How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're rushing to get to work, and you put your keys into the ignition. You try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps inside the lock!
There are a few things you could do to solve the issue before calling a professional locksmith. Here are a few easy solutions: 1. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
One of the worst things that can happen to the owner of a car is a broken key in locks. This situation is even more painful if it occurs when the driver is rushing to get somewhere or to drop off an infant. In this situation you must act swiftly to try and get the key out of the way.
A locksmith with experience is the best choice, as they will have the proper tools and know how to take out the keys broken without damaging the lock. A lot of people look around the vehicle for something small and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, but these typically won't work since it's too heavy to be able to get into the lock.
A much better solution is to look for an tweezers set, since they are very thin and easily reach the key hole in the lock. They should be strong enough to grab the broken part of a key and pull it out. If you don't own tweezers then it may be worth looking for keys extractors, which are usually available in auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with hooks that are small enough to be placed into the key hole, and then hold on the broken piece of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal in the lock, and then pull it out. This is not always the best option since it is possible for it to get caught under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In such a situation, it is best to call locksmith.
Some people try to glue the two pieces of their broken car key together using superglue, thinking that it can aid them in get it out of the lock. This could be risky because the pieces of metal may tangle and break later. It is important to not turn the key as this could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to replace the broken key immediately.
2. Drill into a hole
Even having a spare key you may not be able to access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. A drill may be the best option in these situations.
First, this link must ensure that the keyhole is positioned to accept a basic tumbler key. If it's not then you won't have the ability to remove the pins and cause damage to the lock's door or internal mechanism.
Next, it is important to know that you'll be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner metal layer. A small drill bit is sufficient to get through these layers, but you must ensure that you don't go any deeper than that. In the event of drilling too deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness, or cause the drill to snag.
Wearing a mask or protective equipment is also recommended when using a drill. This will stop dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.
Finally, it is recommended to have a pair of pliers and tweezers on hand in case the broken piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this could suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you'll need to use a tool like this to wedge it into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grab and remove it.
3. Drill a Nail
If you smash your car key in half, it can cause you to be trapped. There are fortunately a few methods to fix it without paying for locksmith. The first thing you can do is use a screw or nail. These can be found in your home or at a local hardware store. It is best to choose a nail as thin and long as possible. You can then insert it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces. It is also good to make sure the back of the nail is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will prevent it from moving around and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners resort to DIY techniques like using super glue to repair a broken car key, however this is a dangerous option to make. You could damage the lock, and have to pay more money to get a new one.
The first step is to examine the broken keys and make sure that they are identical in terms of size. This is essential to ensure that the glued parts are properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock once they have been bonded. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will make the glue bond stronger and reduce the chances of a key falling loose in the future.
After finishing the edges After polishing the edges, apply only a small amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue to one end. Only apply a small amount 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, press them together. After some time, the glue will start to set and bind the key fragments together.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used to remove a broken key from a lock. They can be shaped like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly useful when the damage is located inside or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will need a new key from the locksmith or dealer. The key must be reprogrammed using a new code and the chip in the key needs to be changed. If the shell or metal part of the key fails, you will need to get a new cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace the electronic components.