5 Key Repair Projects That Work For Any Budget
Wiki Article
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're rushing to get to work, and you put your keys into the ignition. Then you try turning it, and it snaps off from the lock!
There are a few things you could try to fix the issue before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are some quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
One of the worst things that can happen to the owner of a car is a damaged key in the lock. This situation is even more frustrating if it occurs while the driver is trying to get to work or to drop off a child. In this case it is imperative to act fast to try and free the stuck key.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this job for this job, as they will be able to use the correct tools to take out the broken key without cause damage to the lock. Many people will have a look around in their vehicle for something thin and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, however this typically won't work since it's too heavy to be able to get into the lock.
A much better solution is to look for a pair of tweezers as these are quite thin and easily reach the key hole in the lock. They should be able to grab the broken part of a key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it might be worth trying to locate key extractors that are often sold in auto parts stores. They are narrow and flat with small hooks that can be put into the key hole, and then hold on the broken piece of the key.
Another option is to locate the magnetic key hook that is able to attach to the metal in the lock and be pulled out. This isn't always a good idea because it could 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 join the two pieces of a broken car key using superglue order to take it out of the lock. This could be risky since the metal pieces may tangle and break later. It is also important not to turn the key as this can cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the damaged key immediately.
2. Drill a hole
Even with a spare key, you may 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 option.
First, you need to ensure that the key hole is set to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it isn't then you won't be able to drill the pins without damaging the door and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.
It is important to note that you'll be drilling through an outer plastic layer as well as an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers using a the smallest drill bit but you should not go any deeper. If you drill to deep, it could harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to get stuck in the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear when working with drills. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your respiratory system.
It is also a good idea, when the broken piece of key remains stuck in the lock, to keep two pairs of pliers and tweezers handy. If the key is protruding enough to be gripped with tweezers and pliers, then this will suffice to get it out. If not you'll need to use a tool such as this one to encase the tool in the lock and then rotate it toward the key to grip and pull it out of the hole.
3. Drill broken car key repair a nail
You may be left in limbo when you cut your key in half. There are several ways to fix it without paying for a locksmith. The first step is to use the screw or nail. They are available at home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to try to find the nail that is as thin and as long as you can. This will allow you to fit it into the hole and then use epoxy to connect the two pieces. It is also important to make sure the back of the nail is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will prevent it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners tend to make use of DIY hacks like using super glue to repair a broken car key, however this is a risky option to make. You could end up ruining the lock and having to shell out more money for replacing it from the dealer or locksmith.
It is important to examine the keys that are broken first and make sure they are of the same size. This is essential to ensure that the glued parts will be aligned properly and the key will fit into the lock after they are bonded together. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the damaged pieces. This will help the glue bond better and decrease the chance of a key falling loose in the future.
After polishing the edges, apply the smallest amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue on one end. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue, as too much can make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the broken key and pressing them together, you can press them. After several seconds, the glue will start to set and bind the key pieces together.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used as a tool to remove a damaged key from the lock. They can be cut like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This technique is especially helpful in the event that the broken part is close or inside the keyway or lock hole.
Another important point to keep in mind is that if the damaged car key has electronic components, it will require a new key cut from the dealership or a professional locksmith. This is because the key will have to be programmed using a new code and the key chip needs to be replaced. In contrast, if only the shell or metal portion of the key breaks, it usually just requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require any reprogramming or replacing of the electronic components.