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 to turn it into a lock, and it snaps from the lock!
There are a few things you could do to fix the problem before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact for a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that could happen to the owner of a car is a broken key in the lock. This is especially painful if it occurs when the driver is rushing to get somewhere or to drop off a child. In this situation it is imperative to act fast to try to get the key out of the way.
Contacting a professional locksmith is the best choice, as they will have the proper tools and know how to take out the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. Many people will look for something small and stiff like a toothpick or paperclip. However, this is not the best option since they are too heavy to fit in the lock.
A much better solution is to search for a pair of tweezers because they are thin and can easily reach the key hole within the lock. They should also be rigid enough to hold the damaged part of the key and remove it. If you don't have tweezers then you might consider searching for key extractors which are typically sold in auto parts stores. They are thin, flat and have hooks that are small. They can be put through the keyhole to grab the broken part of the key.
Another option is to locate the magnetic key hook that will be affixed to the metal inside the lock and pull it out. This isn't always the best option as it could get caught in a lock and cause more damage. In this situation it is best to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people attempt to glue together the two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue in order to get it out of the lock. This is a risk since the metal pieces could snag and break later. It is important to not turn the key, as it could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to replace the broken key immediately.
2. Drill into 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 instances drilling the lock is the most effective option.
You will first want to ensure that the keyhole is positioned to accept a basic tumbler key. If it's not, you won't have the ability to drill the pins out and cause damage to the door or internal lock mechanism.
It is also important to understand that you'll be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with tiny drill bits, but you should not go any deeper. Drilling too deep can damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill to stick.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear when working with drills. This will keep dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
It is also a good idea to have 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 protruding to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this will 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 turn it towards the key to grab and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
You could be left without a home if you break your key in half. Luckily, there are a few solutions to fix it, without having to pay for locksmith. The first option is to utilize a screw or nail. You can find these at home or in a hardware store. But, it is best to search for a nail that is as thin and as long as you can. This way you can fit it into the hole and then use epoxy to link the two pieces together. It is also important to ensure that the back of the nail is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will prevent it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of motorists use DIY techniques such as using super glue to repair a broken car key, however this is not a safe thing to do. You could end up damaging the lock and having to pay more for replacing it from the dealership or a locksmith.
First, you need to take a look at the broken keys and make sure that they match each other in terms of size. This is crucial to ensure that all pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key will fit into the lock after they've been bonded. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the broken pieces. This will strengthen the glue's bond and decrease the likelihood of a future loose key.
After you have polished the edges of the broken key then apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Use only auto key repair near me of super glue, since too much can make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After that, carefully align the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After several seconds the glue will begin to set and bond the key fragments.
Another household item that can be used to to remove a damaged car key is a bobby pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool, then placed inside the lock. This method is particularly helpful in the event that the broken part is close or inside the keyway or lock hole.
Another thing to remember is that if your car key is equipped with electronic components that require 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. However, if the metal or shell of the key fails it typically requires a new key cut and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of the electronics.