How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You’re in a hurry to get to work, and jam your keys into the ignition. Then you try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps inside the lock!
There are a few things you could try to fix the issue before calling a professional locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Call a locksmith
A broken key in the lock is among the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner could face. This is especially difficult if it happens while the driver is trying to get somewhere or to drop off an infant. In this case you must act swiftly to attempt to free the stuck key.
It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this job for this job, as they will have the correct tools to take out the broken key and not harm the lock. A lot of people look around in their vehicle for something thin and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, but this usually won’t work as it is too thick to enter the lock.
The best option is to search for a pair of tweezers, since they are very thin and easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should also be strong enough to hold the damaged part of the key and then pull it out. If you don’t own tweezers it might be worth searching for a set of key extractors that are often available in auto parts stores. They are thin, flat and have tiny hooks. They can be inserted through the keyhole to grab the broken part of the key.
Another option is to find a magnetic key hook that can be affixed to the metal inside the lock and pull it out. This isn’t always a good option, as it can sometimes be caught in the lock and cause further damage to it. In such a scenario, it is best to contact a locksmith.
Some people try to glue the two pieces of their broken mobile car key repair near me key with superglue as this can help them to remove it from the lock. This is a risk since the metal pieces could get caught and break later. It is important to not turn the key as this could cause further damage to your lock or the ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to repair the broken key immediately.
2. Drill into a hole
Even with a spare key you may not be able access your vehicle if a key is broken inside the lock. In these cases drilling the lock is the best choice.
It is important to ensure that the keyhole is positioned 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.
Next, it is important to know that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit is enough to cut through these layers, but you must be sure to not go any deeper than this. If you drill too deeply it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck inside the hole.
Wearing a mask or protective equipment is also advised when using drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your lung.
It is also a good idea if the broken key piece remains stuck in the lock, to keep pliers and tweezers in your bag. If there is enough of the key to grip with tweezers or pliers, this will be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you’ll have to use an instrument such as this to wedge it in the lock, and then rotate it towards the key to grasp it and remove it.
3. Drill a nail
If you break your car remote key repair key in half, it could cause you to be in a bind. There are fortunately a few methods to fix it without paying for a locksmith. The first way is to make use of a screw or nail. They can be found in your home or at a local hardware store. It is best to choose a nail as thin and as long as possible. This way, you can place it into the hole and then use epoxy to join the two parts together. It is also good to ensure that the nail’s back is flat. 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 key fob repairs owners use DIY hacks, such as using super glue, to repair a damaged or broken key. This is a risky method. You could end up ruining the lock and needing to shell out more money for getting a replacement from the dealer or locksmith.
First, you need to take a look at the keys that have been damaged and make sure that they are identical in terms of size. This is vital to ensure that the pieces are properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock once they are bonded together. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the damaged pieces. This will strengthen the glue’s bond and decrease the likelihood of a future key that is loose.
After polishing the edges after polishing, apply the smallest amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue on one end. Be careful not to apply too much glue, as this could cause the key to become too heavy and may be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, you can carefully place the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a few minutes the glue will begin to set and bind the key fragments.
Another common household item that can be used to help to remove a damaged car key is a paperclip or bobby pin, which can be shaped into a pick-like tool and placed inside the lock. This method is especially useful in the event that the broken part is in or close to the keyway or ignition hole.
A broken car key with electronic components will need a new key from the locksmith or dealer. The key will have to be reprogrammed using a new code and the chip in the key must be replaced. If the metal or shell of the key breaks, you will need to have a new cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace electronics.