How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You’re in a rush to get to work and put your keys in the ignition. You try to turn the key, but it snaps in the lock.
There are some things you can try to fix the issue before calling an expert locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that can happen to an owner of a vehicle is a damaged key in the lock. This is especially painful if it occurs when the driver is rushing to get somewhere or to drop off an infant. In such a situation it is crucial to act quickly and try to get the key out of the way.
Contacting a professional locksmith is the best option, as they’ll have the right tools and know how to get rid of the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. A lot of people look around their car for something small and rigid such as a paperclip or toothpick, however this usually won’t work as it’s too heavy to fit into the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair of tweezers. They are small and easily fit into 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 own tweezers, it could be worth searching for a set sold at auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with small hooks that can be inserted into the key hole and then grip on the broken piece of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best option because it could get caught under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this case it is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith.
Some people try to join two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue in order to take it out of the lock. This could be risky as the metal pieces could get caught and break later. It is also essential not to turn the key since this could cause further damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to repair the broken key on the spot.
2. Drill a Hole
Even having a spare key you may not be able to access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. The lock could be drilled out. be the best solution in these instances.
It is important to make sure the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler key. If it’s not, you won’t be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
It is also important to know 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 shouldn’t go any further. If you drill too deeply, it can cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill to become stuck.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective equipment when working with a drill. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your lung.
In the end, it’s recommended to have a pair of pliers and tweezers on hand in case the broken piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this should be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you’ll need to use a tool such as this to encase it in the lock, and then rotate it towards the key to grab and pull it out.
3. Drill a nail
If you cut your car key in half, motor it could leave you trapped. There are a number of options to fix the issue without having to hire locksmith. The first step is to use screws or nails. They are available at home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to look for a nail that is as thin as it can be and as long as is 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 allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will prevent it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of motorists make use of DIY hacks like using super glue repair a broken car key, but this is a risky way to go. You could damage the lock, and then have to shell out more for a replacement.
First, examine the keys that are broken and make sure they are in terms of size. This step is crucial to ensure that the glued pieces are properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock after they have been bonded. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the broken pieces. This will help make the glue stick better and lessen the risk of a key falling loose in the future.
After you’ve polished the edges of the damaged key, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue, since too much could make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the key that broke and pressing them together, you can press them. After some time the glue will begin to set and bind the remote key fob repair fragments.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used as a tool to extract a broken key from a lock. They can be cut like a pick and inserted into the lock. This method is particularly helpful when the damage is close to or inside the keyway or lock hole.
A broken car key with electronic components will require an entirely new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed with a different code and the chip in the key needs to be replaced. If, however, only the shell or metal portion of the key breaks the key, it will usually only require the cutting of a new key and doesn’t require reprogramming or replacing of the electronics.
