How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work, in a hurry, and jam your keys in the ignition. You try to turn the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
There are a few things you can do to solve the issue before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner can experience. This situation is even more frustrating if it occurs while the driver is trying to get to work or drop off a child. In this situation it is essential to act swiftly and try to release the stuck key.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this task as they will have the correct tools to take out the broken key without harm the lock. car remote key repair near me of people look around their car for something thin and rigid like a paperclip or toothpick, but these usually won't work as it's too heavy to enter the lock.
The best option is to look for a pair of tweezers, since they are very thin and can easily get into the key hole in the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to grasp the broken part of the key and remove it. If you don't have tweezers, it's worth searching for a set available at auto parts stores. They are narrow, flat and have hooks that are small. They can be inserted into the keyhole and then take the broken portion of the key.
Another possible solution is to find the magnetic key hook that will stick to the metal inside the lock and pull it out. This isn't always the best option since it could get caught in a lock and cause more damage. In remote car key repair near me is advised to call an expert locksmith.
Some people try to glue together the two pieces of a broken car key using superglue in order to take it out of the lock. However, this can be extremely risky since the pieces of metal may cling to each other and then break apart again later on. It is also essential not to turn the key as this can cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is better to call a professional locksmith who will be on hand to take out the broken key and make an immediate replacement.
2. Drill a hole
Even with a spare key you might not be able to access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. In these cases drilling out the lock is the best option.
It is important to make sure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler. If it's not, you won't be able to remove the pins without damaging the door and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
The next step is to understand that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and the inner metal layer. A small drill bit is sufficient to get through these layers, but you need to be sure not to go any deeper than that. If you drill too deeply, it can cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill to stick.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear when working with drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
It is also a good idea when the broken piece of key remains stuck in the lock, to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers at hand. If there is enough of the key to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this should suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you'll need to use an instrument such as this to wedge it into the lock and then turn it towards the key to grab and remove it.
3. Drill a nail
You can be left stranded in the event that you break your key in half. There are several ways to fix the issue without having to hire locksmith. The first step is use a screw or nail. They are available at home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to pick the nail that is as thin and long as you can. This will allow you to fit it into the hole and then use epoxy to connect the two pieces together. It is also good to make sure the nail's back is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will prevent it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists make use of DIY hacks such as using super glue to repair a broken car key, however this is not a safe thing to do. You could damage the lock, and then have to shell out more for a replacement.
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 are properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock once they are bonded together. After that, use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth the edges of the broken pieces of the key. This will improve the glue's bond and decrease the possibility of a key that is loose.
After finishing the edges After polishing the edges, apply the smallest amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue to one end. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue as too much can make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, you can carefully place the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After some time, the glue will start to set and bind the key fragments together.
A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used to remove a damaged key from an lock. They can be cut as a pick, and then inserted into the lock. This method is particularly helpful if the break is near or within the keyway or lock hole.
Another important thing to note is that if the broken car key is equipped with electronic components that require the cutting of a new key from the dealership or an experienced locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a new code, and the chip inside the key needs to be changed. If, however, only the metal or shell of the key is damaged, it usually just requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of the electronics.