10 Key Repair Tips All Experts Recommend
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're heading to work in a hurry, and jam your keys in the ignition. Then you try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps in the lock!
There are some things you can try to fix the issue before contacting an expert locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is among the worst things a car owner can experience. This can be particularly frustrating when the driver is in a rush to get somewhere, or to drop off the child. In this case it is imperative to act fast to try and remove the stuck key.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best choice, as they'll have the proper tools and know how to take out the keys broken without damaging the lock. Many people are looking for something small and stiff, such as a toothpick or paperclip. However, this is not the best option since they are too heavy to fit in the lock.
A much better solution is to look for a pair of tweezers as these are quite thin and can easily reach the key hole in the lock. They should be able to grasp the broken piece of a key and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers then you might consider looking for a set of key extractors, which are usually available in auto parts stores. They are narrow, flat and have tiny hooks. They can be inserted in the keyhole and grasp the broken piece of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal in the lock, and then pull it out. This isn't always the best option since it can get caught under a lock and cause more damage. In car key remote repair near me is recommended to call an expert locksmith.
Some people attempt to join the two pieces of a broken car key using superglue order to get it out of the lock. However, this can be extremely risky since the pieces of metal may cling to each other and then break apart later. It is crucial not to turn the key as it could cause further damage to your lock or the ignition cylinder. It is better to call a professional locksmith who will be able to take the broken key and make a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill into a hole
Sometimes a key breaks inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be capable of opening the door to your vehicle. In these cases drilling the lock is the most effective option.
First, you need to make sure that the key hole is designed to take a basic tumbler car key. If it's not it, you will not be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.
It is important to note that you'll drill through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with tiny drill bits, however, you should not go any further. If you drill to deep, it could harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to get stuck in the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective equipment when working using drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.
It is also an excellent idea to keep pliers and tweezers on hand in the event that the broken key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is protruding enough to be able to be grasped with pliers and tweezers, it will be enough to get it out. If not, you'll need to use a tool such as this to encase it in the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grab and remove it.
3. Drill a nail
If you cut your car key in half, it can leave you trapped. There are fortunately some solutions to fix it without paying for a locksmith. The first option is to use a nail or screw. They are available in your house or at the hardware store. It is recommended to pick a nail as thin and as long as possible. This way you can fit it in the hole and then use epoxy to join the two parts together. Make sure that the back of the nails are flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will stop it from moving around and potentially 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 method. You could end up damaging the lock, and then have to shell out more money for a replacement.
You must examine the keys that are broken first to ensure they are of 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 a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will improve the glue's bond and reduce the chance of a loose key.
After finishing the edges, apply the smallest amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue to one end. Only apply a small amount of super glue, since too much can 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 bond to the key pieces.
Another common household item that can be used to extract a broken car key is a paperclip or bobby pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool and inserted in the lock. This technique is particularly helpful in the event that the broken part is in or close to the keyway or ignition hole.
Another important point to keep in mind is that if the damaged car key has electronic components that require the cutting of a new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. This is because the key will need to be programmed with a new code and the chip must be replaced. If only the shell or metal part of the key breaks and needs to be replaced, you'll need to have a new cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace electronics.