How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work in a hurry, and jam your car keys into the ignition. You try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps from the lock!
There are a few things you could try to fix the issue before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Call a locksmith
One of the worst things that could happen to the owner of a car is a broken key in locks. This is especially frustrating if the driver is in a rush to get somewhere, or pick up an infant. In this scenario you must act swiftly to try and get the key out of the way.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best choice, as they will have the proper tools and know how to take out the broken keys without damaging the lock. A lot of people look around their car for something thin and rigid such as a paperclip or toothpick, but this isn't likely to work as it's too thick to enter the lock.
A much better solution is to look for a pair of tweezers, because they are thin and can easily get into the key hole in the lock. They should be strong enough to grasp the broken piece of a key and pull it out. If you don't own tweezers it might be worth searching for 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 locate the magnetic key hook that can attach to the metal in the lock and be pulled out. This is not always the best option as it could be caught under the lock and cause further damage. In this case it is best to contact an experienced locksmith.
Some people attempt to join the two pieces of their broken car key together with superglue, as it can aid them in remove it from the lock. This is a risk since the metal pieces could get caught and break later. It is essential not to turn the key because this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is best to contact an expert locksmith who will be able to remove the broken key and make an immediate replacement.
2. Drill through car key repair cost with a spare key, you may not be able to access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. In these instances drilling out the lock is the best choice.
First, you will want to make sure that the key hole is set up to take a basic tumbler car key. If it's not there, you won't have the ability to remove the pins and cause damage to the door or internal lock mechanism.
The next step is to be aware that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers with a small drill bit, but you shouldn't go any further. If you drill too deep, it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck in the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective equipment when working using drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your respiratory system.
It is also a good idea, in the event that the key fragment is broken and is sticking out of the lock, to keep two pairs of pliers and tweezers in your bag. If the key is long enough to be able to be grasped with pliers and tweezers, this will suffice to get it out. If not, you'll need to use a tool like this to wedge it into the lock and then turn it toward the key to grab and pull it out.
3. Drill a Nail
If you smash your car key in half, it could cause you to be trapped. Luckily, there are some solutions to fix it, without having to pay for locksmith. The first thing you can do is to use the screw or nail. You can find these at home or in the hardware store. It is recommended to pick a nail as thin and as long as you can. This way, you can place it in the hole and then use epoxy to join the two pieces together. It is also important to ensure that the nail's back is flat. This will help it to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving and possibly breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists use DIY techniques, such as using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a risky method. You could damage the lock, and have to shell out more to get a new one.
You must examine the keys that are broken first, and ensure that they're the same size. This is vital to ensure that the pieces will be aligned properly and the key will fit into the lock after they are bonded together. After that, use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will make the glue stick better and reduce the chances 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. Use only the smallest amount of super glue, as too much could make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the key that broke and pressing them together, you can press them. After a few minutes the glue will begin to set and join to the key pieces.
Another household item that can be used to help extract a broken car key is a paperclip or bobby pin which can be cut into a pick-like device and inserted in the lock. This technique is particularly helpful when the damage is located inside or near the keyway or ignition hole.
Another thing to remember is that if the broken car key has electronic components and requires the cutting of a new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. This is because the key needs to be programmed with a new code and the chip will need to be replaced. If the shell or metal part of the key breaks it will be necessary to replace the cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace the electronics.