How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair

You're heading to work in a hurry, and jam your car keys into the ignition. You try to turn it around, and it breaks in the lock!

There are some things you can do to solve the issue before calling a professional locksmith. Here are a few easy solutions: 1. Super Glue.

1. Contact a locksmith

One of the most devastating things that can happen to the owner of a car is a damaged key in locks. This situation is even more painful if it occurs when the driver is rushing to get to work or to drop off an infant. In this situation, you should act quickly to attempt to get the key out of the way.

It is recommended to call an expert locksmith for this job for this job, as they can use the correct tools to take out the broken key and not damage the lock. Many people look around the vehicle for something thin and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, however this usually won't work as it is too thick to fit into the lock.

A much better solution is to look for a pair of tweezers as these are quite thin and can easily get into the key hole within the lock. They should be strong enough to grasp the damaged part of a key and pull it out. If you don't own tweezers it might be worth searching for keys extractors that are often available in auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with hooks that are small enough to be placed into the key hole, and then hold on the broken piece of the key.

Another option is to locate an magnetic key hook that is able to attach to the metal in the lock and then pull it out. This isn't always a good option because it could get caught under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In such a situation it is recommended to contact an expert locksmith.

Some people try to glue together the two pieces of a broken car key with superglue in order to remove it from the lock. However, this could be extremely risky because the pieces of metal could snag on to one another and fall apart later. It is essential not to turn the key, as it could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the damaged key right away.

2. Drill a hole

Sometimes a key fob repairs near me breaks inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. In these instances, drilling out the lock is the most effective option.

The first step is to ensure that the key hole is set up to take a basic tumbler car key. If it's not there, you won't be able to drill the pins out and cause damage to the door or internal lock 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. A small drill bit is sufficient to get through these layers, but you must be sure to not go any deeper than this. If you drill too deeply, it can damage the internal wiring harness, or cause the drill to become stuck.

Wearing a protective mask or gear is also recommended when working with a drill. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lungs.

In the end, it's an excellent idea to keep pliers and tweezers on hand in case the damaged piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is extending enough to be able to be grasped with pliers and tweezers, this will suffice to get it out. If not you'll need to use an instrument like this one to encase the tool into the lock, and then turn it towards the key in order to grip it and remove it from the hole.

3. Drill a nail

You may be left in limbo when you cut your key in half. Luckily, near there are a few solutions to fix it, without having to pay for near locksmith. The first thing you can do is to use screws or nails. These are available at your home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to select the nail that is as thin and as long as you can. This way you can fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to connect the two parts together. Make sure that the back of the nails is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will prevent it from moving and possibly breaking again in the future.

4. Super Glue

Many car owners resort to DIY techniques, such as using super glue to repair a damaged key. This is a dangerous practice. You could end up ruining the lock and needing to pay more for finding a replacement at the dealership or a locksmith.

The first step is to examine the broken keys and make sure that they match each other in terms of size. This step is crucial to ensure that the glued pieces will be aligned properly and the key will fit into the lock once they are bonded together. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will strengthen the glue's bond and reduce the chance of a loose key.

After polishing the edges, apply the smallest amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue to one side. Be careful not to use too much, as this could cause the key to become too heavy and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. After lining up 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 pieces together.

A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used to remove a broken key from a lock. They can be cut like a pick and inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful when the damage is located in or near the keyway or the ignition hole.

A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will require an entirely new key from the locksmith or dealer. This is because the key needs to be programmed with a brand new code and the chip will need to be replaced. If, however, only the metal or shell of the key is damaged the key, it will usually only require an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of electronic components.