How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work in rush, and put your keys in the ignition. You try turning the key, but it snaps in the lock.
There are a few things you can do to fix the problem before calling a professional locksmith. Here are some easy fixes. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
One of the worst things that can happen to the owner of a car is a broken key in the lock. This can be particularly frustrating if the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or pick up a kid. In this situation it is crucial to act quickly and attempt to get the key out of the way.
A locksmith with experience is the best option as they'll have the proper tools and know how to get rid of the broken keys without damaging the lock. Many people will look for something that is thin and rigid like a toothpick or paperclip. However, this is not the best solution as they are too thick to fit into the lock.
The best option is to look for a pair of tweezers, as these are quite thin and can easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should also be strong enough to grasp the broken part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it's worth searching for a set sold at auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have small hooks. They can be inserted into the keyhole and then grab the broken part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal of the lock and then pull it out. This is not always a good option, as it can sometimes get caught under the lock and cause further damage to it. In such a scenario it is recommended to contact locksmith.
Some people attempt to stick the two pieces of their car key that have snapped together with superglue, as this can help them to get it out of the lock. However, this could be extremely risky because the pieces of metal could stick to one another and break apart later. It is also crucial not to turn the key, since this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to repair the broken key on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Even with a spare key you may not be able access your vehicle if a key is broken inside the lock. In these situations drilling out the lock is the best option.
The first step is to make sure that the key hole is designed to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it's not then you won't have the ability to drill the pins out and cause damage to the lock's door or mechanism.
It is important to keep in mind that you'll drill through the outer layer of plastic as well as an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers using a a small drill bit, however, you should not go any deeper. If you drill too deeply, it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to become stuck in the hole.
Wearing a protective mask or equipment is advised when using drilling. This will keep dust and dirt from getting into your lung.
It's also a good idea, when the broken piece of key is still sticking out of the lock, to keep a pair pliers and tweezers handy. If there is enough of the key to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this will be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, however, you will need to use tools like this one to wedge the tool in the lock and then rotate it toward the key to grip 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 a number of options to solve the issue without having to hire locksmith. The first thing you can do is to use a screw or nail. They are available at home or at the hardware store. It is best to choose a nail as thin and long as you can. This way, you can place it into the hole, and then use epoxy to join the two pieces together. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving around and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many auto owners opt for DIY hacks, such as using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a dangerous practice. You could damage the lock, and then have to shell out more for a replacement.
First, take a look at the keys that have been damaged and make sure that they are in terms of size. This is crucial to ensure that all the pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key fits into the lock after they have been joined. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will make the glue bond better and lessen the risk of a loose key in the future.
After finishing the edges after polishing, apply a small amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue to the other side. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue as too much could make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully align the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a few minutes the glue will begin to set and bind to the key pieces.
A paperclip or bobby-pin can also be used as a tool to extract a broken key from a lock. They can be shaped like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful if the break is within or close to the keyway or the ignition hole.
Another thing to remember is that if your car key is equipped with 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 using a new code and the key chip needs to be replaced. In car remote key repair , if only the metal or shell of the key is damaged, it usually just requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of electronic components.