How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're heading to work in hurry, and you jam your keys to your car in the ignition. You try to turn the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
There are some things you can do to solve the issue before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are some quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
One of the worst things that can happen to an owner of a vehicle is a broken key inside the lock. This is especially frustrating when the driver is in a rush to get somewhere, or drop off the child. In this situation it is crucial to act swiftly and try to free the stuck key.
It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this job as they will be able to use the appropriate tools to remove the broken key and not harm the lock. Many people will have a look around in their vehicle to find something light and sturdy like a paperclip or toothpick, but this usually won't work as it's too heavy to be able to get into the lock.
A much better solution is to look for a pair of tweezers as these are quite thin and easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to hold the damaged part of the key and pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it's worth looking for a set that is sold at auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with hooks that are small enough to be put into the key hole and then grip onto the broken bit of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal inside the lock, and then remove it. This isn't always a good option because it could get caught under the lock and cause further damage to it. In this situation it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people try to join two pieces of a broken car key with superglue in order to get it out of the lock. However, this can be extremely risky since the pieces of metal may cling to one another and fall apart later. It is also essential not to turn the key, as this can cause further damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. Call key fob repairs to repair the damaged key immediately.
2. Drill a Hole
Sometimes a key is broken inside the lock, and even if you have a spare, you might not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. In these instances drilling the lock is the most effective option.
It is important to make sure the keyhole is set for a basic tumbler. If it's not, you won't have the ability to drill out the pins and damage the door or internal lock mechanism.
The next step is to understand that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers with the smallest drill bit however, you should not go any further. If you drill too deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick inside the hole.
Wearing a mask or protective equipment is also recommended when working with a drill. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.
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 at hand. If the key is extending enough to be gripped with pliers and tweezers, it will be enough to get it out. If not, you'll have to use an instrument such as this to encase it into the lock and then turn it towards the key to grab and pull it out.
3. Drill a nail
You can be left stranded when you cut your key in half. There are a variety of ways to solve the issue without the expense of an locksmith. The first thing you can do is use the screw or nail. These can be found in your home or at a local hardware store. But, it is best to search for the nail that is as thin and as long as you can. This means you can put it into the hole, and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces. Make sure that the nail's back 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
Many car owners opt for DIY hacks, like using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a dangerous method. You could end up ruining the lock and needing to spend more money on replacing it from the dealership or a locksmith.
You need to check the keys that are broken first and make sure they're the same size. This is essential to ensure that the pieces will be properly aligned and that the key fits into the lock once they are bonded together. After that, you can use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges of the broken pieces of the key. This will strengthen the glue's bond and reduce the likelihood of a future key that is loose.
After polishing the edges, apply only a small amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue to the other side. Be cautious not to apply too much glue, because this could cause the key to become too thick and it will be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the broken key then press them together. After a few moments, the glue will begin to set and join the key fragments.
Another household item that can be used to help to remove a damaged car key is a paperclip or bobby pin that can be made into a pick-like tool and placed inside the lock. This technique is especially helpful in the event that the broken part is close or inside the keyway or lock hole.
A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will need an entirely new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed using a different code, and the chip inside the key will need to be changed. If only the metal or shell of the key fails, you will need to have a new cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace the electronic components.