How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're heading to work in hurry, and you jam your keys to your car in the ignition. You try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps inside the lock!
Luckily, there are a few ways you can try to resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call for a locksmith
One of the worst things that could happen to the owner of a car is a broken key inside the lock. This can be even more difficult if it happens while the driver is rushing to get somewhere or to drop off a child. In such a situation it is essential to act swiftly and try to release the stuck key.
It is best to call an expert locksmith for this job, because he or she will have the right tools to remove the broken key without damage the lock. Many people look around their car for something small and rigid like a paperclip or toothpick, however this usually won't work as it is too thick to be able to get into the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair of tweezers. They are lightweight and are able to easily get inside the lock. They should be strong enough to grasp the damaged part of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it could 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 hold on the broken piece of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal in the lock and then remove it. This is not always a good idea since it is possible for it to become stuck under the lock and cause further damage to it. In this case it is best to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people attempt to glue the two pieces of their broken car key together with superglue, as this can help them to remove it from the lock. This is a risk because the pieces of metal may tangle and break 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 an expert locksmith who will be ready to take the broken key and make an immediate replacement.
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. Drilling out the lock may be the best solution in these instances.
You will first want to make sure that the keyhole is positioned to accept a basic tumbler key. If it's not, you won't be able to drill out the pins and cause damage to the door or internal lock mechanism.
It is also important to know that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit is enough to cut through these layers, but you need to be sure not to go any deeper than this. If car key repairs drill too deep it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick in the hole.
Wearing a mask or other protective gear is also recommended when working with a drill. This will prevent dirt and dust from entering your lungs.
It's also a good idea, when the broken piece of key remains stuck in the lock, to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers in your bag. If the key is protruding enough to be held by pliers and tweezers this is enough to pull it out. If there isn't, however you'll need to use tools like this one to wedge the tool inside the lock and then turn it toward the key to grasp it and take it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you smash your car key in half, it can leave you in a bind. Luckily, there are some methods to fix it without having to pay for locksmith. The first option is to utilize a screw or nail. You can find them at home or in the hardware store. However, it is best to look for the nail that is as thin and long as possible. This way, you can place it into the hole and then use epoxy to link the two parts together. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will make it easier to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving around and breaking in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of motorists resort to DIY techniques like using super glue to try and fix a broken car key, but this is not a safe way to go. You could end up damaging the lock and having to shell out more money for replacing it from the dealer or a locksmith.
First, you need to take a look at the broken keys and ensure that they are in terms of size. This is essential to ensure that the glued pieces will be properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock after they are bonded together. After that, use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges of the broken pieces of the key. This will make the glue bond better and reduce the chances of a loose key in the future.
After you've polished the edges of the damaged key then apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Be careful not to apply too much, as this can cause the key to become too heavy and it will be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the broken key then press them together. After a few seconds the glue will begin to set and bind the key fragments.
A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used as a tool to remove a damaged key from an lock. They can be shaped like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful if the break is in or near the keyway or ignition hole.
A broken car key with electronic components will need a new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed with a different code, and the chip inside the key needs to be replaced. If, however, only the shell or metal portion of the key fails the key, it will usually only require a new key cut and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of electronics.