How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a hurry to get to work, and you put your keys into the ignition. You try to turn the key however it locks. the lock.
There are a few things you can try to fix the issue before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are some quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Contact this link of the worst things that can happen to the owner of a car is a broken key inside a lock. This is particularly aggravating if the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or to drop off the child. In this situation it is crucial to act quickly and try to release the stuck key.
A locksmith with experience is the best choice, as they'll have the right tools and know how to get rid of the broken keys without damaging the lock. Many people look around their car for something thin and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, but these isn't likely to work as it is too thick to be able to get into the lock.
The best option is to use a pair of tweezers. They are small and can easily reach inside the lock. They should also be rigid enough to hold the damaged part of the key and remove it. If you don't have tweezers then it may be worth searching for key extractors that are often found in auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have tiny hooks. They can be inserted into the keyhole and then take the broken portion of the key.
Another possible solution is to locate the magnetic key hook that will stick to the metal inside the lock and be pulled out. This isn't always the best option because it could be caught in the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this situation it is best to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people will try to glue the two pieces of their car key that have snapped together using superglue, thinking that this can help them to get it out of the lock. This can be dangerous since the metal pieces could snag and break later. It is crucial not to turn the key as this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is best to contact a professional locksmith who will be ready to take the broken key and make a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill through a hole
Sometimes a key is broken inside the lock, and even if you have an extra key, you may not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. A drill may be the best option in these instances.
The first step is to ensure that the key hole is set up to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it isn't, you won't be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.
It is also important to be aware that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with the smallest drill bit but you should not go any deeper. If you drill to deep it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick within the hole.
Wearing a mask or protective equipment is also recommended when using drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
Finally, it is an excellent idea to keep pliers and tweezers on hand in the event that the broken key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key to grip with tweezers or pliers, this should suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you'll need to use a tool such as 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 break your car key in half, it could cause you to be in a bind. There are a number of options to solve the issue without having to hire a locksmith. The first step is to use screws or nails. You can find these at home or at a hardware store. It is best to choose a nail as thin and long as you can. So you can insert it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will stop it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners tend to resort to DIY hacks such as using super glue to attempt to fix a damaged car key, however this is a risky option to make. You could end up ruining the lock and have to pay more for getting a replacement from the dealership or a locksmith.
The first step is to take a look at the keys that are broken and ensure that they match each other in terms of size. This step is essential to ensure that all pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key fits into the lock after they have been joined. Then, use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the broken pieces of the key. This will help the glue bond stronger and reduce the chances of a key falling loose in the future.
After 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 apply too much, because this could cause the key to become too heavy and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the broken key and pressing them together, you can press them. After a few seconds the glue will begin to set and join 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 inserted into the lock. This technique is especially helpful if the break is near or within the keyway or lock hole.
Another thing to remember is that if the broken car key has electronic components that require the cutting of a new key by the dealership or an experienced locksmith. The key will have to be reprogrammed with a different code and the chip in the key must be replaced. If, however, only the shell or metal portion of the key breaks the key, it will usually only require the cutting of a new key and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of electronics.