How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're heading to work, in hurry, and you jam your keys in the ignition. Then you try turning it, and it snaps off in the lock!
There are a few options you can try to solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes:: 1. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A damaged key in the lock and key repair near me is one of the worst things a car owner could face. This is especially frustrating if the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or pick up a kid. In this situation, you should act quickly to try and get the key out of the way.
It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this job as they will have the appropriate tools to remove the broken key without harm the lock. Many people look for something that is thin and rigid, such as toothpicks or paperclips. But this isn't the best choice since they are too heavy to fit into the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair of tweezers. They are lightweight and are able to easily get inside the lock. They should be rigid enough to grasp the damaged part of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it's worth looking for a set that is available at auto key repair parts stores. They are thin, flat and have small hooks. They can be inserted through the keyhole to grasp the broken piece of the key.
Another option is to find an magnetic key hook that is able to be affixed to the metal inside the lock and pull it out. This is not always a good option because it could become stuck under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this instance, it's best to call a professional locksmith.
Some people attempt to glue the two pieces of their repair car key fob key that have snapped together with superglue, as this can help them to take it out of the lock. This can be dangerous since the metal pieces may tangle and break later. It is also important not to turn the key, since this could cause further damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith who will be able to take the broken key and create a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill into a hole
Sometimes a key is broken inside the lock, and even if you have a spare, you might not be capable of opening the door to your vehicle. Drilling out the lock may be the best option in these situations.
First, you will want to ensure that the key hole is designed to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it isn't then you won't be able to drill the pins without damaging the door, and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you'll be drilling through the outer layer of plastic as well as an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with tiny drill bits, but you should not go any further. If you drill too deeply it may cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck within the hole.
Wearing a protective mask or equipment is also recommended when using drills. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your lung.
In the end, it's a good idea to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers available in case the damaged key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is protruding enough to be held by pliers and tweezers it will be enough to get it out. If not, you will require a tool such as this one to insert the tool inside the lock, and then turn it towards the key in order to grip it and take it out of the hole.
3. Drill a Nail
You may be left in limbo when you cut your key in half. There are several solutions to fix it without having to pay for a locksmith. The first step is use screws or nails. You can find these at home or in the hardware store. It is recommended to pick nails that are as thin and as long as you can. This way you can fit it in the hole and then use epoxy to join the two pieces. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners use DIY tricks like using super glue to attempt to fix a damaged car key, but this is a risky option to make. You could end up damaging the lock and needing to pay more for finding a replacement at the dealership or locksmith.
You need to check the broken keys first to ensure they are the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key fits in the lock after they have been bonded. After that, you can use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth the edges of the broken pieces of the key. This will make the glue stick better and decrease the chance of a loose key in the future.
After you have polished the edges of the damaged key, apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Only apply the smallest amount of super glue, since excessive amounts can make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the broken key then press them together. After some time, the glue will start to set and bond the key fragments.
Another household item that can be used to help extract a broken car key is a bobby or paperclip pin that can be made into a pick-like tool, then placed inside the lock. This method is particularly useful in the event that the broken part is close or inside the keyway or lock hole.
Another important thing to note is that if the damaged car key is equipped with electronic components and requires the cutting of a new key from the dealership or an experienced locksmith. This is because the key needs to be programmed with a new code and the key chip must be replaced. If the shell or metal part of the key is damaged, you will need to have a new cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace the electronics.