How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a rush to get to work, and put your keys in the ignition. You try to turn the key however it locks. the lock.
There are a few things you could do to solve the issue before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call a locksmith
A broken key in the lock is among the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner could experience. This can be particularly frustrating when the driver is trying to get somewhere, or pick up the child. In this scenario, you should act quickly to attempt to remove the stuck key.
It is recommended to call an experienced locksmith for this job as they will be able to use the right tools to remove the broken key without cause damage to the lock. Many people will have a look around in their vehicle for something small and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, but these typically won't work since it's too thick to enter the lock.
The best solution is to search for an tweezers set, because they are thin and easily reach the key hole within the lock. They should be strong 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 available at auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have small hooks. They can be inserted through the keyhole to grab the broken part of the key.
Another option is to find a magnetic key hook that will be affixed to the metal inside the lock and pull it out. This is not always the best option because it could get caught under the lock and cause further damage to it. In this case it is recommended to call locksmith.
Some people try to join two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue order to remove it from the lock. This is a risk because the pieces of metal may tangle and break later. It is also essential not to turn the key, since this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is best to contact an expert locksmith who will be on hand to remove the broken key and create a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Even having a spare key you may not be able access your vehicle if a key is broken inside the lock. In these cases drilling the lock is the best choice.
First, you need to make sure that the key hole is set up to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it isn't then you won't be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door, and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.
It is important to note that you'll drill through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner metal layer. A small drill bit will suffice to get through these layers, but it is important to be sure not to go further than this. If you drill too deep it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick in the hole.
Wearing a mask or protective equipment is also advised when using drilling. This will prevent dirt and dust from entering your lung.
It's also a good idea, in the event that the key fragment is broken and remains stuck in the lock, to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers handy. If the key is extending enough to be held by pliers and tweezers this is enough to pull it out. If not you'll require a tool such as this one to wedge the tool inside the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grip and take it out of the hole.
3. Drill a Nail
If you break your car key in half, it can cause you to be trapped. There are a few methods to fix it, without having to pay for locksmith. The first way is to make use of a screw or nail. You can find these at home or at the hardware store. But, it is best to look for a nail that is as thin and as long as you can. This means you can put it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces. Make sure that the back of the nails are flat. This will help 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
Many car owners tend to make use of DIY hacks like using super glue repair a broken car key, however this is not a safe option to make. You could end up ruining the lock and having to shell out more money for finding a replacement at the dealership or a locksmith.
You need to check the broken keys first, and ensure that they are the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key will fit into the lock after they've been bonded. After that, you can 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 help make the glue stick better and decrease the chance of a loose key in the future.
After polishing the edges after polishing, apply a small amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue on one side. Use only tiny amounts of super glue as excessive amounts can make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, you can carefully align the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a short time the glue will begin to set and join to the key pieces.
Another household item that can be used to help 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. key fob repair is particularly useful if the break is within or near the keyway or ignition hole.
Another important thing to note is that if your car key is equipped with electronic components, it will require the cutting of a new key by the dealership or a professional locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip inside the key must be changed. However, if the metal or shell of the key is damaged it typically requires a new key cut and doesn't require any reprogramming or replacing of the electronics.