How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work in hurry, and you jam your car keys into the ignition. You try turning the key however it locks. the lock.
There are a few options you can attempt to fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Contact car key repair broken key in the lock is among the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner could face. This is especially difficult if it happens while the driver is hurrying to get somewhere or to drop off a child. In this case it is essential to act swiftly and try to release the stuck key.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this job for this job, as they will have the right tools to remove the broken key and not harm the lock. Many people will have a look around in their vehicle to find something light and sturdy like a paperclip or toothpick, but these typically won't work since it's too thick to be able to get into the lock.
The best option is to search for a pair of tweezers since they are very thin and can easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to hold the damaged part of the key and remove it. If you don't have tweezers, it could be worth searching for a set sold at auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with small hooks that can be inserted into the key hole and then grip onto the damaged part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal of the lock, and then pull it out. This isn't always the best option since it is possible for it to get caught under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In such a situation it is advised to call locksmith.
Some people attempt to join two pieces of a broken car key with superglue in order to remove it from the lock. However, this could be extremely risky since the pieces of metal could snag on to one another and break apart again later on. It is also important not to turn the key, as this can cause further damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the broken key on the spot.
2. Drill into a hole
Even with a spare key you may not be able access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. In these situations drilling the lock is the best option.
First, you must ensure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler key. If it's not there, you won't have the ability to drill out the pins and damage the door or internal lock mechanism.
Next, it is important to know that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner metal layer. A small drill bit is sufficient to get through these layers, but you need to be sure to not go any deeper than that. If you drill to deep it could harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to become stuck in the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective equipment when working with drills. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your respiratory system.
In the end, it's an excellent idea to keep pliers and tweezers on hand in case the damaged key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key sticking out to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this should suffice to pull it out of the lock. If there isn't, however, you will need to use an instrument like this one to encase 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
You can be left stranded if you break your key in half. There are several ways to fix the issue without having to pay locksmith. The first method is to use a nail or screw. They are available at home or in the hardware store. It is recommended to pick nails that are as thin and as long as possible. This will allow you to fit it in the hole and then use epoxy to link the two parts together. It is also important to make sure the back of the nail is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will keep it from moving and possibly breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners tend to resort to DIY tricks such as using super glue to try and fix a broken car key, but this is not a safe thing to do. You could end up damaging the lock and be forced to shell out more money for a replacement.
You need to check the keys that have been damaged first and make sure they are the same size. This is vital to ensure that the glued parts are properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock after they are bonded together. After that, you can use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will help the glue bond better and reduce the chances of a key becoming loose in the future.
After polishing the edges after polishing, apply a small amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue on the other side. Use only a small amount of super glue, as excessive amounts can make the key too large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully align the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a few minutes, the glue will begin to set and bond together the key fragments.
A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used to remove a broken key from a lock. They can be shaped like a pick and 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 the broken car key has electronic components, it will require an entirely new key from the dealer or an experienced locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed with a different code, and the chip inside the key will need to be replaced. If, however, only the shell or metal portion of the key breaks it typically requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require any reprogramming or replacing of the electronic components.