How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a rush to get your work done and put your keys in the ignition. Then you try turning it, and it snaps off in the lock!
Luckily, there are several ways you can attempt to resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact an expert locksmith
One of the most devastating things that could happen to a car owner is a broken key inside a lock. This is especially frustrating if the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or pick up the child. In this case it is crucial to act quickly and try to get the key out of the way.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best option as they'll have the right tools and know how to get rid of the keys broken without damaging the lock. Many people look for something small and stiff like toothpicks or paperclips. But it is not the best choice since they are too large to fit into the lock.
The best option is to use a pair tweezers. They are lightweight and can easily reach into the lock. They should be strong enough to grasp the damaged part of a key and pull it out. If you don't own tweezers then you might consider looking for key extractors, which are usually sold in auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have tiny hooks. They can be put through the keyhole to grasp the broken piece of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal of the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best option as it can get caught under the lock and cause further damage. In such a situation it is advised to call a locksmith.
Some people attempt to stick the two pieces of their broken car key together with superglue, as it will help them get it out of the lock. This is a risk because the pieces of metal could snag and break later. It is also important not to turn the key, because this could cause damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith who will be able to remove the broken key and create an immediate replacement.
2. Drill through a hole
Sometimes a key is broken 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 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's not then you won't be able to remove the pins without damaging the door and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.
The next step is to be aware that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit will suffice to get through these layers, but you must be sure to not go any deeper than that. If you drill too deeply it could harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to become stuck in the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear when working with drills. This will keep dust and dirt from getting into your respiratory system.
It's also a good idea, if the broken key piece is sticking out of the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers at hand. 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 an instrument 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
You may be left in limbo if you break your key in half. There are several ways to fix the issue without having to hire a locksmith. The first step is use screws or nails. These are available at your home or in a hardware store. However, it is best to search for nails that are as thin and as long as you can. So you can insert it into the hole, and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces. It is also important to make sure the back of the nail is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will stop it from moving around and breaking in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners resort to DIY hacks, like using super glue to fix a broken key. This is a risky practice. You could cause damage to the lock and be forced to pay more money to get a new one.
First, you need to examine the keys that have been damaged and make sure that they match each other in terms of size. This step is essential to ensure that all glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key fits inside the lock once they've been joined. Then, use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth the edges on the broken pieces of the key. This will help the glue bond better and decrease the chance of a key becoming loose in the future.
After you have polished the edges of the damaged key and polished them, apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Use only a small amount of super glue, as too much could make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After that, carefully align the two pieces of the key and press them together. After emergency car key repair , the glue will begin to set and bind the key fragments.
Another common household item that can be used to extract a broken car key is a bobby pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool, then put into the lock. This method is particularly useful if the break is near or inside the keyway or ignition lock hole.
A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will need a new key from the locksmith or dealer. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip inside the key must be replaced. In contrast, if only the shell or metal portion of the key breaks it typically requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of the electronic components.