How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work, in hurry, and you jam your keys to your car in the ignition. You try to turn the key however it locks. the lock.
There are a few things you can try to fix the issue before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
One of the worst things that can happen to a car owner is a broken key inside locks. This is particularly aggravating when the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or pick up an infant. In this situation it is crucial 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 be able to use the appropriate tools to remove the broken key and not damage the lock. Many people are looking for something that is thin and rigid like paperclips or toothpicks. But, this is not the best option since they are too thick to fit inside the lock.
The best solution is to look for an tweezers set, since they are very thin and can easily get into the key hole in the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to grasp the broken part of the key and remove it. If you don't have tweezers then it may be worth looking for key extractors which are typically available in auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with hooks that are small enough to be placed into the key hole and then grip onto the damaged part of the key.
Another option is to find a magnetic key hook that is able to be affixed to the metal inside the lock and be pulled out. This is not always the best option since it can get caught under the lock and cause damage. In this situation it is best to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people try to join two pieces of a broken car key using superglue in order to take it out of the lock. This is a risk since the metal pieces may tangle and break later. It is crucial not to 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 damaged key and then make a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Even with a spare key you may not be able access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. In these instances, drilling out the lock is the best choice.
It is important to ensure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler. If it's not there, you won't be able to drill the pins out and cause damage to the lock's door or mechanism.
It is important to keep in mind that you'll be drilling through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with a small drill bit, but you should not go any further. In the event of drilling too deep, it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill to become stuck.
Wearing a protective mask or equipment is also advised when using a drill. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lung.
It's an excellent idea, if the broken key piece remains stuck in the lock, to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers at hand. If there is enough of the key sticking out to grip with tweezers or pliers, this should be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If there isn't, however, broken key repair will require tools like this one to encase the tool inside the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grip and remove it from the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you break your car key in half, it could cause you to be trapped. There are a number of options to solve the issue without having to hire an locksmith. The first thing you can do is to use screws or nails. You can find these in your house or at a hardware store. However, it is best to try to find a nail that is as thin and as long as you can. This will allow you to fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to link the two pieces together. Make sure that the back of the nails are flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will stop it from moving and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists resort to DIY hacks, like using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a dangerous method. You could end up damaging the lock and be forced to shell out more for a replacement.
It is important to examine the keys that are broken first and make sure they're the same size. This step is essential to ensure that all glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key will fit into the lock after they've been put in place. 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 stronger and lessen the risk of a key becoming loose in the future.
Once you have polished the edges of the broken key and polished them, apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Use only tiny amounts of super glue, as too much could make the key too thick. It will then 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.
Another household item that can be used to to remove a damaged car key is a paperclip or bobby pin, which can be shaped into a pick-like tool, then put into the lock. This technique is particularly useful in the event that the broken part is within or close to the keyway or the ignition hole.
Another important thing to note is that if the broken car key is equipped with electronic components and requires a new key cut by the dealership or an experienced locksmith. The key will have to be reprogrammed with a different code and the chip inside the key needs to be changed. If the shell or metal part of the key is damaged it will be necessary to have a new cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace electronic components.