How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work, in a hurry, and jam your keys to your car in the ignition. Then you try to turn it around, and it breaks inside the lock!
There are a few things you can do to solve the issue before calling a professional locksmith. Here are a few easy fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the most frustrating things a car owner can experience. This can be even more difficult if it happens while the driver is trying to get to work or drop off an infant. In this case, you should act quickly to attempt to remove the stuck key.
It is recommended to call an expert locksmith for this job for this job, as they can use the correct tools to take out the broken key without damage the lock. A lot of people look around the vehicle key repairs for something thin and rigid such as a paperclip or toothpick, but these typically won't work since it's too thick to be able to get into the lock.
The best option is to look for an tweezers set, since they are very thin and can easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should also be strong enough to hold the damaged part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it could be worth searching for a set sold at auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with hooks that are small enough to be inserted into the key hole, and then hold on the broken piece of the key.
Another option is to locate an magnetic key hook that is able to be affixed to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best option since it could be caught under the lock and cause further damage. In this situation it is best to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people attempt to join the two pieces of a damaged car keys repair key with superglue in order to remove it from the lock. This is a risk because the pieces of metal could get caught and break later. It is also important not to turn the key because this could cause damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to repair the broken key immediately.
2. Drill 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 situations, drilling out the lock is the best choice.
It is important to make sure the keyhole is set up to accept a basic tumbler key. If it's not then you won't be able to remove the pins and damage the lock's door or internal mechanism.
It is also important to understand that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers using a the smallest drill bit however, you should not go any further. If you drill too deeply, it can cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill to become stuck.
Wearing a protective mask or gear is also advised when using drilling. This will keep the dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.
Finally, it is a good idea to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers in your possession in case the damaged key repair shops near me is sticking out of the lock. If the key is extending enough to be held by tweezers and pliers, then this will suffice to get it out. If not, you'll need to use an instrument like this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grab and remove it.
3. Drill a nail
If you smash your car key in half, it can cause you to be in a bind. There are a few ways to fix it without paying for locksmith. The first method is to make use of a screw or nail. They are available at home or at a hardware store. However, it is best to search for the nail that is as thin and as long as you can. You can then insert it into the hole and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. It is also important to make sure the nail's back is flat. This will make it easier to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving around and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners tend to use DIY tricks like using super glue repair a broken car key, but this is a dangerous way to go. You could end up ruining the lock and having to spend more money on replacing it from the dealer or locksmith.
You must examine the keys that have been damaged first, and ensure that they are the same size. This is vital to ensure that the glued parts will be aligned properly and that the key fits into the lock once they have been bonded. After that, you can use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the broken pieces of the key. This will improve the bond of glue and decrease the chance of a loose key.
After finishing the edges After polishing the edges, apply a small amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue on one end. Use only the smallest amount of super glue as too much could make the key too large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, you can carefully place the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a few moments the glue will begin to set and join the key fragments.
Another common household item that can be used to to remove a damaged car key is a bobby or paperclip pin, which can be shaped into a pick-like tool and placed inside the lock. This technique is particularly helpful in the event that the broken part is inside or close to the keyway or ignition hole.
Another thing to remember is that if the damaged car key has electronic components that require an entirely new key fob repair service by the dealership or a professional locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip in the key will need to be replaced. If, however, only the metal or shell of the key breaks the key, it will usually only require an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of the electronics.