How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work, in hurry, and you jam your car keys into the ignition. You try turning the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
There are a few things you can do to fix the problem before contacting a professional locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A broken key in the lock is among the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner could experience. This can be particularly frustrating when the driver is in a rush to get somewhere, or drop off the child. In such a situation it is crucial to act quickly and attempt to release the stuck key.
A locksmith with experience is the best option, as they'll have the right tools and know how to take out the keys broken without damaging the lock. Many people look for something that is thin and rigid such as toothpicks or paperclips. But, this is not the best option since they are too thick to fit into the lock.
The best option is to use a pair 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 pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it might be worth looking for a set sold at auto parts stores. They are narrow and flat with hooks that are small enough to be inserted into the key hole and then grip onto the damaged part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal of the lock and then pull it out. This isn't always a good idea since it is possible for it to be caught in the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In such a situation it is recommended to call locksmith.
Some people attempt to join the two pieces of a broken car key using superglue order to remove it from the lock. However, this is very risky as the bits of metal could snag on to each other and then break apart later. It is also essential not to turn the key, because this could cause damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. Contact mobile key repair near me to repair the broken key on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes a key breaks inside the lock, and even with an extra key, you may not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. A drill may be the best solution in these situations.
First, you must make sure the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler key. If it's not there, you won't be able to drill out the pins and cause damage to the lock's door or internal mechanism.
It is important to keep in mind that you will drill through the outer layer of plastic as well as an inner metal layer. A small drill bit is enough to cut through these layers, but you need to be sure to not go any deeper than that. If you drill too deep, it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick in the hole.
Wearing a mask or other protective equipment is recommended when working with a drill. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
It is also a good idea to have a pair of pliers and tweezers on hand in case the damaged key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is long enough to be able to be grasped with pliers and tweezers, this will suffice to get it out. If not, however you'll require an instrument like this one to insert the tool inside the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grasp it and take it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
You may be left in limbo if you break your key in half. Luckily, there are some solutions to fix it without having to pay for locksmith. The first step is use screws or nails. You can find them at home or in the hardware store. It is recommended to look for a 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. Make sure that the back of the nails is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will stop it from moving around and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many auto owners opt for DIY hacks, such as using super glue to repair a damaged key. This is a dangerous practice. You could end up damaging the lock and needing to pay more for replacing it from the dealer or locksmith.
The first step is to take a look at 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 fits into the lock after they have been joined. Then, use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth the edges on the broken pieces of the key. This will strengthen the glue's bond and reduce the possibility of a key that is loose.
After finishing the edges after polishing, apply only a small amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue to one end. Be cautious not to apply too much, as this could cause the key to become too thick and may be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the broken key, press them together. After a few moments the glue will begin to set and join the key fragments.
A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used as a tool to remove a damaged key from the lock. They can be cut 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.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will need an entirely new key from the locksmith or dealer. This is because the key will have to be programmed using a new code and the key chip will need to be replaced. However, if the shell or metal portion of the key fails it typically requires a new key cut and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of the electronic components.
