How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a hurry to get your work done and you put your keys into the ignition. You try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps from the lock!
Luckily, there are several ways you can try to fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the most frustrating things a car owner can experience. This is particularly aggravating if the driver is trying to get somewhere, or to drop off a kid. In this case it is crucial to act quickly and try to release the stuck key.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this task as they can use the correct tools to take out the broken key without harm the lock. A lot of people look around in their vehicle to find something light and sturdy such as a paperclip or toothpick, but these typically won't work since it is too thick to be able to get into the lock.
The best option is to use a pair of tweezers. They are lightweight and can easily reach inside the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to grasp the broken part of the key and remove it. If you don't own tweezers it might be worth searching for keys extractors which are typically sold in auto parts stores. They are narrow, flat and have hooks that are small. They can be inserted through the keyhole to grasp the broken piece of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal in the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best option, as it can sometimes be caught in the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this case it is best to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people try to glue the two pieces of their snapped car key together using superglue, thinking that this can help them to remove it from the lock. However, this could be extremely risky because the pieces of metal could snag on to each other and then break apart again later on. It is essential not to turn the key because this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is better to call a professional locksmith who will be ready to remove the broken key and make a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill through 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 cases drilling out the lock is the best choice.
The first step is to ensure that the key hole is designed to take a basic tumbler car key. If it's not, you won't be able to drill the pins out and cause damage to the lock's door or internal mechanism.
It is important to note that you will drill through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers using a the smallest drill bit but you shouldn't go any further. Drilling too deep can cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill to become stuck.
Wearing a mask or protective equipment is also recommended when working with drilling. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
It is also a good idea if the broken key piece is sticking out of the lock, to have pliers and tweezers at hand. If the key is long enough to be able to be grasped with pliers and tweezers, this will suffice to get it out. If there isn't, however you'll need to use a tool such as this one to encase the tool inside the lock and then rotate it toward the key in order to grip it and take it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
You can be left stranded in the event that you break your key in half. Luckily, there are several ways to fix it without paying for a locksmith. key fob repair is use a screw or nail. These are available at your home or in a hardware store. But, it is best to look for 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 good to make sure the back of the nail is flat. This will make it easier to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists opt for DIY techniques, such as using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a dangerous practice. You could end up ruining the lock and having to spend more money on replacing it from the dealership 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 are 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 the edges of the damaged pieces. This will make the glue stick better and decrease the chance of a key becoming loose in the future.
After polishing the edges, apply a small amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue on the other side. Be careful not to use too much glue, as this can cause the key to become too thick and it will be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, you can carefully place the two pieces of the key and press them together. After several seconds, the glue will start to set and bond the key fragments together.
Another household item that can be used to help extract a broken car key is a bobby or paperclip pin, which can be shaped into a pick-like device and put into the lock. This technique is particularly useful when the damage is located within or close to the keyway or ignition hole.
A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will need an entirely new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip in the key needs to be replaced. If only 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 electronics.