How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work in hurry, and you jam your keys to your car in the ignition. You try turning the key, but it snaps in the lock.
There are a few things you could do to solve the issue before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call for a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner could face. This is particularly aggravating if the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or drop off a kid. In this situation you must act swiftly to try and free the stuck key.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best choice, as they will have the right tools and know how to get rid of the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. Many people will look for something small and stiff, such as a toothpick or paperclip. But, this is not the best solution as they are too heavy to fit into the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair of tweezers. They are lightweight and can easily reach into the lock. They should also be rigid enough to grasp the broken part of the key and remove it. If you don't have tweezers, it might be worth looking for a set sold at auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with small hooks that can be inserted into the key hole and then grip onto the broken bit of the key.
Another option is to locate an magnetic key hook that can attach to the metal in the lock and be pulled out. This isn't always the best choice as it could get caught in the lock and cause damage. In this case it is recommended to contact an expert locksmith.
Some people will try to join the two pieces of their snapped car key together with superglue, as this can help them to get it out of the lock. However, this could be extremely risky since the pieces of metal could stick to each other and then break apart later. It is also crucial not to turn the key since this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is better to call an expert locksmith who will be able to remove the broken key and make an immediate replacement.
2. Drill a Hole
Even with a spare key you may not be able to access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. The lock could be drilled out. be the best option in these situations.
It is important to make sure that the keyhole is set to accept a basic tumbler key. If it's not it, you will not be able to drill the pins without damaging the door, and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
The next step is to understand that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and the inner metal layer. A small drill bit will suffice to cut through these layers, but you must be sure to not go further than this. If you drill too deeply, it can damage the internal wiring harness, or cause the drill to stick.
Wearing a protective mask or gear is also advised when using drills. This will stop dust and dirt from getting into your lung.
It's an excellent idea, when the broken piece of key remains stuck in the lock, to keep pliers and tweezers handy. If the key is long enough to be able to be grasped with tweezers and pliers, then this is enough to pull it out. If not, you'll need to use a tool like this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it toward the key to grab it and remove it.
3. Drill a Nail
If you cut your car key in half, it could cause you to be stranded. There are several ways to solve the issue without the expense of locksmith. The first way is to utilize a screw or nail. You can find these in your house or at a hardware store. But, it is best to look for the nail that is as thin and long as possible. check it out will allow you to fit it into the hole and then use epoxy to join the two parts together. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving around and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners tend to resort to DIY techniques like using super glue to repair a broken car key, but this is a dangerous thing to do. You could end up ruining the lock and have to shell out more money for finding a replacement at the dealer or locksmith.
You need to check the keys that have been damaged first and make sure they are the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all the pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key fits into the lock after they've been bonded. After that, you can use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth the edges on the broken pieces of the key. This will improve the bond of glue and decrease the possibility of a loose key.
After you have polished the edges of the damaged key and polished them, apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Be careful not to apply too much, as this could cause the key to become too heavy and may be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the broken key, press them together. After a few minutes the glue will begin to set and bond together the key fragments.
Another household item that can be used to remove a damaged car key is a bobby pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool, then placed inside the lock. This technique is particularly helpful when the damage is located within or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will require a new key from a dealer or a professional locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed with a different code and the chip inside the key will need to be changed. However, if the metal or shell of the key breaks it typically requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require any reprogramming or replacing of the electronic components.