How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair

You're heading to work in rush, and put your car keys into the ignition. You try turning 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 expert locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions: 1. Super Glue.

1. Call for a locksmith

One of the most devastating things that can happen to the owner of a car is a damaged key in a lock. This can be even more painful if it occurs when the driver is hurrying to get to work or drop off the child. In this case it is crucial to act quickly and attempt to get the key out of the way.

Contacting a professional locksmith is the best option, as they will have the proper tools and know how to remove the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. A lot of people look around in their vehicle for something thin and rigid like a paperclip or toothpick, but this usually won't work as it is too thick to fit into the lock.

The best option is to look for a pair of tweezers, since they are very thin and can easily get into the key hole inside the lock. They should be strong enough to grasp the damaged part of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, then you might consider trying to locate a set of key extractors, which are usually found in auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have tiny hooks. They can be inserted through the keyhole to take the broken portion of the key.

A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal of the lock and Broken Car Key Repair then pull it out. This is not always a good option, as it can sometimes be caught in the lock and cause further damage to it. In such a scenario it is advised to call a locksmith.

Some people attempt to glue the two pieces of their snapped car key with superglue as it can aid them in remove it from the lock. However, this could be extremely risky since the pieces of metal may cling to one another and break apart later. It is crucial not to turn the key as it could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to repair the broken key on the spot.

2. Drill a Hole

Even with a spare key you might not be able to access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. A drill may be the best option in these instances.

It is important to make sure that the keyhole is positioned for a basic tumbler. If it's not, you won't be able to remove the pins without damaging the door and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.

It is also important to understand that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and the inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with a small drill bit, but you shouldn't go any further. If you drill too deep it may harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to get stuck in the hole.

Wearing a mask or other protective gear is also recommended when using drills. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your lungs.

It is also a good idea to have pliers and tweezers in your possession in case the damaged piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this could suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, however you'll need to use tools like this one to wedge the tool into the lock, and then turn it toward the key to grasp it and take it out of the hole.

3. Drill a Nail

You may be left in limbo when you cut your key in half. There are several methods to fix it, without having to pay for a locksmith. The first way is to use a nail or screw. These can be found in your home or at a hardware store. It is best to choose nails that are as thin and long as you can. This will allow you to fit it into the hole and then use epoxy to join the two pieces. It is also important to make sure 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 potentially breaking again in future.

4. Super Glue

Many car key fob repair owners make use of DIY hacks like using super glue repair a broken car key, but this is a risky thing to do. You could damage the lock and be forced to pay more money to get a new one.

The first step is to examine the broken keys and ensure that they are identical in terms of size. This is essential to ensure that the pieces will be properly aligned and that the key fits into the lock once they have been bonded. After that, you can use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the broken pieces of the key. This will help make the glue stick better and lessen the risk of a key becoming loose in the future.

After finishing the edges after polishing, apply only a small amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue on the other side. Be careful not to apply too much glue, as this can cause the key to become too heavy and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. Then, you can carefully place the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a few seconds the glue will begin to set and join the key pieces together.

Another household item that can be used to extract a broken car key is a paperclip or bobby pin, which can be shaped into a pick-like tool and inserted in the lock. This technique is particularly useful when the damage is located in or close to the keyway or ignition hole.

Another important point to keep in mind is that if the broken car key is equipped with electronic components and requires a new key cut by the dealership or a professional locksmith. This is because the key will have to be programmed using a new code and the chip will need to be replaced. If only the shell or metal part of the key is damaged and needs to be replaced, you'll need to get a new cut. You don't have to reprogramme or replace electronic components.