair to remember is that if your car key has electronic components that require a new key cut from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip inside the key needs to be changed. However, if the shell or metal portion of the key fails it typically requires a new key cut and doesn't require reprogramming or replacing of the electronic components.