How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work in rush, and put your keys in the ignition. Then you try turning it around, and it breaks inside the lock!
There are several ways you can attempt to solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
One of the most devastating things that could happen to a car owner is a broken key in locks. This is especially painful if it occurs when the driver is hurrying to get somewhere or to drop off an infant. In this situation, you should act quickly to attempt to get the key out of the way.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best option, as they'll have the right tools and know how to take out the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. Many people look for something thin and stiff like toothpicks or paperclips. But this isn't the best solution as they are too heavy to fit into the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair of tweezers. They are lightweight and are able to easily get inside the lock. They should be strong enough to grab the broken part of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers then you might consider searching for a set of key extractors, which are usually sold in auto parts stores. They are narrow and flat with small hooks that can be put into the key hole and grip onto the broken bit of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal of the lock, and then remove it. This is not always the best option as it could be caught under a lock and cause more damage. In this case it is advised to contact an expert locksmith.
Some people try to join two pieces of a damaged car key with superglue in order to remove it from the lock. However, this can be very risky as the bits of metal may cling to each other and then break apart later. It is crucial not to turn the key as this could cause further damage to your lock or the ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to repair the damaged key on the spot.
2. Drill into a hole
Even with a spare key, you may not be able to access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. The lock could be drilled out. be the best solution in these situations.
First, you need to make sure that the key hole is designed to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it's not it, you will not be able to remove the pins without damaging the door and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.
Next, it is important to be aware that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit is enough to penetrate these layers, but it is important to ensure that you don't go any deeper than that. If you drill to deep it may cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick inside the hole.
Wearing a mask or protective equipment is recommended when working with a drill. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your respiratory system.
It is an excellent idea, when the broken piece of key is still sticking out of the lock, to keep a pair pliers and tweezers handy. If there is enough of the key to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this should be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, however, you will require a tool such as this one to wedge the tool inside the lock and then turn it toward the key to grip and pull it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
You could be left without a home if you break your key in half. There are several ways to fix it, without having to pay for locksmith. The first way is to make use of a screw or nail. They are available at home or at a hardware store. It is best to choose a nail as thin and long as possible. This way you can fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to join the two pieces. It is also good to make sure the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will prevent it from moving around and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners tend to use DIY hacks like using super glue to repair a broken car key, however this is a dangerous way to go. You could cause damage to the lock and be forced to pay more money to get a new one.
repair car key must examine the keys that are broken first and make sure they are the same size. This is vital to ensure that the glued pieces will be aligned properly and the key will fit into the lock once they are bonded together. After that, use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth the edges of the broken pieces of the key. This will help make the glue stick better and lessen the risk of a loose key in the future.
After you've 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 glue, as this could cause the key to become too heavy and it will be difficult to fit into the lock. After that, carefully align the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a few moments, the glue will begin to set and bind the key fragments.
Another common household item that can be used to extract a broken car key is a paperclip or bobby pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool and inserted in the lock. This method is particularly useful if the break is near or inside the keyway or ignition lock hole.
Another important thing to note is that if your car key is equipped with electronic components, it will require the cutting of a new key by the dealership or a professional locksmith. This is because the key needs to be programmed using a new code and the key chip will need to be replaced. However, if the metal or shell of the key breaks, it usually just requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require any reprogramming or replacing of the electronic components.