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. You try to turn it around, and it breaks from the lock!
There are several ways you can attempt to fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are some quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact an expert locksmith
A broken key in the lock is one of the most frustrating things a car owner could face. This can be particularly frustrating when the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or pick up a kid. In this case, you should act quickly to try and get the key out of the way.
It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this task for this job, as they will be able to use the right tools to remove the broken key without cause damage to the lock. Many people look around their car for something small and rigid like a paperclip or toothpick, but these usually won't work as it is too thick to fit into the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair of tweezers. They are small and are able to easily get inside 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 looking for a set that is available at auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with hooks that are small enough to be placed into the key hole and then grip on the broken piece of the key.
Another possible solution is to locate a magnetic key hook that is able to be affixed to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This is not always a good option since it is possible for it to be caught in 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 with superglue as it will help them get it out of the lock. However, this is extremely risky since the pieces of metal could snag on to each other and then break apart later. It is essential not to turn the key as it could cause further damage to your lock or the ignition cylinder. It is best to contact an expert locksmith who will be able to take out the broken key and create a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even if you have an extra key, you may not be capable of opening the door to your vehicle. In these cases, drilling out the lock is the most effective option.
First, you will want to ensure that the key hole is set up to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it's not, you won't be able to remove the pins and damage the lock's door or mechanism.
It is also important to understand that you'll be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and the inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with tiny drill bits, however, you should not go any deeper. In the event of drilling too deep, it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill to stick.
Wearing a protective mask or gear is also advised when using a drill. This will keep the dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.
It's an excellent idea, when the broken piece of key remains stuck in the lock, to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers at hand. If the key is protruding enough to be gripped with pliers and tweezers this will suffice to get it out. If not, you'll need to use an instrument such as this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it toward the key to grab and remove it.
3. Drill a nail
You can be left stranded if you break your key in half. There are a variety of ways to fix the problem without having to pay an locksmith. The first thing you can do is use the screw or nail. They can be found in your home or at a local hardware store. It is recommended to pick nails that are as thin and long as possible. So you can insert it into the hole and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. It is also good to ensure that the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will prevent it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
Many auto owners opt for DIY hacks, like using super glue to fix a broken key. This is a dangerous practice. You could end up ruining the lock and needing to pay more for replacing it from the dealer or a locksmith.
You need to check the broken keys first, and ensure that they are of the same size. This is vital to ensure that the pieces will be properly aligned and that the key fits into the lock once they have been bonded. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the broken pieces. This will make the glue bond better and decrease the chance of a key falling loose in the future.
After repair car key have polished the edges of the damaged key, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Use only a small amount of super glue, as excessive amounts can make the key too heavy. 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 moments, the glue will begin to set and bond the key fragments.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used to remove a broken key from the lock. They can be shaped like a pick and inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly useful if the break is inside or near the keyway or ignition hole.
A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will require a new key from a locksmith or dealer. This is because the key will have to be programmed with a new code and the chip must be replaced. If the metal or shell of the key breaks it will be necessary to have a new cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace the electronic components.