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 it, and it snaps off inside the lock!

There are a few things you could do to solve the issue before calling a professional locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes. Super Glue.

1. Contact a locksmith

One of the worst things that could happen to an owner of a vehicle is a broken key in locks. This is especially painful if it occurs when the driver is trying to get somewhere or to drop off a child. In this case it is essential to act quickly and try to free the stuck key.

It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this job as they will be able to use the correct tools to take out the broken key and not damage the lock. Many people look for something that is thin and rigid like paperclips or toothpicks. But it is not the best solution as they are too heavy to fit in the lock.

The best way to do this is to use a pair tweezers. They are small and are able to easily get inside the lock. They should also be rigid enough to grasp the broken part of the key and remove it. If you don't own tweezers, it could be worth looking for a set that is sold at auto parts stores. They are thin, flat and have tiny hooks. They can be inserted into the keyhole and then take the broken portion of the key.

Another possible solution is to locate the magnetic fob key repair hook that can attach to the metal in the lock and then pull it out. This isn't always the best option as it could be caught under the lock and cause further damage. In this situation, it's best to call an experienced locksmith.

Some people will try to glue the two pieces of their broken car key together with superglue, as it can aid them in get it out of the lock. However, this is very risky as the bits of metal may cling to one another and break apart later. It is important to not turn the key as this could cause further damage to your lock or the ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the damaged key on the spot.

2. Drill a hole

Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be able to gain access to your vehicle. A drill may be the best option in these situations.

The first step is to make sure that the key hole is set up to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it's not then you won't be able to remove the pins without damaging the door, and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.

Next, it is important to understand 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, Broken Car Key Repair but it is important to be sure not to go further than this. Drilling too deep can cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill to snag.

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

It is also an excellent idea to keep two pairs of pliers and tweezers available in the event that 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 should be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you'll have to use a tool like this to wedge it into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grab it and take it out.

3. Drill a nail

You could be left without a home if you break your key in half. There are some methods to fix it without paying for a locksmith. The first way is to utilize a screw or nail. They can be found in your home or in 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. It is also important to ensure that the nail's back is flat. This will help it to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving around and breaking in the future.

4. Super Glue

Many motorists use DIY hacks, such as using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a risky practice. You could end up damaging the lock and needing to shell out more money for getting a replacement from the dealership or locksmith.

You must examine the broken keys first and make sure they are of the same size. This step is essential to ensure that all the glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key will fit into the lock after they've been joined. Then, use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the broken pieces of the key. This will make the glue bond better and decrease the chance of a loose key in the future.

After finishing the edges after polishing, apply the smallest amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue to one end. Use only a small amount of super glue as too much could make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the key that broke then press them together. After some time the glue will begin to set and join the key fragments together.

Another common household item that can be used to remove a damaged car key is a paperclip or bobby pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool, then inserted in the lock. This method is particularly helpful if the break is near or inside the keyway or ignition lock hole.

Another thing to remember is that if your car key has electronic components and requires an entirely new key from the dealership or a professional locksmith. This is because the key will have to be programmed with a brand new code and the chip must be replaced. If, however, only the metal or shell of the key breaks, it usually just requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require replacement or Broken Car Key Repair reprogramming of the electronics.