Five Key Repair Lessons Learned From Professionals
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're heading to work, in hurry, and you jam your keys in the ignition. Then you try turning it into a lock, and it snaps inside the lock!
There are a few options you can try to resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call for a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that can happen to a car owner is a broken key inside a lock. This is especially frustrating if it occurs while the driver is hurrying to get to work or drop off a child. In this situation it is imperative to act fast to attempt to free the stuck key.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best choice, as they will have the right tools and know how to remove the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. Many people will look for something thin and stiff like a toothpick or paperclip. But it is not the best solution as they are too heavy to fit inside the lock.
The best option is to find an tweezers set, because they are thin and easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to grasp the broken part of the key and remove it. If you don't have tweezers then you might consider searching for keys extractors that are often sold in auto parts stores. They are thin 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 adhere to the metal in the lock, and then remove it. This isn't always a good idea, as it can sometimes get caught under the lock and cause further damage to it. In such a situation, it is best to contact a locksmith.
Some people attempt to glue together the two pieces of a broken car key using superglue in order to get it out of the lock. This can be dangerous since the metal pieces could get caught and break later. It is also important not to turn the key, since this could cause further damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the damaged key right away.
2. Drill into Recommended Studying is broken 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 option in these situations.
The first step is to ensure that the key hole is designed to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it isn't then you won't be able to drill the pins without damaging the door and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
It is also important to know that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit will suffice to cut through these layers, but you must be sure to not go further than this. If you drill too deep, it could harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to get stuck inside the hole.
Wearing a protective mask or equipment is recommended when working with drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.
In the end, it's recommended to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers available in case the broken piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key sticking out to grip with tweezers or pliers, this will be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, however you'll need to use an instrument like this one to insert the tool inside the lock, and then turn it towards the key in order to grip it and remove it from the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you cut your car key in half, it can cause you to be trapped. There are a number of options to solve the issue without having to pay an locksmith. The first thing you can do is use the screw or nail. These are available at your home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to select a nail 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 nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners use DIY techniques like using super glue to attempt to fix a damaged car key, however this is a dangerous option to make. You could end up damaging 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 have been damaged first, and ensure that they are the same size. This is vital to ensure that the pieces will be aligned properly and the key will fit into the lock once they have been bonded. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the damaged pieces. This will make the glue stick better and decrease the chance of a key becoming loose in the future.
Once you have polished the edges of the broken key and polished them, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Use only the smallest amount of super glue as too much can make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully align the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a few minutes the glue will begin to set and bind to the key pieces.
Another common household item that can be used to help to remove a damaged car key is a bobby pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool, then put into the lock. This method is particularly useful when the damage is close to or within the keyway or lock hole.
A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will need an entirely new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. This is because the key will have to be programmed with a brand new code and the chip needs to be replaced. If, however, only the metal or shell of the key is damaged it typically requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require reprogramming or replacing of the electronic components.