What Can A Weekly Key Repair Project Can Change Your Life
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're rushing to get to work and you put your keys into the ignition. You try to turn it, and it snaps off from the lock!
There are a few things you can try to fix the issue before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
One of the worst things that can happen to an owner of a vehicle is a damaged key in a lock. This can be even more frustrating if it occurs while the driver is hurrying to get somewhere or to drop off a child. In this situation, you should act quickly to try and get the key out of the way.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this task, because he or she will have the appropriate tools to remove the broken key and not damage the lock. Many people will look for something thin and stiff such as toothpicks or paperclips. However this isn't the best choice since they are too large to fit into the lock.
A much better solution is to find a pair of tweezers, since they are very thin and can easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should be rigid enough to grasp the damaged part of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it might be worth looking for a set that is sold at auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have hooks that are small. They can be put in the keyhole and grasp the broken piece of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal inside the lock, and then remove it. This is not always the best option because it could be caught in the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this instance, it's best to call an experienced locksmith.
Some people attempt to join two pieces of a damaged car key with superglue in order to get it out of the lock. However, this could be extremely risky since the pieces of metal may cling to each other and then break apart again later on. It is crucial not to turn the key as this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to repair the broken key right away.
2. Drill a hole
Even with a spare key you might not be able to access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. The lock could be drilled out. be the best solution in these instances.
First, you must ensure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler key. If it's not then you won't be able to remove the pins and damage the door or internal lock mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you will drill through the outer layer of plastic as well as an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers using a a small drill bit, but you shouldn't go any further. In the event of drilling too deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness, or cause the drill to stick.
Wearing a mask or other protective gear is also advised when using a drill. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your lung.
In the end, it's a good idea to have a pair of pliers and tweezers available in case the damaged key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key protruding to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this could suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you will need to use an instrument like this one to wedge the tool in the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grip and pull it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
You can be left stranded in the event that you break your key in half. There are broken key repair of ways to solve the issue without having to hire an locksmith. The first method is to make use of a screw or nail. They are available at home or at a hardware store. But, it is best to try to find the nail that is 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 important to ensure that the nail's back is flat. 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 the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners opt for DIY techniques, such as using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a risky method. You could cause damage to the lock, and then have to shell out more money to get a new one.
It is important to examine the keys that have been damaged first and make sure they're the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all the pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key fits inside the lock once they've been joined. After that, you can use the fine-grit sandpaper 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 broken 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 large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the key that broke, press them together. After some time, the glue will start to set and bond the key pieces together.
A paperclip or bobby-pin can also be used as a tool to remove a damaged key from a lock. They can be shaped like a pick and inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly useful when the damage is located in or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
Another thing to remember is that if your car key is equipped with electronic components that require the cutting of a new key by the dealership or an experienced locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed using a different code, and the chip inside the key needs to be replaced. In contrast, if only the shell or metal portion of the key is damaged, it usually just requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of the electronic components.