How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're heading to work in hurry, and you jam your keys in the ignition. You try turning the key however it locks. the lock.
There are some things you can do to solve the issue before contacting an experienced locksmith. Here are some easy fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact an expert locksmith
A broken key in the lock is one of the most frustrating things a car owner can experience. This can be even more difficult if it happens while the driver is hurrying to get somewhere or to drop off a child. In this case you must act swiftly to try to get the key out of the way.
Contacting a professional locksmith is the best option, as they will have the right tools and know how to get rid of the broken keys without damaging the lock. Many people will have a look around in their vehicle for something thin and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, but this typically won't work since it is too thick to be able to get into the lock.
The best option is to search for an tweezers set, as these are quite thin and can easily reach the key hole in the lock. They should also be rigid enough to grasp the broken part of the key and pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it could be worth searching for a set that is available at auto parts stores. They are thin, flat and have small hooks. remote key fob repair can be inserted through the keyhole to grab the broken part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal in the lock and then pull it out. This isn't always the best choice as it could be caught under a lock and cause more damage. In such a scenario it is advised to call a locksmith.
Some people try to glue together the two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue in order to get it out of the lock. car key repair shop can be dangerous as the metal pieces may tangle and break later. It is important to not turn the key because it could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the damaged key right away.
2. Drill through a hole
Even having a spare key you may not be able access your vehicle if a key is broken inside the lock. Drilling out the lock may be the best option in these instances.
You will first want to ensure that the keyhole is set for a basic tumbler. If it's not, you won't have the ability to remove the pins and cause damage to the lock's door or mechanism.
It is also important to understand that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and the inner metal layer. A small drill bit is enough to penetrate these layers, but you need to be sure not to go further than this. If you drill too deeply it may harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to stick in the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear while working with drills. This will keep the dust and dirt from getting into your lung.
Finally, it is recommended to have a pair of 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 grip with tweezers or pliers, this should suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you'll have to use an instrument such as this to encase it in the lock, and then rotate it towards the key to grab it and pull it out.
3. Drill a nail
If you cut your car key in half, it could leave you in a bind. There are fortunately some solutions to fix it without having to pay for locksmith. The first thing you can do is to use a screw or nail. These can be found in your home or at a hardware store. But, it is best to look for a 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 together. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will help it to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will keep it from moving and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners make use of DIY techniques such as using super glue to try and fix a broken car key, however this is a dangerous thing to do. You could end up damaging the lock, and then have to shell out more money to get a new one.
You need to check the keys that have been damaged first and make sure they are the same size. This step is essential to ensure that all pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key will fit into the lock after they've been put in place. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the broken pieces. This will make the glue bond better and lessen the risk of a key falling loose in the future.
After you've polished the edges of the broken key, apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Be careful not to apply too much, because this could cause the key to become too thick and may be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the broken key and pressing them together, you can press them. After a few moments, the glue will begin to set and bond to the key pieces.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used to remove a damaged key from an lock. They can be cut as a pick, and then inserted into the lock. This method is especially useful if the break is inside or close to the keyway or ignition hole.
Another important thing to note is that if your car key has electronic components, it will require the cutting of a new key from the dealership or a professional locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a new code, and the chip inside the key will need to be replaced. If the shell or metal part of the key breaks, you will need to get a new cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace the electronic components.