How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work in rush, and put your keys to your car in the ignition. Then you try turning it into a lock, and it snaps inside the lock!
Luckily, there are several ways you can attempt to solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions: 1. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is among the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner could face. This can be particularly frustrating if the driver is trying to get somewhere, or drop off a kid. In this situation you must act swiftly to try to free the stuck key.
Contacting a professional locksmith is the best option, as they'll have the right tools and know how to remove the broken keys without damaging the lock. Many people look around their car for something small and rigid such as a paperclip or toothpick, however this usually won't work as it's too heavy to be able to get into the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair tweezers. They are small and easily fit inside the lock. They should be rigid enough to grasp the damaged part of a key and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it could be worth searching for a set sold at auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have hooks that are small. They can be put in the keyhole and take the broken portion of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal inside the lock and then remove it. This is not always a good option, as it can sometimes be caught in the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this situation it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people try to join the two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue in order to take it out of the lock. However, this can be extremely risky since the pieces of metal may cling to one another and break apart later. It is also crucial not to turn the key, as this can cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith who will be on hand to take the broken key and make a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Even with a spare key you might not be able to access your vehicle if a key is broken inside the lock. In these cases, drilling out the lock is the most effective option.
First, you will want to ensure that the key hole is set up to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it's not then you won't be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.
The next step is to understand that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and the inner metal layer. A small drill bit will suffice to get through these layers, but it is important to be sure to not go further than this. If you drill to deep, it could harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to get stuck inside the hole.
Wearing a mask or protective equipment is also recommended when using drilling. This will prevent dirt and dust from entering your respiratory system.
It's also a good idea, if the broken key piece is still sticking out of the lock, to keep pliers and tweezers in your bag. If the key is protruding enough to be gripped with pliers and tweezers, this will suffice to get it out. If not, you'll have to use a tool such as this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it toward the key to grab and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
You may be left in limbo when you cut your key in half. There are a variety of ways to solve the issue without having to hire an locksmith. The first method is to use a nail or screw. These are available at your home or at a local hardware store. But, remote key fob repair is best to search for nails that are as thin and long as possible. This will allow you to fit it into the hole and then use epoxy to link the two parts together. It is also good to make sure the back of the nail is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will prevent it from moving and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many auto owners resort to DIY techniques, such as using super glue to repair a damaged key. This is a dangerous method. You could end up ruining the lock and have to shell out more money for getting a replacement from the dealer or a locksmith.
It is important to examine the broken keys first to ensure they are the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key will fit into the lock after they have been joined. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the damaged pieces. This will help the glue bond better and lessen the risk of a loose key in the future.
After you have polished the edges of the damaged key then apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Use only the smallest amount of super glue, as excessive amounts can make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the broken key, press them together. After a few moments, the glue will begin to set and bind together the key fragments.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used as a tool to remove a broken key from a lock. They can be cut like a pick and inserted into the lock. This method is particularly helpful when the damage is close to or inside the keyway or ignition lock hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will need an entirely new key from the locksmith or dealer. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a new code and the chip in the key will need to be changed. However, if the metal or shell of the key is damaged the key, it will usually only require an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of electronic components.