How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work, in rush, and put your keys in the ignition. Then you try turning it around, and it breaks inside the lock!
There are some things you can do to fix the problem before contacting an expert locksmith. Here are some quick solutions: 1. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A broken key in the lock is among the worst things a car owner could face. This can be particularly frustrating when the driver is in a rush to get somewhere, or pick up an infant. In this situation, it is important to act quickly and try to get the key out of the way.
A locksmith with experience is the best option, as they will have the proper tools and know how to remove the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. Many people will look for something small and stiff, such as a toothpick or paperclip. However it is not the best choice since they are too heavy to fit inside the lock.
A much better solution is to find a pair of tweezers as these are quite thin and can easily reach the key hole in the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to grasp the broken part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it might be worth looking for a set of key extractors that are often found in auto parts stores. They are narrow, flat and have hooks that are small. They can be inserted through the keyhole to grasp the broken piece of the key.
Another possible solution is to find a magnetic key hook that will attach to the metal in the lock and then pull it out. This is not always a good option because it could be caught in the lock and cause further damage to it. In this case it is advised to contact an expert locksmith.
Some people try to stick the two pieces of their broken car key with superglue as it will help them take it out of the lock. This could be risky as the metal pieces may tangle and break later. It is also important not to turn the key because this could cause damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith who will be ready to remove the broken key and create a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill into a hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be capable of opening the door to your vehicle. In these situations drilling out the lock is the best option.
It is important to make sure that the keyhole is positioned for a basic tumbler. If it isn't, you won't be able to remove the pins without damaging the door, and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.
The next step is to know that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and the inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers using a tiny drill bits, but you shouldn't go any further. In the event of drilling too deep, it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill to stick.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear while working with drilling. This will prevent dirt and dust from entering your respiratory system.
It is also an excellent idea to keep a pair of pliers and tweezers available in the event that the broken piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key sticking out to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this will be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not you'll require tools like this one to encase 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
If you cut your car key in half, it could leave you in a bind. There are several ways to fix the issue without the expense of an locksmith. The first step is to use screws or nails. They can be found in your home or at a local hardware store. But, it is best to try to find a nail that is as thin and long as possible. This means you can put it into the hole and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces. Make sure that the back of the nails is flat. This will allow it to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving around and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many auto owners use DIY techniques, such as using super glue to fix a broken key. This is a dangerous method. You could end up damaging the lock and having to spend more money on getting a replacement from the dealership or locksmith.
The first step is to take a look at the broken keys and make sure they are in terms of size. This step is essential to ensure that all the pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key fits inside the lock once they've been bonded. After that, use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the broken pieces of the key. This will help the glue stick better and decrease the chance of a loose key in the future.
After you've polished the edges of the broken key and polished them, apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Be careful not to use too much, because this could cause the key to become too heavy and may be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the key that broke then press them together. After remote key fob repair will begin to set and bind together the key fragments.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used to remove a broken key from an lock. They can be cut like a pick and inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful when the damage is located in or close to the keyway or the ignition hole.
Another thing to remember is that if your car key has electronic components, it will require an entirely new key from the dealership or a professional locksmith. This is because the key will need to be programmed using a new code and the key chip must be replaced. If the shell or metal part of the key breaks it will be necessary to have a new cut. You don't have to reprogramme or replace the electronics.