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How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work, in a hurry, and jam your keys in the ignition. You try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps in the lock!
There are some things you can try to fix the issue before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the most frustrating things a car owner could face. This is especially difficult if it happens while the driver is rushing to get somewhere or to drop off an infant. In this case, it is important to act quickly and try to free the stuck key.
repair keys near me is recommended to call an experienced locksmith for this task for this job, as they will be able to use the correct tools to take out the broken key and not damage the lock. Many people will have a look around in their vehicle for something thin and rigid such as a paperclip or toothpick, however this isn't likely to work as it is too thick to fit into the lock.
The best option is to look for a pair of tweezers as these are quite thin and can easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should also be strong enough to grasp the broken part of the key and pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it's worth searching for a set that is sold at auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with hooks that are small enough to be placed into the key hole and grip onto the damaged part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal in the lock, and then pull it out. This is not always the best option as it could be caught under the lock and cause damage. In this case it is advised to contact an expert locksmith.
Some people will try to join the two pieces of their snapped car key together using superglue, thinking that it can aid them in remove it from the lock. This is a risk since the metal pieces could snag and break later. It is crucial not to turn the key because it could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to replace the broken key on the spot.
2. Drill through 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 instances.
The first step is 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 out the pins without damaging the door, and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you'll be drilling through an outer layer of plastic as well as an 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 that. In the event of drilling too deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill to become stuck.
Wearing a mask or protective gear is also recommended when working with drilling. This will prevent dirt and dust from entering your lungs.
In the end, it's a good idea to have pliers and tweezers available in case the damaged key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is long enough to be able to be grasped with pliers and tweezers, this will suffice to get it out. If there isn't, however, you will require an instrument like this one to insert the tool in the lock and then turn it toward the key in order to grip it and take it out of the hole.
3. Drill a Nail
You can be left stranded in the event that you break your key in half. Luckily, there are several solutions to fix it without paying for a locksmith. The first way is to use a nail or screw. You can find them at home or in a hardware store. It is best to choose nails that are as thin and as long as you can. This way, you can place it into the hole, and then use epoxy to link the two pieces together. Make sure that the back of the nails are flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will stop it from moving and possibly breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners use DIY hacks like using super glue to attempt to fix a damaged car key, however this is a dangerous thing to do. You could end up ruining the lock and have to spend more money on finding a replacement at the dealership or locksmith.
You must examine the broken keys first, and ensure that they are of the same size. This step is crucial to ensure that the glued pieces are properly aligned 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 decrease the possibility of a key that is loose.
After polishing the edges after polishing, apply the smallest amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue to one side. Use only a small amount of super glue, as too much could make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the broken key, press them together. After a few seconds, the glue will start to set and bind the key fragments.
Another household item that can be used to remove a damaged car key is a bobby pin which can be cut into a pick-like device and placed inside the lock. This technique is particularly helpful in the event that the broken part is within or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
A broken car key with electronic components will need a new key from a locksmith or dealer. The key will need to be reprogrammed with a different code and the chip inside the key must be changed. If only the metal or shell of the key fails it will be necessary to get a new cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace electronics.