How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work, in hurry, and you jam your keys in the ignition. Then you try turning it, and it snaps off in the lock!
Luckily, there are a few options you can fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are some quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Contact for a locksmith
One of the worst things that could happen to a car owner is a damaged key in locks. This is especially frustrating if it occurs while the driver is rushing to get somewhere or to drop off the child. In such a situation it is crucial to act quickly and attempt to get the key out of the way.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best choice, as they will have the right tools and know how to take out the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. Many people look around their car for something small and rigid such as a paperclip or toothpick, but these isn't likely to work as it's too heavy to fit into the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair tweezers. They are thin and easily fit into the lock. They should be able to grasp the damaged part of a key and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers then you might consider trying to locate a set of key extractors which are typically sold in auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with hooks that are small enough to be put into the key hole and grip on the broken piece of the key.
Another option is to locate a magnetic key hook that will stick to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best option as it can get caught under the lock and cause further damage. In such a scenario it is advised to contact an expert locksmith.
Some people try to stick the two pieces of their snapped car key together with superglue, as it will help them get it out of the lock. This could be risky because the pieces of metal may tangle and break later. It is essential not to turn the key, as this could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact a professional locksmith who will be ready to take out the broken key and make a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even if you have an extra key, you may not be able to gain access to your vehicle. The lock could be drilled out. be the best solution in these instances.
First, you need to ensure that the key hole is set up to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it's not 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 will drill through the outer layer of plastic as well as an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers with the smallest drill bit but you should not go any further. If you drill too deep it may damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick in the hole.
Wearing a mask or protective gear is also recommended when using drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your lung.
In the end, it's recommended to have pliers and tweezers in your possession in case the damaged key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is long enough to be able to be grasped with tweezers and pliers, then it will be enough to get it out. If not, however you'll require tools like this one to insert the tool into 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 in a bind. Luckily, there are several ways to fix it, without having to pay for a locksmith. The first thing you can do is use screws or nails. You can find them at home or in a hardware store. It is recommended to select nails that are as thin and as long as possible. So you can insert it into the hole, and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will prevent it from moving around and breaking in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners tend to use DIY hacks like using super glue repair a broken car key, however this is a risky option to make. You could end up damaging the lock and having to shell out more money for replacing it from the dealer or locksmith.
You need to check the keys that are broken first and make sure they are the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key will fit inside the lock once they've been joined. Then, use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will help make the glue bond better and lessen the risk of a key falling loose in the future.
After finishing the edges After polishing the edges, apply only a small amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue to one side. Use only a small amount of super glue, since too much could make the key too large. 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 short time, the glue will begin to set and bind the key fragments.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used to remove a broken key from the lock. They can be cut like a pick and inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly useful when the damage is located in or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
broken key repair to note is that if the damaged car key is equipped with electronic components that require a new key cut from 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 replaced. If only the metal or shell of the key fails, you will need to get a new cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace the electronic components.