How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a rush to get to work and you put your keys into the ignition. Then you try to turn it around, and it breaks from the lock!
There are several ways you can try to solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the worst things a car owner can experience. This is especially painful if it occurs when the driver is rushing to get to work or drop off the child. In this scenario, you should act quickly to try to get the key out of the way.
It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this task for this job, as they will have the correct tools to take out the broken key without cause damage to the lock. Many people are looking for something small and stiff, such as a toothpick or paperclip. However this isn't the best option since they are too heavy to fit into the lock.
A much better solution is to search for an tweezers set, as these are quite thin and can easily get into the key hole inside the lock. They should also be strong enough to hold the damaged part of the key and pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it's worth looking for a set sold at auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with small hooks that can be inserted into the key hole and then grip onto the broken bit of the key.
Another possible solution is to find the magnetic key hook that will attach to the metal in the lock and then pull it out. This is not always a good idea, as it can sometimes become stuck under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this situation it is best to contact an experienced locksmith.
Some people will try to join the two pieces of their broken car key together using superglue, thinking that it can aid them in get it out of the lock. This can be dangerous because the pieces of metal could get caught and break later. It is also important not to turn the key, as this can cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to repair the broken key right away.
2. Drill into a hole
Even with a spare key, you may not be able to access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. In these cases, drilling out the lock is the best choice.
First, you need to make sure that the key hole is set to take a basic tumbler car key. If it's not then you won't have the ability to drill out the pins and cause damage to the door or internal lock mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you'll be drilling through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner metal layer. A small drill bit will suffice to penetrate these layers, but you must be sure not to go any deeper than this. If you drill to deep, it could harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to stick inside the hole.
Wearing a protective mask or equipment is also recommended when using drills. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your respiratory system.
Finally, it is recommended to have a pair of pliers and tweezers available in case the broken piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key to be grasped by 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 encase it in the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grab it and remove it.
3. Drill a Nail
If you cut your car key in half, it could cause you to be trapped. There are a few solutions to fix it without having to pay for a locksmith. The first step is use screws or nails. They can be found in your home or in a hardware store. It is recommended to pick a nail as thin and long as you can. This way, you can place it in the hole and then use epoxy to join the two parts together. It is also important to ensure that the nail's back is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will stop it from moving and potentially breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners resort to DIY tricks such as using super glue to repair a broken car key, however this is a dangerous option to make. You could cause damage to the lock, and have to pay more money for a replacement.
The first step is to examine the keys that have been damaged and ensure that they match each other in terms of size. This is essential to ensure that the glued pieces will be aligned properly and that the key fits into the lock once they are bonded together. After that, you can use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will strengthen the glue's bond and reduce the likelihood of a future loose key.
Once you have polished the edges of the damaged key and polished them, 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 thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the broken key then press them together. After a few seconds the glue will begin to set and join the key fragments.
A paperclip or bobby-pin can also be used as a tool to extract a broken key from the lock. They can be shaped as a pick, and then inserted into the lock. This method is particularly helpful when the damage is close to or within the keyway or lock hole.
A broken car key with electronic components will need a new key from a dealer 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. However, if repair car key or shell of the key fails the key, it will usually only require the cutting of a new key and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of the electronic components.