How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a hurry to get your work done and you put your keys into the ignition. Then you try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps from the lock!
Luckily, there are a few options you can attempt to solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the most frustrating things a car owner can experience. This situation is even more frustrating if it occurs while the driver is hurrying to get somewhere or to drop off an infant. In this situation it is essential to act quickly and try to free the stuck key.
It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith for this job as they will have the appropriate tools to remove the broken key and not damage the lock. Many people are looking for something thin and stiff like toothpicks or paperclips. However this isn't the best solution as they are too thick to fit in the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair of tweezers. They are lightweight and can easily reach into the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to grasp the broken part of the key and pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it's worth looking for a set available at auto parts stores. They are narrow and flat with small hooks that can be placed into the key hole and then grip onto the damaged part of the key.
Another option is to find the magnetic key hook that is able to attach to the metal in the lock and be pulled out. This is not always the best option as it can get caught under a lock and cause more damage. In such a situation, it is best to call an expert locksmith.
Some people will try to stick the two pieces of their snapped car key together using superglue, thinking that it can aid them in remove it from the lock. However, this can be very risky as the bits of metal may cling to each other and then fall apart later. It is important to not turn the key because this could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to repair the damaged key on the spot.
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 choice.
First, you will want to ensure that the key hole is designed to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it's not then you won't have the ability to drill out the pins and cause damage to the lock's door or internal mechanism.
It is important to note that you'll be drilling through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with the smallest drill bit however, you should not go deeper. If you drill too deep it could harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to get stuck within the hole.
Wearing a mask or protective equipment is also advised when using a drill. This will stop dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.
It's also a good idea, when the broken piece of key remains stuck in the lock, to have pliers and tweezers in your bag. If there is enough of the key sticking out to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this should suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you'll need to use a tool like this to wedge it into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grab and remove it.
3. Drill a nail
If you smash your car key in half, it can cause you to be trapped. There are fortunately several solutions to fix it without paying for a locksmith. The first thing you can do is to use the screw or nail. They can be found in your home or in a hardware store. It is recommended to search for nails that are as thin and long as possible. This way you can fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to link the two pieces together. It is also important to ensure that the nail's back is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will keep it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners tend to use DIY techniques such as using super glue to try and fix a broken car key, however this is a risky option to make. You could end up ruining the lock and needing to pay more for finding a replacement at the dealer or locksmith.
The first step is to take a look at the broken keys and make sure that they are identical in terms of size. This is vital to ensure that the glued parts will be properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock after they are bonded together. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. car key repair g28carkeys.co.uk will help make the glue stick better and lessen the risk of a loose key in the future.
After you have polished the edges of the broken key, apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Only apply a small amount of super glue, as too much could make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully align the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a few seconds the glue will begin to set and bind the key pieces together.
A paperclip or bobby-pin can also be used to remove a broken key from an lock. They can be shaped like a pick and inserted into the lock. This method is particularly useful if the break is near or inside the keyway or ignition lock hole.
Another important point to keep in mind is that if the broken car key is equipped with electronic components that require a new key cut by the dealership or a professional locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip inside the key must be changed. If, however, only the shell or metal portion of the key is damaged the key, it will usually only require an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of the electronic components.