How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're rushing to get your work done and you put your keys into the ignition. You try to turn the key, but it snaps in the lock.
Luckily, there are a few ways you can attempt to solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some quick fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Call for a locksmith
A broken key in the lock is one of the most frustrating things a car owner can experience. This is particularly aggravating when the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or to drop off an infant. In this case, you should act quickly to try to remove the stuck key.
Contacting a professional locksmith is the best choice, as they will have the proper tools and know how to get rid of the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. Many people will look for something thin and stiff like paperclips or toothpicks. However this isn't the best option since they are too thick to fit inside the lock.
A much better solution is to search for a pair of tweezers as these are quite thin and can easily reach the key hole within the lock. They should be able to grab the broken part of a key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers it might be worth searching for key extractors that are often available in auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with small hooks that can be placed into the key hole and grip onto the damaged part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal of the lock and then remove it. This isn't always the best choice as it could get caught in the lock and cause further damage. In such a scenario it is recommended to call an expert locksmith.
Some people try to glue together the two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue order to remove it from the lock. However, this could be very risky as the bits of metal could snag on to each other and then break apart later. broken key repair is also crucial not to turn the key because this could cause damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to replace the broken key on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Even with a spare key, you may not be able to access your vehicle if a key is broken inside the lock. In these situations drilling out the lock is the most effective option.
First, you need to make sure that the key hole is set up to take a basic tumbler car key. If it's not then you won't have the ability to remove the pins and damage the lock's door or internal mechanism.
The next step is to understand that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers with the smallest drill bit however, you should not go deeper. If you drill too deeply it could harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to get stuck inside the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear while working using drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your lung.
In the end, it's an excellent idea to keep a pair of pliers and tweezers in your possession in case the broken key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key sticking out to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this could 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 toward the key to grab it and remove it.
3. Drill a nail
You may be left in limbo in the event that you break your key in half. There are a number of options to fix the issue without having to pay locksmith. The first method is to utilize a screw or nail. These are available at your home or in a hardware store. But, it is best to search for the 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 in the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving around and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists use DIY hacks, like using super glue, to repair a damaged or broken key. This is a dangerous method. You could damage the lock, and then have to shell out more for a replacement.
First, you need to examine the keys that have been damaged and make sure that they are identical in terms of size. This is essential to ensure that the glued parts will be aligned properly and the key will fit into the lock once they have been bonded. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the broken pieces. This will strengthen the bond of glue and decrease the likelihood of a future key that is loose.
Once you have polished the edges of the broken key then apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue as too much can make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the broken key and pressing them together, you can press them. After several seconds, the glue will start to set and bond the key pieces together.
A paperclip or bobby-pin can also be used as a tool to remove a broken key from an lock. They can be cut like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful in the event that the broken part is within or near the keyway or ignition hole.
Another thing to remember 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. The key must be reprogrammed using a new code, and the chip inside the key will need to be changed. In contrast, if only the metal or shell of the key is damaged, it usually just requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require reprogramming or replacing of the electronic components.