How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair

You're heading to work, in hurry, and you jam your keys to your car in the ignition. Then you try turning it around, and it breaks inside the lock!

There are several ways you can resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some quick solutions. Super Glue.

1. Call a Locksmith

A damaged key in the lock is among the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner could face. This can be particularly frustrating if the driver is in a rush to get somewhere, or to drop off a kid. In this situation, it is important to act quickly and attempt to release the stuck key.

It is recommended to call an expert locksmith for this job as they can use the correct tools to take out the broken key and not cause damage to the lock. Many people look for something small and stiff, such as a toothpick or paperclip. But, this is not the best option since they are too heavy to fit in the lock.

The best solution is to search for an tweezers set, as these are quite thin and can easily reach the key hole in the lock. They should be able to grab the broken part of a key and 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 grip on the broken piece of the key.

A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal of the lock, and then remove it. This is not always the best option since it is possible for it to be caught in the lock and cause further damage to it. In such a scenario, it is best to call a locksmith.

Some people try to stick the two pieces of their car key that have snapped together with superglue, as it will help them remove it from the lock. However, this could be extremely risky since the pieces of metal may cling to each other and then fall apart later. It is important to not turn the key, as it could cause further damage to your lock or the ignition cylinder. It is better to call an expert locksmith who will be on hand to remove the damaged key and then make an immediate replacement.

2. Drill a Hole

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

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

The next step is to know that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit will suffice to get through these layers, but you must be sure to not go further than this. If you drill too deeply it may harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to get stuck in the hole.

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

In the end, it's an excellent idea to keep a pair of pliers and tweezers on hand in case the damaged key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key sticking out to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this should suffice to pull it out of the lock. If there isn't, however, you will need to use an instrument like this one to wedge the tool inside the lock and then rotate it toward the key to grasp it and take it out of the hole.

3. Drill a nail

If you break your car key in half, it can cause you to be in a bind. Luckily, there are some solutions to fix it without paying for a locksmith. The first method is to use a nail or screw. These can be found in your home or in a hardware store. However, it is best to try to find the nail that is as thin and long as possible. This will allow you to fit it in the hole and then use epoxy to link the two pieces. It is also important to ensure that the nail's back is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will keep it from moving and broken car Key repair potentially breaking again in the future.

4. Super Glue

Many motorists use DIY techniques like using super glue attempt to fix a damaged car key and repair key, but this is a dangerous option to make. You could damage the lock, and have to shell out more money to replace it.

The first step is to take a look at the keys that have been damaged and make sure they are identical in terms of size. This step is essential to ensure that all pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key fits in the lock after they've been joined. 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 decrease the possibility of a loose key.

Once you have polished the edges of the broken key and polished them, apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Be cautious not to apply too much, because this could 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 and pressing them together, you can press them. After a few seconds, the glue will start to set and bind the key fragments together.

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

Another important thing to note is that if the broken car key has electronic components, it will require an entirely new key from the dealership or an experienced locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed with a different code, and the chip inside the key must be changed. If the metal or shell of the key fails and needs to be replaced, you'll need to have a new cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace electronic components.