How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair

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

Luckily, there are a few options you can try to solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions. Super Glue.

1. Contact a locksmith

One of the most devastating things that can happen to a car owner is a broken key inside a lock. This is especially frustrating if it occurs while the driver is trying to get to work or to drop off an infant. In this case, you should act quickly to try and get the key out of the way.

It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith for this job as they will be able to use the right tools to remove the broken key and not damage the lock. A lot of people look around the vehicle for something small and Broken Car Key Repair rigid such as a paperclip or toothpick, but this usually won't work as it is too thick to enter the lock.

A much better solution is to search for an tweezers set, since they are very thin and easily reach the key hole in the lock. They should be strong enough to grasp the broken piece of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers then you might consider trying to locate keys extractors, which are usually available in auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with small hooks that can be inserted into the key hole and then grip onto the damaged part of the key.

A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal of the lock and then pull it out. This is not always a good option since it is possible for it to become stuck under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this instance it is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith.

Some people try to join the two pieces of their broken car key together with superglue, as it will help them remove it from the lock. However, this is very risky as the bits of metal could snag on to one another and fall apart later. It is crucial not to turn the key because this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to replace the broken key on the spot.

2. Drill a Hole

Sometimes a key breaks inside the lock, and even with an extra key, you may not be capable of opening the door to your vehicle. In these instances drilling out the lock is the best option.

First, you need to ensure that the key hole is designed to take a basic tumbler car key. If it's not there, you won't be able to remove the pins and damage the lock's door or mechanism.

The next step is to be aware that you'll be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and the inner metal layer. A small drill bit is enough to cut through these layers, but you need to ensure that you don't go any deeper than this. If you drill to deep, it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck in the hole.

Wearing a mask or other protective equipment is also advised when using a drill. This will keep dirt and dust from entering your respiratory system.

It is also an excellent idea to keep a pair of pliers and tweezers on hand in case the broken 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 there isn't, however, you will require a tool such as this one to wedge the tool into the lock, and then turn it toward the key fob repair near me to grasp it and pull it out of the hole.

3. Drill a nail

If you cut your car key in half, it can cause you to be in a bind. There are a variety of ways to fix the problem without having to hire an locksmith. The first step is to use the screw or nail. You can find them at home or at the hardware store. However, it is best to look for a nail that is as thin as it can be and as long as is possible. So you can insert it into the hole, and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. Make sure that the back of the nails is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will keep it from moving and potentially breaking again in future.

4. Super Glue

Many car owners use DIY hacks, like using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a risky practice. You could cause damage to the lock, and have to shell out more for a replacement.

It is important to examine the keys that have been damaged first, and ensure that they're the same size. This step is essential to ensure that all the pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key will fit inside the lock once they've been joined. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the broken pieces. This will make the glue bond stronger and decrease the chance of a key becoming loose in the future.

After polishing the edges after polishing, apply the smallest amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue on one end. Be careful not to apply too much, as this could cause the key to become too heavy and it will be difficult to fit into the lock. After that, carefully place the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a few moments the glue will begin to set and bind the key fragments.

A paperclip or bobby-pin can also be used to remove a damaged key from the lock. They can be cut like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This method is particularly helpful in the event that the broken part is close or within the keyway or lock hole.

A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will require an entirely new key from the locksmith or dealer. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip inside the key must be replaced. If only the shell or metal part of the key is damaged it will be necessary to get a new cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace electronics.