How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're rushing to get to work, and put your keys in the ignition. Then you try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps in the lock!
There are several ways you can try to resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some quick fixes:: 1. Super Glue.
1. Contact an expert locksmith
A broken key in the lock is one of the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner can experience. This is especially frustrating if it occurs while the driver is rushing to get to work or to drop off a child. In this situation it is essential to act quickly and attempt to free the stuck key.
It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this job, because he or she can use the correct tools to take out the broken key without damage the lock. Many people are looking for something thin and stiff like a toothpick or paperclip. However, this is not the best choice since they are too large to fit inside the lock.
The best option is to use a pair tweezers. They are small and are able to easily get inside the lock. They should also be rigid enough to grasp the broken part of the key and pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it's worth looking for a set sold at auto parts stores. They are thin, flat and have hooks that are small. They can be put into the keyhole and then grasp the broken piece of the key.
Another option is to find the magnetic key hook that will be affixed to the metal inside the lock and pull it out. This isn't always the best option, as it can sometimes become stuck under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this situation it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people attempt to stick the two pieces of their car key that have snapped with superglue as it will help them take it out of the lock. This can be dangerous because the pieces of metal may tangle and break later. It is essential not to turn the key because this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact a professional locksmith who will be ready to take out the damaged key and then make an immediate replacement.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be capable of opening the door to your vehicle. Drilling out the lock may be the best solution in these situations.
First, you will want to ensure that the key hole is designed to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it isn't it, you will not be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
Next, it is important to understand that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and the inner metal layer. A small drill bit is enough to cut through these layers, but you must be sure not to 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 stick.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear while working with drilling. This will keep the dust and dirt from getting into your lung.
It is also recommended to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers available in the event that the broken key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key protruding to grip with tweezers or pliers, this could be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you'll have to use a tool like this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it toward the key to grab and take it out.
3. Drill a Nail
If you smash your car key in half, it could leave you in a bind. There are a variety of ways to fix the issue without having to hire locksmith. The first step is to use the screw or nail. These are available at your home or at a hardware store. broken key repair near me is best to choose nails that are 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 together. Make sure that the back of the nails are flat. This will allow it to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will keep it from moving and possibly breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners tend to make use of DIY techniques such as using super glue to try and fix a broken car key, however this is not a safe option to make. You could end up damaging the lock, and then have to shell out more for a replacement.
It is important to examine the keys that are broken first to ensure they're the same size. This is vital to ensure that the pieces will be aligned properly and the key will fit into the lock after they are bonded together. After that, use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the broken pieces of the key. This will strengthen the glue's bond and reduce the likelihood of a future loose key.
After polishing the edges after polishing, apply a small amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue on one end. Be careful not to apply too much glue, as this could cause the key to become too thick and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. After that, carefully align the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a short time, the glue will begin to set and bind together the key fragments.
Another household item that can be used to to remove a damaged car key is a bobby pin that can be made into a pick-like device and put into the lock. This method is particularly helpful if the break is near or inside the keyway or lock hole.
Another important thing to note is that if your car key has electronic components that require the cutting of a new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed using a different code, and the chip inside the key needs to be replaced. However, if the shell or metal portion of the key is damaged the key, it will usually only require the cutting of a new key and doesn't require reprogramming or replacing of the electronic components.