How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're rushing to get your work done and jam your keys into the ignition. Then you try turning it around, and it breaks in the lock!
There are a few things you can do to solve the issue before contacting an expert locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Call an expert locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is among the most frustrating things a car owner could face. This can be even more painful if it occurs when the driver is trying to get to work or drop off the child. In this situation you must act swiftly to try to get the key out of the way.
It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith for this job as they will be able to use the right tools to remove the broken key and not harm the lock. Many people will have a look around the vehicle for something thin and rigid like a paperclip or toothpick, but this isn't likely to work as it is too thick to fit into the lock.
The best solution is to search for a pair of tweezers since they are very thin and easily reach the key hole in the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to grasp the broken part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers then you might consider searching for key extractors, which are usually available in auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have tiny hooks. They can be put in the keyhole and grab the broken part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal in the lock and then remove it. This isn't always the best option since it is possible for it to be caught in the lock and cause further damage to it. In this situation it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people attempt to glue together the two pieces of a broken car key with superglue in order to remove it from the lock. This can be dangerous because the pieces of metal could snag and break later. It is also crucial not to turn the key, as this can cause further damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to repair the damaged key immediately.
2. Drill a Hole
Even with a spare key you may not be able to access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. In these situations drilling the lock is the best choice.
First, you must make sure the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler. If it's not, you won't be able to drill out the pins and damage 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 an inner metal layer. A small drill bit is sufficient to penetrate these layers, but you must be sure not to go any deeper than that. If you drill too deeply, it can damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill to become stuck.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear when working using drilling. This will keep dust and dirt from entering your lung.
Finally, it is an excellent idea to keep pliers and tweezers available in the event that the broken 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, you'll need to use a tool such as this to encase it in the lock, and then rotate it towards the key to grab and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
You could be left without a home when you cut your key in half. Luckily, there are several ways to fix it without paying for a locksmith. The first step is use the screw or nail. They can be found in your home or in a hardware store. It is recommended to look for a nail that is as thin as it can be and as long as is possible. This means you can put it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. Make sure that the back of the nails is flat. This will help it to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists use DIY hacks like using super glue to repair a broken car key, but this is a dangerous way to go. You could cause damage to the lock, and have to pay more money to replace it.
It is important to examine the keys that have been damaged first and make sure they are of the same size. This is vital to ensure that the pieces are properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock after they have been bonded. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. see here now will help the glue stick better and decrease the chance of a key falling loose in the future.
Once you have polished the edges of the damaged key and polished them, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Be careful not to use too much, as this could cause the key to become too thick and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the key that broke then press them together. After a short time, the glue will begin to set and join together the key fragments.
A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used to remove a broken key from an lock. They can be shaped like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful in the event that the broken part is in or close to the keyway or ignition hole.
Another important thing to note is that if the broken car key is equipped with electronic components, it will require a new key cut from the dealer or an experienced locksmith. This is because the key needs to be programmed with a brand new code and the chip must be replaced. If the shell or metal part of the key breaks, you will need to have a new cut. You don't have to reprogramme or replace the electronics.