How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work, in rush, and put your keys to your car in the ignition. Then you try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps in the lock!
Luckily, there are a few ways you can fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are some easy fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact an expert locksmith
One of the most devastating things that can happen to the owner of a car is a broken key in a lock. This is particularly aggravating if the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or pick up a kid. In this situation it is essential to act quickly and attempt to free the stuck key.
It is recommended to call an expert locksmith for this job as they will be able to use the correct tools to take out the broken key and not cause damage to the lock. Many people are looking for something small and stiff like a toothpick or paperclip. But this isn't the best choice since they are too large to fit in the lock.
The best solution is to search for a pair of tweezers as these are quite thin and easily reach the key hole in the lock. They should be able to grasp the damaged part of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it could be worth looking for a set that is available at auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have tiny hooks. They can be inserted through the keyhole to grab the broken part of the key.
car remote key repair is to locate a magnetic key hook that can stick to the metal inside the lock and be pulled out. This isn't always the best option as it can get caught under the lock and cause further damage. In this case it is advised to call a locksmith.
Some people will try to glue the two pieces of their broken car key with superglue as it can aid them in get it out of the lock. This could be risky as the metal pieces could snag and break later. It is essential not to turn the key as this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is best to contact an expert locksmith who will be on hand to take out the broken key and make an immediate replacement.
2. Drill a hole
Even having a spare key you might not be able to access your vehicle if a key is broken inside the lock. Drilling out the lock may be the best solution in these instances.
First, you must ensure that the keyhole is positioned to accept a basic tumbler key. If it isn't it, you will not be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.
It is also important to know that you'll be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and the inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with tiny drill bits, however, you should not go deeper. If you drill too deep, it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to become stuck inside the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear while working with drilling. This will keep the dust and dirt from entering your lung.
It is also an excellent idea to keep a pair of pliers and tweezers in your possession in the event that the broken piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is long enough to be held by tweezers and pliers, then it will be enough to get it out. If not, you will need to use a tool such as this one to encase the tool into the lock and then rotate it toward the key to grasp it and take it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you break your car key in half, it could cause you to be trapped. There are fortunately several solutions to fix it without paying for locksmith. The first thing you can do is use screws or nails. You can find them in your house or at the hardware store. However, it is best to try to find nails that are as thin and as long as you can. This means you can put it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. Make sure that the back of the nails is flat. This will make it easier to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving and possibly breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners resort to DIY tricks such as using super glue to repair a broken car key, however this is not a safe way to go. You could end up damaging the lock and needing to shell out more money for finding a replacement at the dealer or locksmith.
The first step is to take a look at the broken keys and ensure that they match each other in terms of size. This step is crucial 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 improve the glue's bond and decrease the likelihood of a future loose key.
After finishing the edges, apply only a small amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue on one side. Be careful not to apply too much, as this could cause the key to become too heavy and it will be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully align the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After several seconds, the glue will start to set and bond the key fragments together.
A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used as a tool to extract a broken key from the lock. They can be cut like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly useful in the event that the broken part is in or near the keyway or ignition hole.
Another thing to remember is that if the broken car key is equipped with electronic components, it will require a new key cut from the dealership or an experienced locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip inside the key must be replaced. If only the metal or shell of the key fails and needs to be replaced, you'll need to replace the cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace electronics.