Five Key Repair Lessons From The Pros
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work, in rush, and put your keys to your car in the ignition. You try turning the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
Luckily, there are a few options you can attempt to solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact for a locksmith
One of the worst things that can happen to the owner of a car is a broken key inside the lock. This can be even more painful if it occurs when the driver is rushing to get to work or to drop off an infant. In such a situation, it is important to act quickly and try to free the stuck key.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this job, because he or she will be able to use the correct tools to take out the broken key without damage the lock. Many people look around their car for something small and rigid such as a paperclip or toothpick, however this typically won't work since it's too heavy to be able to get into the lock.
The best solution is to search for a pair of tweezers, as these are quite thin and can easily get into the key hole inside the lock. They should be strong enough to grasp the broken piece of a key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers then you might consider trying to locate key extractors that are often found in auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with small hooks that can be put into the key hole, and then hold onto the broken bit of the key.
Another possible solution is to locate a magnetic key hook that will be affixed to the metal inside the lock and be pulled out. This is not always the best option since it could get caught in the lock and cause damage. In this situation it is best to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people try to glue together the two pieces of a broken car key using superglue order to get it out of the lock. However, this is extremely risky since the pieces of metal could stick to each other and then break apart again later on. It is also essential not to turn the key, because this could cause damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair 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 is broken inside the lock. A drill may be the best solution in these situations.
First, you will want to ensure that the key hole is set up to take a basic tumbler car key. If it isn't, you won't be able to remove the pins without damaging the door, and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.
It is also important to understand that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and the inner metal layer. A small drill bit is enough to cut through these layers, but you must ensure that you don't go further than this. If you drill too deeply it could harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to become stuck within the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear when working using drills. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your respiratory system.
key fob repair service is an excellent idea, in the event that the key fragment is broken and is still sticking out of the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers in your bag. If there is enough of the key sticking out to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this will suffice to pull it out of the lock. If there isn't, however you'll require tools like this one to wedge the tool in the lock and then turn it towards the key to grip and pull it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
You could be left without a home if you break your key in half. There are a number of options to fix the issue without having to hire an locksmith. The first step is to use screws or nails. They are available at home or in the hardware store. But, it is best to look for a nail that is as thin and long as possible. You can then insert it into the hole, and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. Make sure that the back of the nails are flat. This will make it easier to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving and possibly breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of motorists use DIY techniques like using super glue repair a broken car key, but this is a dangerous thing to do. You could end up damaging the lock, and have to pay more money for a replacement.
It is important to examine the keys that have been damaged first and make sure they're the same size. This step is essential to ensure that all the pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key fits in the lock after they have been put in place. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will make the glue bond better and decrease the chance of a loose key in the future.
After finishing the edges, apply a small amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue on one side. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue, since too much could make the key too large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the key that broke and pressing them together, you can press them. After several seconds the glue will begin to set and join the key fragments.
Another household item that can be used to help extract a broken car key is a bobby pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool and placed inside the lock. This technique is particularly useful in the event that the broken part is inside or close to the keyway or the ignition hole.
A broken car key with electronic components will need an entirely new key from the locksmith or dealer. The key will need to be reprogrammed with a different code, and the chip inside the key needs to be changed. If the shell or metal part of the key fails it will be necessary to replace the cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace electronics.