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 turning the key, but it snaps in the lock.
There are a few ways you can solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that could happen to a car owner is a broken key in the lock. This is especially frustrating if it occurs while the driver is hurrying to get somewhere or to drop off an infant. In this case it is imperative to act fast to try to get the key out of the way.
It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this task, because he or she will have the appropriate tools to remove the broken key without harm the lock. Many people look for something small and stiff like toothpicks or paperclips. However this isn't the best choice since they are too large to fit inside the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair tweezers. They are small and easily fit into the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to hold the damaged part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers it might be worth trying to locate 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 hold onto the broken bit of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal of the lock, and then remove it. This is not always a good option, as it can sometimes get caught under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this case, it's best to call a professional locksmith.
Some people try to join the two pieces of their car key that have snapped together with superglue, as it can aid them in remove it from the lock. However, this is very risky as the bits of metal could stick to each other and then break apart again later on. It is also crucial not to turn the key as this can cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is best to contact an expert locksmith who will be able to take out the broken key and create 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. In these situations, drilling out the lock is the best option.
First, you must make sure the keyhole is positioned to accept a basic tumbler key. If it's not then you won't be able to drill out the pins and cause damage to the lock's door or internal mechanism.
The next step is to understand that you'll be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and the inner metal layer. A small drill bit is enough to cut through these layers, but you must be sure not to go further than this. If you drill too deeply it may damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck within the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear while working with drills. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lung.
In the end, it's recommended to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers in your possession in case the damaged piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is protruding enough to be gripped with pliers and tweezers, it will be enough to get it out. If not, however, you will require tools like this one to encase the tool in the lock and then turn it toward the key to grip and remove it from the hole.
3. Drill a Nail
You may be left in limbo if you break your key in half. There are several ways to solve the issue without the expense of a locksmith. The first way is to utilize a screw or nail. They can be found in your home or at a local hardware store. It is recommended 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 join the two pieces. It is also important to make sure the nail's back is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will stop it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners tend to use DIY techniques like using super glue to attempt to fix a damaged car key, but this is not a safe thing to do. You could cause damage to the lock and be forced to pay more money for a replacement.
You must examine the broken keys first and make sure they're the same size. This step is essential to ensure that all pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key fits into the lock after they've been joined. Then, use broken car key repair near me of fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the broken pieces of the key. This will help make the glue bond better and decrease the chance of a loose key in the future.
After polishing the edges, apply only a small amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue on the other side. Use only tiny amounts of super glue as too much could make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the broken key, press them together. After a few seconds, the glue will start to set and bond the key pieces together.
A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used as a tool to extract a broken key from the 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.
Another thing to remember is that if the broken car key has electronic components and requires a new key cut by the dealership or an experienced locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip in the key will need to be changed. If, however, only the metal or shell of the key is damaged it typically requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require reprogramming or replacing of the electronics.