Annie Landsborough asked 2 months ago
How to Do a Broken car Key repair (http://dott-comm.com/snapplenyc/leaving.php?address=rytter-chen-2.federatedjournals.com/why-Keys-repair-is-the-best-choice-For-you/)
You’re rushing to get to work and you put your keys into the ignition. Then you try turning it around, key and it breaks inside the lock!
There are some things you can try to fix the issue before contacting an expert locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is among the most frustrating things a car owner could experience. This is especially frustrating if the driver is trying to get somewhere, or drop off a kid. In this case it is imperative to act fast to attempt to remove the stuck key.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this job for this job, as they can use the correct tools to take out the broken key and not damage the lock. Many people look around the vehicle to find something light and sturdy such as a paperclip or toothpick, but these isn’t likely to work as it’s too thick to enter the lock.
A much better solution is to find an tweezers set, since they are very thin and easily reach the key hole within the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to grasp the broken part of the key and then pull it out. If you don’t own tweezers, it’s worth searching for a set sold at auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with small hooks that can be placed into the key hole, and then hold on the broken piece of the key.
Another option is to find a magnetic key hook that will attach to the metal in the lock and then pull it out. This isn’t always the best choice as it could get caught in the lock and cause damage. In this situation, it’s best to call an experienced locksmith.
Some people try to join the two pieces of their snapped car key together with superglue, as this can help them to remove it from the lock. However, this is very risky as the bits of metal could stick to one another and fall apart later. It is also crucial not to turn the key, since this could cause further damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to repair the broken key right away.
2. Drill a hole
Even with a spare key you might not be able to access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. In these situations drilling the lock is the most effective option.
First, you will want to ensure that the key hole is designed to accept a basic tumbler car 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.
The next step is to know that you’ll be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and the inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers using a the smallest drill bit however, you should not go deeper. If you drill too deep it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to become stuck within the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear when working with drilling. This will stop dust and dirt from getting into your respiratory system.
It is also recommended to have a pair of pliers and tweezers in your possession in case the broken key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key protruding to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this will suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you’ll need to use a tool like this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grasp it and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
You may be left in limbo if you break your key in half. There are a variety of ways to fix the problem without having to pay locksmith. The first method is to make use of a screw or nail. You can find these at home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to pick a nail as thin and as long as possible. This way you can fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to join the two pieces. Make sure that the nail’s back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will keep it from moving and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners resort to DIY hacks such as using super glue to try and fix a broken car key, however this is a dangerous way to go. You could cause damage to the lock, and have to shell out more money for a replacement.
You must examine the keys that have been damaged first, and ensure that they’re the same size. This is vital to ensure that the pieces will be properly aligned and that the key fits into the lock once they are bonded together. After that, use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth the edges on the broken pieces of the key. This will help the glue bond stronger and lessen the risk of a key becoming loose in the future.
After polishing the edges After polishing the edges, apply only a small amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue on one side. Be careful not to use too much, 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 broken key then press them together. After a few moments the glue will begin to set and join to the key pieces.
Another household item that can be used to to remove a damaged car key is a bobby or paperclip pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool, then put into the lock. This method is particularly helpful in the event that the broken part is close or within the keyway or lock hole.
A broken car keys repair key with electronic components will need a new key from the locksmith or dealer. This is because the key needs to be programmed with a new code and the key chip must be replaced. However, if the metal or shell of the key is damaged the key, it will usually only require an entirely new key cut, and doesn’t require any replacement or reprogramming of electronics.