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How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work in rush, and put your keys in the ignition. You try to turn the key, but it snaps in the lock.
There are a few things you can try to fix the issue before contacting a professional locksmith. Here are a few easy solutions: 1. Super Glue.
1. Call a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the worst things a car owner can experience. This can be even more frustrating if it occurs while the driver is trying to get to work or to drop off an infant. In this scenario you must act swiftly to try and remove the stuck key.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best option as they will have the right tools and know how to remove the keys broken without damaging the lock. Many people look for something that is thin and rigid, such as a toothpick or paperclip. However this isn't the best choice since they are too thick to fit inside the lock.
A much better solution is to find a pair of tweezers, since they are very thin and can easily get into the key hole inside the lock. They should also be rigid enough to hold the damaged part of the key and remove it. If you don't have tweezers then it may be worth searching for keys extractors which are typically available in auto parts stores. They are narrow, flat and have tiny hooks. They can be put in the keyhole and grab the broken part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal in the lock, and then remove it. This isn't always a good idea, as it can sometimes become stuck under the lock and cause further damage to it. In such a scenario it is recommended to call a locksmith.
Some people try to glue the two pieces of their broken car key together using superglue, thinking that it can aid them in remove it from the lock. This could be risky as the metal pieces may tangle and break later. It is also crucial not to turn the key, since this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the broken key immediately.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even if you have a spare, you might not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. In these situations, drilling out the lock is the best option.
First, you must ensure that the keyhole is positioned for a basic tumbler key. If it isn't then you won't be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
The next step is to know 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 it is important to be sure to not go any deeper than this. If you drill to deep, it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick in the hole.
Wearing a mask or protective equipment is also recommended when working with a drill. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your lung.
Finally, it is an excellent idea to keep a pair of pliers and tweezers in your possession in case the damaged key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key sticking out to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this should suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you'll have to use an instrument like this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grab and pull it out.
3. Drill a Nail
You can be left stranded if you break your key in half. There are a few ways to fix it, without having to pay for a locksmith. The first way is to utilize a screw or nail. They are available in your house or at the hardware store. However, it is best to look for key fob repairs near me the nail that is as thin and long as possible. This way, you can place it into the hole and then use epoxy to connect 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 cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving around and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists resort to DIY hacks, like using super glue to repair a damaged or broken key. This is a risky method. You could cause damage to the lock, and have to shell out more to get a new one.
You need to check the keys that have been damaged first, and ensure that they are of the same size. This is vital to ensure that the glued pieces are properly aligned and that the key fits into the lock once they have been bonded. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will improve the bond of glue and decrease the chance of a loose key.
After you have polished the edges of the broken key, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Be cautious not to apply too much, as this could cause the key to become too thick and may be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, you can carefully align the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a few moments, the glue will begin to set and bind together the key fragments.
A paperclip or bobby-pin can also be used to remove a broken key from the lock. They can be cut as a pick, and then inserted into the lock. This method is especially useful in the event that the broken part is within or near the keyway or ignition hole.
Another important thing to note is that if your 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 key chip must be replaced. If only the metal or shell of the key breaks and needs to be replaced, you'll need to have a new cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace electronics.