8 Tips For Boosting Your Key Repair Game
Wiki Article
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're rushing 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.
Luckily, there are several ways you can attempt to fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are some quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A broken key in the lock is one of the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner could experience. This is especially painful if it occurs when the driver is trying to get to work or to drop off the child. In this case, it is important to act quickly and try to release the stuck key.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this job as they will have the right tools to remove the broken key without cause damage to the lock. A lot of people look around the vehicle for something small and rigid such as a paperclip or toothpick, however this typically won't work since it's too thick to fit into the lock.
A much better solution is to find a pair of tweezers as these are quite thin and can easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to hold the damaged part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it's worth searching for a set available at auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with small hooks that can be put into the key hole, and then hold on the broken piece of the key.
Another option is to locate the magnetic key hook that is able to be affixed to the metal inside the lock and be pulled out. This isn't always a good option because it could become stuck under the lock and cause further damage to it. In this situation it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people try to glue together the two pieces of a broken car key using superglue in order to remove it from the lock. However, this is extremely risky since the pieces of metal could stick to each other and then fall apart later. It is also essential not to turn the key, because this could cause damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith who will be ready to remove the damaged key and then make an immediate replacement.
2. Drill a Hole
Sometimes a key is broken inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be able to gain access to your vehicle. In these cases drilling the lock is the best choice.
First, you need to make sure that the key hole is designed to take a basic tumbler car key. If it's not, you won't have the ability to drill out the pins and cause damage to the door or internal lock mechanism.
It is important to note that you will drill through the outer layer of plastic as well as an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit will suffice to get through these layers, but you must be sure not to go any deeper than this. In the event of drilling too deep, it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill to stick.
Wearing a protective mask or gear is also recommended when working with drills. This will stop dirt and dust from entering your lung.
In the end, it's recommended to have pliers and tweezers in your possession in case the broken piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is protruding enough to be able to be grasped with pliers and tweezers this will suffice to get it out. If not, you'll have to use a tool like this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grab and pull it out.
3. Drill a nail
If you smash your car key in half, it can leave you in a bind. There are a variety of ways to fix the problem without having to hire locksmith. The first option is to use a nail or screw. These are available at your home or at a local hardware store. It is recommended to pick nails that are as thin and as long as you can. You can then insert it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces car keys repair 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 stop it from moving and potentially breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners tend to make use of DIY hacks like using super glue to repair a broken car key, but this is a risky option to make. You could cause damage to the lock, and then have to shell out more money for a replacement.
First, examine the keys that have been damaged and make sure that they match each other in terms of size. This is crucial to ensure that all glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key fits inside the lock once they have been put in place. Then, use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will help the glue bond better and reduce the chances of a loose key in the future.
After polishing the edges, apply only a small amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue to one end. Be cautious not to apply too much, because this could cause the key to become too thick and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the key that broke then press them together. After a short time, the glue will begin to set and join together the key fragments.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used as a tool to remove a broken key from the lock. They can be cut like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful when the damage is located inside or near the keyway or ignition hole.
Another thing to remember is that if the broken car key is equipped with electronic components and requires the cutting of a new key from the dealership or an experienced locksmith. This is because the key will need to be programmed with a new code and the key chip needs to be replaced. If, however, only the metal or shell of the key is damaged, it usually just requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require any reprogramming or replacing of the electronics.