How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work, in hurry, and you jam your keys to your car in the ignition. You try turning the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
Luckily, there are several ways you can try to resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Contact for a locksmith
A broken key in the lock is one of the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner can experience. This is especially frustrating if the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or pick up the child. In this situation it is essential to act quickly and try to get the key out of the way.
It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this job for this job, as they will be able to use the right tools to remove the broken key without damage the lock. Many people will have a look around their car for something thin and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, but these typically won't work since it's too heavy to enter the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair of tweezers. They are small and can easily reach into the lock. They should be able to grab the broken part of a key and 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, narrow and have small hooks. They can be inserted in the keyhole and take the broken portion of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal of the lock, and then pull it out. This isn't always the best option as it could be caught under the lock and cause further damage. In this case it is best to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people attempt to join two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue in order to take it out of the lock. However, this is extremely risky since the pieces of metal could stick to one another and break apart again later on. It is essential not to turn the key, as it could cause further damage to your lock or the ignition cylinder. It is best to contact an expert locksmith who will be ready to take out the broken key and create an immediate replacement.
2. Drill a Hole
Even with a spare key you may not be able access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. Drilling out the lock may be the best solution in these situations.
First, you must ensure that the keyhole is set up for 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.
The next step is to know that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner metal layer. A small drill bit is sufficient to penetrate these layers, but you need to ensure that you don't go any deeper than this. If you drill too deeply it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick within the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear while working with drills. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lung.
In the end, it's a good idea to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers on hand in case the damaged key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is protruding enough to be able to be grasped with tweezers and pliers, then it will be enough to get it out. If not, however you'll need to use tools like this one to insert the tool inside the lock and then turn it toward the key in order to grip it and pull it out of the hole.
3. Drill a Nail
If you break your car key in half, it could leave you in a bind. Luckily, there are car key repair service to fix it without having to pay for locksmith. mobile car key repair is to utilize a screw or nail. These can be found in your home or at a hardware store. It is best to choose a nail as thin and as long as possible. 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 cut in the key. This will keep it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many auto owners use DIY hacks, like using super glue, to repair a damaged or broken key. This is a dangerous practice. You could cause damage to the lock, and have to shell out more money to get a new one.
You need to check the broken keys first to ensure they are the same size. This step is crucial to ensure that the glued pieces are properly aligned and that the key fits into the lock after they have been bonded. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the broken pieces. This will strengthen the bond of glue and decrease the possibility of a loose key.
After you've polished the edges of the damaged key then apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Use only a small amount of super glue, as too much can make the key too large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the key that broke then press them together. After a few minutes the glue will begin to set and join the key fragments.
Another household item that can be used to to remove a damaged car key is a bobby or paperclip pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool, then put into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful if the break is within or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
Another important point to keep in mind is that if the broken car key has electronic components that require a new key cut from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed with a different code and the chip inside the key will need to be changed. If only the metal or shell of the key is damaged it will be necessary to have a new cut. You don't have to reprogramme or replace the electronics.