How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work in rush, and put your car keys into the ignition. You try to turn the key, but it snaps in the lock.
Luckily, there are car key fob repair can attempt to resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
One of the most devastating things that could happen to an owner of a vehicle is a broken key inside a lock. This is particularly aggravating if the driver is trying to get somewhere, or pick up the child. In such a situation, it is important to act quickly and try to get the key out of the way.
It is best to call an expert locksmith for this job as they will have the right tools to remove the broken key and not cause damage to the lock. A lot of people look around in their vehicle to find something light and sturdy such as a paperclip or toothpick, however this isn't likely to work as it is too thick to enter the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair tweezers. They are thin and are able to easily get 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 then it may be worth searching for keys extractors that are often found in auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have tiny hooks. They can be put into the keyhole and then take the broken portion of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal in the lock, and then pull it out. This is not always the best option, as it can sometimes get caught under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this case it is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith.
Some people attempt to join the two pieces of a broken car key using superglue in order to take it out of the lock. However, this could be very risky as the bits of metal could stick to one another and fall apart later. It is important to not turn the key as it 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 a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even if you have a spare, you might not be capable of opening the door to your vehicle. A drill may be the best solution in these situations.
First, you must ensure that the keyhole is positioned to accept a basic tumbler key. If it's not, you won't have the ability to drill the pins out and damage the lock's door or mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you'll be drilling through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers using a tiny drill bits, however, you should not go deeper. Drilling too deep can damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill to snag.
Wearing a mask or other protective equipment is recommended when using drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
Finally, it is recommended to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers available in case the damaged piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is extending enough to be gripped with pliers and tweezers it will be enough to get it out. If not, however, you will need to use tools like this one to wedge the tool into the lock and then turn it towards the key in order to grip it and remove it from the hole.
3. Drill a nail
You may be left in limbo if you break your key in half. There are some methods to fix it, without having to pay for a locksmith. The first thing you can do is use a screw or nail. These can be found in your home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to pick the nail that is as thin and long as possible. This way you can fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to link the two parts together. Make sure that the back of the nails is flat. This will allow it to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners tend to make use of DIY hacks such as using super glue to attempt to fix a damaged car key, but this is a dangerous thing to do. You could damage the lock, and have to shell out more money to get a new one.
You must examine the keys that are broken first and make sure they are the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key will fit in the lock after they've been bonded. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the damaged pieces. This will improve the glue's bond and reduce the chance of a loose key.
After you have polished the edges of the damaged key, apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Only apply a small amount of super glue as excessive amounts can make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully place the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a few seconds the glue will begin to set and bond the key fragments together.
A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used to extract a broken key from the lock. They can be shaped like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This technique is especially helpful when the damage is close to or inside the keyway or ignition lock hole.
Another thing to remember is that if your car key is equipped with electronic components that require an entirely new key by the dealership or a professional locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed with a different code and the chip in the key needs to be changed. If, however, only the metal or shell of the key is damaged it typically requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require reprogramming or replacing of the electronics.