How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You’re in a hurry to get your work done and jam your keys into the ignition. You try turning the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
There are some things you can do to fix the problem before contacting an expert locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A broken key in the lock is one of the most frustrating things a car owner could experience. This is especially difficult if it happens while the driver is hurrying to get to work or to drop off the child. In this situation it is imperative to act fast to try and free the stuck key.
A locksmith with experience is the best option as they’ll have the right tools and know how to remove the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. A lot of people look around their car for something small and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, but this isn’t likely to work as it’s too thick to enter the lock.
A much better solution is to look for a pair of tweezers, because they are thin and can easily reach the key hole in the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to hold the damaged part of the key and remove it. If you don’t own tweezers, it could be worth searching for a set available at auto key repair key fob repair (http://r126.realserver1.Com) parts stores. They are thin, flat and have hooks that are small. They can be inserted in the keyhole and grab the broken part of the key.
Another possible solution is to locate a magnetic key hook that is able to stick to the metal inside the lock and be pulled out. This is not always the best option as it can get caught under a lock and cause more damage. In this case it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people will try to join the two pieces of their car key that have snapped together using superglue, thinking that it can aid them in take it out of the lock. This could be risky because the pieces of metal could snag and break later. It is important to not turn the key as it could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the broken key immediately.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. Drilling out the lock may be the best solution in these instances.
It is important to make sure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler key. If it’s not there, you won’t be able to drill the pins out and damage the door or internal lock mechanism.
It is also important to be aware that you’ll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and the inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with tiny drill bits, but you should not go any deeper. In the event of drilling too deep, it could damage the internal wiring harness, or cause the drill to snag.
Wearing a mask or other protective equipment is also recommended when working with drills. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
It is also a good idea, if the broken key piece remains stuck in the lock, to keep two pairs of pliers and tweezers in your bag. If there is enough of the key protruding to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this could suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, however you’ll need to use tools like this one to encase the tool inside the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grip and take it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
You could be left without a home when you cut your key in half. There are fortunately some methods to fix it, without having to pay for locksmith. The first option is to make use of a screw or nail. You can find these in your house or at a hardware store. It is recommended to select a nail as thin and as long as possible. This means you can put it into the hole and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. It is also good to make sure the nail’s back is level. This will make it easier to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of motorists make use of DIY hacks like using super glue try and fix a broken car key, but this is a risky thing to do. You could damage the lock and be forced to shell out more money to get a new one.
First, examine the keys that are broken and make sure that they are identical in terms of size. This is vital to ensure that the glued parts will be aligned properly and that the key fits into the lock after they are bonded together. After that, use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will improve the bond of glue and decrease the possibility of a loose key.
After finishing the edges After polishing the edges, apply the smallest amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue on one side. Be careful not to use too much, as this could cause the key to become too thick and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. Then, carefully align the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After several seconds, the glue will start to set and bind the key fragments.
Another household item that can be used to help to remove a damaged car key is a bobby or paperclip pin that can be made into a pick-like tool, then inserted in the lock. This method is particularly helpful when the damage is close to or inside the keyway or ignition lock hole.
Another important thing to note is that if your car key has electronic components, it will require an entirely new key from the dealer or an experienced locksmith. This is because the key will need to be programmed with a new code and the key chip needs to be replaced. If only the metal or shell of the key breaks it will be necessary to have a new cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace the electronic components.
