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 key lock repair near me try to turn it around, and it breaks inside the lock!
Luckily, there are several ways you can resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions: 1. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A broken key in the lock is one of the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner could face. This is especially frustrating when the driver is trying to get somewhere, or to drop off a kid. In such a situation it is crucial to act quickly and try to get the key out of the way.
It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this task as they will have the correct tools to take out the broken key and not damage the lock. Many people will look for something small and stiff, such as paperclips or toothpicks. But it is not the best option since they are too heavy to fit into the lock.
The best option is to find an tweezers set, as these are quite thin and easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to hold the damaged part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers then it may be worth searching for a set of key extractors, which are usually found in auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have hooks that are small. They can be inserted through the keyhole to grasp the broken piece of the key.
Another option is to find the magnetic key hook that can attach to the metal in the lock and be pulled out. This isn't always the best option, as it can sometimes become stuck under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this case, it is best to call locksmith.
Some people attempt to stick the two pieces of their snapped car key with superglue as this can help them to remove it from the lock. This could be risky since the metal pieces 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 the ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the damaged key on the spot.
2. Drill into a hole
Sometimes a key is broken inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be able to gain access to your vehicle. The lock could be drilled out. be the best solution in these instances.
It is important to make sure the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler key. If it's not then you won't be able to drill the pins out and cause damage to the door or internal lock mechanism.
It is also important to understand that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and the inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers using a a small drill bit, but you shouldn't go any deeper. If you drill to deep it may damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck inside the hole.
Wearing a protective mask or gear is also recommended when using drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your respiratory system.
It is also a good idea, when the broken piece of key remains stuck in the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers in your bag. If the key is long enough to be able to be grasped with pliers and tweezers, it will be enough to get it out. If there isn't, however, you will require tools like this one to wedge the tool inside 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 when you cut your key in half. Luckily, there are a few ways to fix it without paying for locksmith. The first thing you can do is to use screws or nails. These can be found in your home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to try to find the nail that is as thin and long as possible. This way you can fit 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 level. This will help it to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will keep it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners make use of DIY hacks like using super glue to try and fix a broken car key, but this is a risky thing to do. You could end up ruining the lock and needing to pay more for replacing it from the dealership or locksmith.
It is important to examine the keys that have been damaged first and make sure they are the same size. This is vital to ensure that the glued pieces will be aligned properly and that the key fits into the lock once they are bonded together. 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 strengthen the glue's bond and decrease the likelihood of a future loose key.
Once you have polished the edges of the damaged key then apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Use only tiny amounts of super glue as too much could make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the key that broke then press them together. After a short time, the glue will begin to set and join together the key fragments.
Another household item that can be used to to remove a damaged car key is a bobby pin that can be made into a pick-like tool and inserted in the lock. This technique is particularly useful if the break is inside or close to the keyway or ignition hole.
Another important thing to note is that if the damaged car key has electronic components and requires the cutting of a new key from the dealership or a professional locksmith. This is because the key will need to be programmed with a brand new code and the chip must be replaced. If, however, 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 electronic components.