How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a hurry to get to work and put your keys in the ignition. You try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps in the lock!
Luckily, there are a few options you can resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the most frustrating things a car owner could experience. This situation is even more frustrating if it occurs while the driver is hurrying to get to work or drop off the child. In such a situation it is crucial to act swiftly and try to release the stuck key.
It is best to call an expert locksmith for this job for this job, as they can use the correct tools to take out the broken key and not cause damage to the lock. Many people will look for something thin and stiff such as toothpicks or paperclips. However this isn't the best option since they are too large to fit into the lock.
The best option is to use a pair tweezers. They are thin and are able to easily get inside the lock. They should be able to grasp the damaged part of a key and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers then it may be worth trying to locate key extractors which are typically found in auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have tiny hooks. They can be put in the keyhole and grab the broken part of the key.
Another option is to locate the magnetic key hook that is able to be affixed to the metal inside the lock and pull it out. This isn't always the best option because it could get caught under the lock and cause further damage to it. In this case, it's best to call an experienced locksmith.
Some people attempt to stick the two pieces of their broken car key with superglue as this can help them to take it out of the lock. However, this could be extremely risky because the pieces of metal may cling to one another and break apart later. It is essential not to turn the key, as it could cause further damage to your lock or the ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to replace the broken key right away.
2. Drill a hole
Even with a spare key, you might not be able to access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. In these cases drilling the lock is the most effective option.
It is important to make sure that the keyhole is set for a basic tumbler. If it's not there, you won't have the ability to drill the pins out and damage the lock's door or mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you'll drill through the outer layer of plastic as well as an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers with a small drill bit, however, you should not go any deeper. If you drill too deeply, it could harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to stick in the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear when working using drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
It is also a good idea if the broken key piece is sticking out of the lock, to keep a pair pliers and tweezers in your bag. If there is enough of the key sticking out to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this could suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you will need to use an instrument like this one to insert the tool in the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grasp it and take it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you cut your car key in half, it can leave you stranded. There are a variety of ways to fix the issue without having to pay a locksmith. The first method is to make use of a screw or nail. You can find them at home or in a hardware store. It is recommended to search for the nail that is as thin and long as possible. This means you can put it into the hole, and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. Make sure that the back of the nails are flat. This will help it to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving around and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners use DIY techniques like using super glue to try and fix a broken car key, however this is a risky thing to do. key car repair could cause damage to the lock, and then have to pay more money for a replacement.
First, you need to take a look at the keys that are broken and make sure they match each other in terms of size. This is crucial to ensure that all the pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key will fit inside the lock once they have been bonded. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the broken pieces. This will improve the glue's bond and decrease the likelihood of a future key that is loose.
After polishing the edges, apply the smallest amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue on one side. Be cautious not to apply too much glue, as this can cause the key to become too heavy and it will be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully align the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a few seconds the glue will begin to set and bind the key pieces together.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used to remove a damaged key from the lock. They can be cut as a pick, and then inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly useful in the event that the broken part is within or near the keyway or ignition hole.
Another thing to remember is that if your car key has electronic components and requires a new key cut from the dealership or an experienced locksmith. This is because the key will have to be programmed with a new code and the key chip will need to be replaced. If only the shell or metal part of the key is damaged, you will need to have a new cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace the electronics.