How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work, in a hurry, and jam your keys in the ignition. Then you try turning it, and it snaps off inside the lock!
There are a few options you can fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the worst things a car owner could experience. This is particularly aggravating if the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or pick up the child. In this scenario, you should act quickly to attempt to free the stuck key.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this job, because he or she can use the right tools to remove the broken key without cause damage to the lock. Many people are looking for something small and stiff such as a toothpick or paperclip. However, this is not the best solution as they are too large to fit inside the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair of tweezers. They are thin and are able to easily get into the lock. They should be rigid enough to grasp the broken piece of a key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it's worth searching for a set that is sold at auto parts stores. They are thin, flat and have small hooks. They can be put through the keyhole to 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 isn't always a good option because it could be caught in the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In how to repair car key fob is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith.
Some people try to join the two pieces of a damaged car key with superglue in order to take it out of the lock. However, this could be extremely risky because the pieces of metal could snag on to each other and then fall apart later. It is also essential not to turn the key, because this could cause damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is best to contact an expert locksmith who will be on hand to take out the damaged key and then make an immediate replacement.
2. Drill through a hole
Even with a spare key you may not be able to access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. In these situations drilling the lock is the best choice.
You will first want to ensure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler. If it isn't it, you will not be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door, and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you'll drill through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner metal layer. A small drill bit will suffice to cut through these layers, but you must be sure to not go any deeper than this. If you drill to deep it may damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick within the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear while working using a drill. This will keep dust and dirt from getting into your lung.
It's also a good idea when the broken piece of key is still sticking out of the lock, to keep two pairs of pliers and tweezers at hand. If there is enough of the key protruding to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this will suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you'll have to use an instrument such as this to encase it into the lock and then turn it toward the key to grasp it and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
If you cut your car key in half, it could cause you to be in a bind. There are broken key repair to fix the problem without having to hire an locksmith. The first method is to use a nail or screw. These can be found in your home or at a local hardware store. It is recommended to pick a nail as thin and long as you can. This way, you can place it in the hole and then use epoxy to connect the two parts together. It is also good to make sure the back of the nail is flat. This will allow it to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving around and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners use DIY tricks like using super glue to try and fix a broken car key, but this is a risky option to make. You could end up damaging the lock, and have to shell out more for a replacement.
You need to check the keys that are broken first, and ensure that they are of the same size. This is vital to ensure that the glued parts will be aligned properly and the key will fit into the lock after they have been bonded. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will improve the bond of glue and decrease the possibility of a key that is loose.
After you have polished the edges of the broken key, apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Be careful not to use too much, as this could cause the key to become too thick and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. Then, carefully place the two pieces of the key and press them together. After several seconds the glue will begin to set and bond the key pieces together.
A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used to extract a broken key from a lock. They can be shaped as a pick, and then inserted into the lock. This technique is especially helpful when the damage is close to or inside the keyway or lock hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will need a new key from the locksmith or dealer. This is because the key will have to be programmed with a brand new code and the chip will need to be replaced. If, however, only the metal or shell of the key fails it typically requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require any reprogramming or replacing of the electronics.