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. You try to turn the key but it is unable to get into the lock.

There are a few things you could do to fix the problem before contacting an experienced locksmith. Here are some quick solutions. Super Glue.

1. Call a Locksmith

A broken key in the lock is among the worst things a car owner could experience. This is especially frustrating if the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or pick up the child. In such a situation it is essential to act quickly and try to release the stuck key.

A locksmith with experience is the best choice, as they will have the right tools and know how to repair broken car key to get rid of the keys broken without damaging the lock. Many people are looking for something thin and stiff, such as toothpicks or paperclips. But, this is not the best option since they are too thick to fit in the lock.

The best option is to search for a pair of tweezers because they are thin and can easily reach the key hole within the lock. They should also be rigid enough to grasp the broken part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers then you might consider trying to locate a set of key extractors, which are usually found in auto parts stores. They are narrow and flat with small hooks that can be placed into the key hole and then grip onto the broken bit of the key.

Another possible solution is to find the magnetic key hook that is able to be affixed to the metal inside the lock and pull it out. This is not always a good idea since it is possible for it to get caught under the lock and cause further damage to it. In such a situation it is advised to contact a locksmith.

Some people attempt to glue together the two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue order to take it out of the lock. This is a risk as the metal pieces could get caught and break later. It is also essential not to turn the key, since this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith who will be on hand to take the broken key and make a replacement on the spot.

2. Drill into a hole

Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even with an extra key, you may not be able to gain access to your vehicle. In these instances drilling out the lock is the most effective option.

First, you need to make sure that the key hole is designed to take a basic tumbler car key. If it's not then you won't be able to drill the pins out 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 layer of metal. You can drill through these layers with the smallest drill bit however, you should not go any further. If you drill too deeply it may cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick in the hole.

It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective equipment when working with drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your lungs.

It is also a good idea, if the broken key piece is still sticking out of the lock, to keep pliers and tweezers at hand. If the key is long enough to be gripped with tweezers and near pliers, then this will suffice to get it out. If not, you'll have to use an instrument like this to wedge it into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grab it and pull it out.

3. Drill a nail

If you smash your car key in half, it could leave you stranded. There are a variety of ways to solve the issue without having to pay an locksmith. The first step is use the screw or nail. These are available at your home or at a hardware store. It is best to choose the nail that is as thin and as long as possible. This means you can put it into the hole, and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. Make sure that the back of the nails are flat. This will allow it to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will keep it from moving and possibly breaking again in future.

4. Super Glue

A lot of car owners tend to make use of DIY tricks like using super glue to attempt to fix a damaged car key, however this is a dangerous way to go. You could end up ruining the lock and needing to pay more for getting a replacement from the dealership or Car Key Repair Cost locksmith.

You need to check the keys that are broken first, and ensure that they're the same size. This is essential to ensure that the pieces will be properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock once they have been bonded. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will improve the glue's bond and reduce the likelihood of a future loose key.

After you have polished the edges of the damaged key then apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. 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 aligning the two pieces of the broken key then press them together. After a few seconds, the glue will start to set and join the key fragments.

Another household item that can be used to remove a damaged car key is a bobby pin, which can be shaped into a pick-like tool and inserted in the lock. This method is particularly useful 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 and requires the cutting of a new key by the dealership or an experienced locksmith. This is because the key will need to be programmed with a brand new code and the key chip needs to be replaced. If, however, only the shell or metal portion of the key fails the key, it will usually only require the cutting of a new key and doesn't require any reprogramming or replacing of the electronics.