How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair

You're in a rush to get to work, and jam your keys into the ignition. You try to turn the key but it is unable to get into the lock.

There are a few ways you can attempt to solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes. Super Glue.

1. Contact a locksmith

One of the worst things that could happen to the owner of a car is a broken key in locks. This situation is even more frustrating if it occurs while the driver is trying to get somewhere or to drop off the child. In this scenario, you should act quickly to try and get the key out of the way.

Calling an experienced locksmith is the best option as they will have the proper tools and know how to take out the broken keys without damaging the lock. Many people look around their car for something thin and rigid such as a paperclip or toothpick, but this usually won't work as it is too thick to enter the lock.

The best option is to find a pair of tweezers, since they are very thin and can easily get into the key hole within the lock. They should be able to grasp the broken piece of a key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers then it may be worth searching for key extractors which are typically sold in auto parts stores. They are thin, flat and have tiny hooks. They can be inserted in the keyhole and grasp the broken piece of the key.

Another possible solution is to find the magnetic key hook that will stick to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This isn't always the best option since it could get caught in the lock and cause damage. In this case it is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith.

Some people try to join the two pieces of a broken car key repair service key using superglue in order to get it out of the lock. However, this is extremely risky because the pieces of metal could stick to each other and then break apart later. It is also essential not to turn the key as this can cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to repair the damaged key immediately.

2. Drill a hole

Sometimes a key breaks inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be able to gain access to your vehicle. Drilling out the lock may be the best solution in these situations.

First, you will want to make sure that the key hole is set up to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it's not, you won't be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.

The next step is to be aware that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and Broken Car Key Repair the inner metal layer. A small drill bit is enough to get through these layers, but you must ensure that you don't go any deeper than that. In the event of drilling too deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness, or cause the drill to snag.

Wearing a protective mask or equipment is also recommended when using a drill. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.

Finally, it is recommended to have a pair of pliers and tweezers in your possession in case the damaged key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key sticking out to grip with tweezers or pliers, this will be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you'll need to use an instrument like this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it toward the key to grab it and take it out.

3. Drill a nail

If you smash your car key in half, it could leave you in a bind. There are a number of options to fix the problem without the expense of an locksmith. The first thing you can do is use screws or nails. These can be found in your home or at a hardware store. It is best to choose the nail that is as thin and as long as possible. You can then insert it into the hole and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will stop it from moving and possibly breaking again in the future.

4. Super Glue

A lot of car owners tend to resort to DIY hacks like using super glue attempt to fix a damaged car key, however this is a risky option to make. You could end up damaging the lock and be forced to shell out more to replace it.

It is important to examine the keys that are broken first to ensure they are the same size. This is vital to ensure that the pieces will be aligned properly and that the key fits into the lock after they are bonded together. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the damaged pieces. This will improve the glue's bond and decrease the likelihood of a future loose key.

After you have polished the edges of the broken key, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Be careful not to apply too much glue, as this can cause the key to become too heavy and may be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the broken key then press them together. After some time the glue will begin to set and bond the key fragments.

Another common household item that can be used to help 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 especially useful when the damage is located in or near the keyway or ignition hole.

Another thing to remember is that if the broken car key has electronic components and requires an entirely new key from the dealer or an experienced locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed using a new code, and the chip inside the key needs to be changed. In contrast, if only the metal or shell of the key breaks, it usually just requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require any reprogramming or replacing of the electronics.