Five Key Repair Lessons From The Professionals
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're rushing to get to work and jam your keys into the ignition. You try to turn the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
Luckily, there are a few ways you can try to solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A broken key in the lock is one of the worst things a car owner could experience. This can be even more difficult if it happens while the driver is trying to get to work or to drop off the child. In this scenario, you should act quickly to try and remove the stuck key.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best option as they'll have the proper tools and know how to get rid of the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. A lot of people look around in their vehicle to find something light and sturdy like a paperclip or toothpick, but these isn't likely to work as it's too heavy to enter the lock.
A much better solution is to find a pair of tweezers because they are thin and easily reach the key hole within the lock. They should be strong enough to grab the broken part of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers then it may be worth looking for keys extractors which are typically found in auto parts stores. They are narrow, flat and have tiny hooks. They can be inserted into the keyhole and then grasp the broken piece of the key.
Another option is to find the magnetic key hook that is able to stick to the metal inside the lock and be pulled out. This isn't always a good option since it is possible for it to be caught in the lock and cause further damage to it. In this instance, it's best to call an experienced locksmith.
key repair near me attempt to glue together the two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue in order to take it out of the lock. However, this can be very risky as the bits of metal could stick to one another and fall apart later. It is important to not turn the key, as this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact a professional locksmith who will be ready to take the broken key and make a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill a Hole
Even with a spare key, you may not be able access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. In these cases drilling out the lock is the most effective option.
It is important to make sure the keyhole is set for a basic tumbler. If it's not there, you won't have the ability to drill the pins out and damage the lock's door or mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you'll be drilling through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers using a the smallest drill bit but you should not go any deeper. If you drill too deeply it may cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck in the hole.
Wearing a protective mask or equipment is also recommended when using a drill. This will keep dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
It is an excellent idea, if the broken key piece is still sticking out of the lock, to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers handy. If there is enough of the key protruding to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this should be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you'll need to use an instrument like this to wedge it into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grab and pull it out.
3. Drill a Nail
You can be left stranded when you cut your key in half. Luckily, there are several ways to fix it, without having to pay for a locksmith. The first way is to use a nail or screw. You can find these at home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to pick a nail as thin and long as possible. You can then insert it into the hole and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. It is also good to make sure the back of the nail is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will stop it from moving around and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners tend to use DIY tricks such as using super glue to try and fix a broken car key, however this is not a safe thing to do. You could end up damaging the lock and having to pay more for replacing it from the dealership or a locksmith.
First, examine the keys that have been damaged and ensure that they are identical in terms of size. This is crucial to ensure that all pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key will fit into the lock after they've been bonded. After that, use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the broken pieces of the key. This will improve the bond of glue and decrease the likelihood of a future key that is loose.
After finishing the edges after polishing, apply only a small amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue to one end. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue as excessive amounts can make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully align the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After some time, the glue will start to set and bond the key pieces together.
A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used to extract a broken key from an lock. They can be shaped as a pick, and then inserted into the lock. This method is particularly useful when the damage is close to or inside the keyway or ignition lock hole.
Another important point to keep in mind is that if the damaged car key has electronic components, it will require an entirely new key by the dealership or a professional locksmith. The key will have to be reprogrammed using a new code and the chip inside the key must be changed. In contrast, if only the shell or metal portion of the key fails the key, it will usually only require an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of electronic components.