How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair

You're in a hurry to get your work done and put your keys in the ignition. You try turning the key however it locks. the lock.

There are a few things you can do to fix the problem before contacting a professional locksmith. Here are some easy fixes. Super Glue.

1. Contact a locksmith

A damaged key in the lock is among the worst things a remote car key repair near me owner can experience. This is particularly aggravating when the driver is trying to get somewhere, or drop off a kid. In this case you must act swiftly to try to free the stuck key.

It is recommended to call an expert locksmith for this job for this job, as they will have the correct tools to take out the broken key without cause damage to the lock. Many people look around in their vehicle to find something light and sturdy like a paperclip, or toothpick, but this typically won't work since it's too heavy to fit into the lock.

The best solution is to search for a pair of tweezers since they are very thin and can easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should also be strong enough to grasp the broken part of the key and pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, then you might consider looking for a set of key extractors which are typically available in auto parts stores. They are thin, flat and have hooks that are small. They can be inserted into the keyhole and then grab the broken part of the key.

A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal of the lock and then remove it. This isn't always the best option since it can get caught under the lock and cause further damage. In this case, it is best to call an expert locksmith.

Some people attempt to glue together the two pieces of a broken car key with superglue in order to get it out of the lock. This can be dangerous as the metal pieces could snag and break later. It is important to not turn the key because it could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to replace the broken key on the spot.

2. Drill a Hole

Even with a spare key, you may not be able to access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. In these cases drilling out the lock is the best choice.

It is important to make sure that the keyhole is positioned for a basic tumbler key. If it isn't it, you will not be able to remove the pins without damaging the door and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.

Next, it is important to know that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner metal layer. A small drill bit is enough to cut through these layers, but you must be sure to not go any deeper than this. In the event of drilling too deep, it could damage the internal wiring harness, or cause the drill to become stuck.

Wearing a protective mask or equipment is also advised when using a drill. This will stop dust and dirt from getting into your lung.

It is also a good idea in the event that the key fragment is broken and is sticking out of the lock, to have pliers and tweezers at hand. If there is enough of the key to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this will suffice to pull it out of the lock. If there isn't, however, you will need to use an instrument like this one to wedge the tool inside the lock and then rotate it toward the key in order to grip it and pull it out of the hole.

3. Drill a nail

If you smash your car key in half, it can cause you to be in a bind. There are fortunately a few solutions to fix it, without having to pay for locksmith. The first thing you can do is use screws or nails. They can be found in your home or in a hardware store. But, it is best to search for a nail that is as thin and long as possible. This will allow you to fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to link the two parts together. 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 keep it from moving and potentially breaking again in future.

4. Super Glue

A lot of motorists resort to DIY techniques such as using super glue to repair a broken car key, however this is a dangerous option to make. You could end up damaging the lock and needing to pay more for replacing it from the dealership or a locksmith.

You need to check the keys that are broken first to ensure they are the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key will fit in the lock after they've been joined. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the broken pieces. This will help make the glue stick better and reduce the chances of a key becoming loose in the future.

Once you have polished the edges of the damaged key then apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Use only the smallest amount of super glue as excessive amounts can make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the key that broke then press them together. After a few moments, the glue will begin to set and bind together the key fragments.

A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used to extract a broken key from the lock. They can be shaped like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This technique is especially helpful if the break is near or within the keyway or lock hole.

Another thing to remember is that if your car key has electronic components, it will require a new key cut from the dealer or a professional locksmith. This is because the key will have to be programmed with a new code and the chip needs to be replaced. If the shell or metal part of the key is damaged and needs to be replaced, you'll need to replace the cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace electronic components.