How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're rushing to get your work done and jam your keys into the ignition. You try to turn the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
Luckily, there are several ways you can solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Call for a locksmith
A broken key in the lock is among the most frustrating things a car owner could experience. This is especially frustrating if the driver is in a rush to get somewhere, or drop off the child. In this scenario you must act swiftly to attempt to get the key out of the way.
It is best to call an expert locksmith for this job as they can use the correct tools to take out the broken key and not cause damage to the lock. Many people will look for something thin and stiff like paperclips or toothpicks. However, this is not the best choice since they are too thick to fit into the lock.
The best option is to look for a pair of tweezers, since they are very thin and can easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should also be strong 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 sold at auto parts stores. They are thin, 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 a magnetic key hook that is able to be affixed to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best option since it could get caught in a lock and cause more damage. In this situation it is best to contact an experienced locksmith.
Some people try to glue together the two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue in order to remove it from the lock. However, this can be extremely risky because the pieces of metal could stick to one another and break apart again later on. It is crucial not to turn the key, as this could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to replace the broken key right away.
2. Drill a hole
Even with a spare key, you may not be able access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. In these cases drilling the lock is the best choice.
It is important to make sure the keyhole is set to accept a basic tumbler key. If it isn't, you won't be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door, and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.
The next step is to know that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers using a tiny drill bits, but you should not go any further. 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 equipment when working with drills. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your lung.
It is also a good idea, in the event that the key fragment is broken and is sticking out of the lock, to keep pliers and tweezers in your bag. If there is enough of the key protruding to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this could suffice to pull it out of the lock. If there isn't, however, you will need to use a tool such as this one to insert the tool into the lock and then turn it towards the key to grip and remove it from the hole.
3. Drill a nail
You may be left in limbo when you cut your key in half. There are several ways to fix the problem without having to hire an locksmith. The first method is to utilize a screw or nail. They are available at home or in the hardware store. However, it is best to try to find the nail that is as thin and as long as you can. You can then insert it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces. It is also important to ensure that the nail's back is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will prevent it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners tend to use DIY tricks like using super glue to try and fix a broken car key, however this is not a safe way to go. car key lock repair near me could end up ruining the lock and having to pay more for getting a replacement from the dealer or locksmith.
You must examine the broken keys first and make sure they are of the same size. This step is crucial to ensure that the pieces are properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock once they are bonded together. Then, use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth the edges on the broken pieces of the key. This will help 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 and polished them, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Only apply a small amount of super glue as too much could make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the key that broke, press them together. After a short time, the glue will begin to set and bond to the key pieces.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used to extract a broken key from the lock. They can be cut like a pick and inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly useful if the break is inside or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
Another thing to remember is that if the broken car key has electronic components that require a new key cut by the dealership or a professional locksmith. This is because the key needs to be programmed with a brand new code and the key chip will need to be replaced. If, however, only the shell or metal portion of the key is damaged the key, it will usually only require a new key cut and doesn't require reprogramming or replacing of the electronic components.