How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair

You're headed to work, in hurry, and you jam your keys to your car in the ignition. You try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps in the lock!

Luckily, there are a few ways you can attempt to solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some quick solutions. Super Glue.

1. Call a Locksmith

One of the most devastating things that can happen to the owner of a car is a broken key in locks. This can be even more painful if it occurs when the driver is rushing to get to work or to drop off the child. In this case it is essential to act swiftly and try to free the stuck key.

It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this job for this job, as they can use the correct tools to take out the broken key without damage the lock. Many people look for something that is thin and rigid such as paperclips or toothpicks. But it is not the best solution as they are too heavy to fit inside the lock.

The best option 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 able to grasp the damaged part of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers it might be worth looking for keys extractors which are typically available in auto key fob repair parts stores. They are narrow and flat with small hooks that can be placed into the key hole and grip on the broken piece of the key.

A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal of the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best choice as it could be caught under the lock and cause damage. In this instance it is best to contact an experienced locksmith.

Some people will try to stick the two pieces of their car key that have snapped with superglue as it can aid them in take it out of the lock. However, this could be extremely risky because the pieces of metal may cling to one another and break apart again later on. It is also essential not to turn the key as this can cause further damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. It is best to contact an expert locksmith who will be able to take out the broken key and make an immediate replacement.

2. Drill a Hole

Even having a spare key you might not be able to access your vehicle if a key is broken inside the lock. In these instances, drilling out the lock is the best choice.

The first step is to make sure that the key hole is set to take a basic tumbler car key. If it isn't then you won't be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.

Next, it is important to understand that you'll be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with a small drill bit, however, you should not go any further. If you drill too deep it may harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to get stuck within the hole.

Wearing a protective mask or equipment is also recommended when using drilling. This will keep the dust and dirt from getting into your respiratory system.

It is also a good idea, in the event that the key fragment is broken and remains stuck in the lock, to keep a pair pliers and tweezers at hand. If there is enough of the key protruding to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this will be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you will require a tool such as this one to insert the tool into the lock and then turn it towards the key to grasp it and pull it out of the hole.

3. Drill a nail

If you break your car key in half, it could cause you to be trapped. There are a variety of ways to fix the issue without having to pay locksmith. The first method is to make use of a screw or nail. These can be found in your home or at a local hardware store. It is recommended to pick nails that are as thin and as long as you can. This means you can put it into the hole and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces. It is also good to make sure the back of the nail is level. This will make it easier to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.

4. Super Glue

Many motorists use DIY techniques, such as using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a dangerous method. You could end up ruining the lock and having to shell out more money for finding a replacement at the dealership or a locksmith.

The first step is to take a look at the broken keys and ensure that they are identical in terms of size. This step is essential to ensure that all pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key will fit inside the lock once they have been joined. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the broken pieces. This will help the glue stick better and reduce the chances of a loose key in the future.

After you have polished the edges of the damaged key then apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Be careful not to use too much, because this could cause the key to become too heavy and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the key that broke then press them together. After a short time the glue will begin to set and join the key fragments.

Another household item that can be used to help remove a damaged car key is a bobby or paperclip pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool and inserted in the lock. This technique is particularly helpful when the damage is located in or close to the keyway or the Ignition key Repair Near me hole.

A broken car key with electronic components will need a new key from a dealer or a professional locksmith. This is because the key will have to be programmed with a new code and the key chip needs to be replaced. If the shell or metal part of the key fails it will be necessary to have a new cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace the electronic components.