How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work, in hurry, and you jam your keys to your car in the ignition. You try to turn the key however it locks. the lock.
Luckily, there are several ways you can solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes:: 1. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the worst things a car owner could experience. This can be particularly frustrating if the driver is trying to get somewhere, or to drop off an infant. In this situation it is imperative to act fast to try and get the key out of the way.
A locksmith with experience is the best option because they'll have the proper tools and know how to get rid of the keys broken without damaging the lock. Many people will look for something thin and stiff such as a toothpick or paperclip. However this isn't the best choice since they are too thick to fit into the lock.
The best option is to find a pair of tweezers since they are very thin and can easily get into 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 trying to locate key extractors that are often available in auto parts stores. how to repair car key lock are narrow, flat and have small hooks. They can be put in the keyhole and take the broken portion of the key.
Another option is to locate an magnetic key hook that will be affixed to the metal inside the lock and pull it out. This is not always the best option as it could get caught in the lock and cause further damage. In this case it is best to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people try to stick the two pieces of their car key that have snapped together using superglue, thinking that it will help them remove it from the lock. However, this is very risky as the bits of metal may cling to one another and break apart again later on. It is also crucial not to turn the key, since this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to repair the damaged key on the spot.
2. Drill into a hole
Even having a spare key you may not be able access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. A drill may be the best option in these instances.
You will first want to ensure that the keyhole is positioned for a basic tumbler. If it's not there, you won't be able to drill the pins out and cause damage to the door or internal lock mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you will drill through the outer layer of plastic as well as an inner metal layer. A small drill bit will suffice to get through these layers, but you need to be sure to not go any deeper than this. In the event of drilling too deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness, or cause the drill to become stuck.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear when working with a drill. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your respiratory system.
It is an excellent idea, in the event that the key fragment is broken and is still sticking out of the lock, to have pliers and tweezers at hand. If there is enough of the key sticking out to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this should be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you'll need to use an instrument such as this to wedge it in the lock, and then rotate it towards the key to grab and remove it.
3. Drill a nail
If you break your car key in half, it can leave you in a bind. There are a number of options to solve the issue without having to hire locksmith. The first method is to make use of a screw or nail. You can find these at home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to search for a nail that is as thin and as long as you can. This way, you can place it into the hole and then use epoxy to connect the two pieces. It is also important to make sure the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will keep it from moving and possibly breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists use DIY techniques, such as using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a dangerous practice. You could end up damaging the lock and be forced to shell out more to replace it.
First, you need to take a look at the keys that are broken and make sure they match each other in terms of size. This is crucial to ensure that all the pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key fits in the lock after they've been joined. After that, you can use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will strengthen the glue's bond and reduce the chance of a loose key.
Once you have polished the edges of the broken key, apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue, since excessive amounts can make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the broken key and pressing them together, you can press them. After a short time the glue will begin to set and bond to the key pieces.
Another household item that can be used to help to remove a damaged car key is a bobby pin, which can be shaped into a pick-like tool, then put into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful when the damage is located inside or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will need an entirely new key from the locksmith or dealer. The key will have to be reprogrammed using a new code, and the chip inside the key needs to be changed. In contrast, if only the metal or shell of the key is damaged it typically requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of the electronic components.