How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a hurry to get to work, and you put your keys into the ignition. You try turning the key however it locks. the lock.
There are some things you can do to fix the problem before contacting an experienced locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that could happen to a car owner is a broken key in the lock. This can be even more difficult if it happens while the driver is hurrying to get somewhere or to drop off a child. In this case it is crucial to act quickly and try to release the stuck key.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best choice, because they'll have the right tools and know how to remove the broken keys without damaging the lock. A lot of people look around in their vehicle to find something light and sturdy such as a paperclip or toothpick, however this isn't likely to work as it is too thick to be able to get into the lock.
The best solution is to find an tweezers set, since they are very thin and easily reach the key hole in 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, it might be worth searching for a set of key extractors that are often available in auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have hooks that are small. They can be inserted into the keyhole and then take the broken portion of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal in the lock and then remove it. This is not always the best choice as it can get caught under a lock and cause more damage. In this case, it's best to call an experienced locksmith.
Some people try to join two pieces of a broken car key with superglue in order to get it out of the lock. This can be dangerous because the pieces of metal could get caught and break later. It is essential not to turn the key as it could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is best to contact an expert locksmith who will be able to take out the broken key and create a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill into a hole
Even having a spare key you may not be able access your vehicle if a key is broken inside the lock. A drill may be the best solution in these situations.
It is important to make sure the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler. If it's not then you won't be able to remove the pins without damaging the door, and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you'll drill through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner metal layer. A small drill bit will suffice to cut through these layers, but you need to be sure to not go further than this. If you drill to deep it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to become stuck in the hole.
Wearing a mask or other protective equipment is recommended when working with a drill. This will keep the dust and dirt from getting into your respiratory system.
It is also a good idea to have pliers and tweezers on hand in case the broken key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is protruding enough to be held by pliers and tweezers it will be enough to get it out. If not, you'll need to use a tool such as this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grab and pull it out.
3. Drill a Nail
If you cut your car key in half, it can cause you to be in a bind. Luckily, there are a few ways to fix it without having to pay for locksmith. The first thing you can do is use screws or nails. These are available at your home or at a local hardware store. www.g28carkeys.co.uk is best to choose the nail that is as thin and long as you can. This will allow you to fit it in the hole and then use epoxy to link the two pieces. Make sure that the back of the nails are flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will stop it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners resort to DIY techniques, such as using super glue to repair a damaged key. This is a dangerous method. You could cause damage to the lock, and then have to shell out more to get a new one.
You need to check the keys that have been damaged first, and ensure that they are of the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all the glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key will fit inside the lock once they've been put in place. Then, use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will help make the glue bond stronger and reduce the chances of a loose key in the future.
After you have polished the edges of the broken key and polished them, apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Be cautious not to apply too much glue, as this could cause the key to become too thick and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the key that broke, press them together. After some time, the glue will start to set and join the key pieces together.
Another household item that can be used to help extract a broken car key is a bobby pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool and put into the lock. This technique is particularly useful when the damage is located within or close to the keyway or the ignition hole.
Another thing to remember is that if the damaged car key has electronic components, it will require a new key cut from the dealer or an experienced locksmith. The key will have to be reprogrammed with a different code and the chip inside the key must be replaced. In contrast, if only the metal or shell of the key is damaged it typically requires a new key cut and doesn't require any reprogramming or replacing of the electronic components.