How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair

You're headed to work in a hurry, and jam your keys to your car in the ignition. You try turning the key but it is unable to get into the lock.

There are a few things you can do to fix the problem before contacting an expert locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes:1. Super Glue.

1. Call for a locksmith

One of the most devastating things that can happen to a car owner is a damaged key in the lock. This can be particularly frustrating when the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or pick up a kid. In such a situation, it is important to act swiftly and try to get the key out of the way.

It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith for this job for this job, as they can use the right tools to remove the broken key without harm the lock. Many people will have a look around in their vehicle for something thin and rigid like a paperclip or toothpick, but these typically won't work since it's too thick to enter the lock.

The best solution is to use a pair of tweezers. They are thin and can easily reach into the lock. They should also be rigid enough to hold the damaged part of the key and remove it. If you don't have tweezers then you might consider searching for a set of key extractors that are often available in auto key repair parts stores. They are narrow and flat with small hooks that can be placed into the key hole and then grip on the broken piece of the key.

Another possible solution is to locate an magnetic key hook that can stick to the metal inside the lock and be pulled out. This is not always the best option because it could get caught under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this case it is recommended to call locksmith.

Some people try to join the two pieces of a broken car key using superglue in order to get it out of the lock. This is a risk since the metal pieces could snag and break later. It is also crucial not to turn the key because this could cause damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith who will be on hand to take the broken key and make a replacement on the spot.

2. Drill into a hole

Sometimes a key is broken inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be capable of opening the door to your vehicle. In these instances drilling out the lock is the most effective option.

First, you must ensure that the keyhole is positioned to accept a basic tumbler key. If it's not then you won't be able to remove the pins without damaging the door, and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.

The next step is to understand that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and the inner metal layer. A small drill bit is enough to cut through these layers, but you must be sure to not go further than this. If you drill too deep it may cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to become stuck in the hole.

Wearing a mask or other protective equipment is recommended when using drills. This will keep the dust and dirt from entering your lung.

It is also a good idea if the broken key piece is sticking out of the lock, to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers handy. If there is enough of the key protruding to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this could suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, however you'll need to use an instrument like this one to insert the tool inside the lock, and then turn it towards the key 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 several ways to fix the issue without having to hire an locksmith. The first way is to make use of a screw or nail. They can be found in your home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to select a nail as thin and long as you can. This means you can put it into the hole and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. It is also important to ensure that the nail's back is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will stop it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.

4. Super Glue

Many motorists use DIY techniques, such as using super glue, to repair a damaged or broken key. This is a risky practice. You could end up damaging the lock, and then have to pay more money to get a new one.

You must examine the broken keys first to ensure they are the same size. This step is essential to ensure that all the glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key fits inside the lock once they have been bonded. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will strengthen the bond of glue and decrease the chance of a loose key.

After you've polished the edges of the damaged key then apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue as too much could make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After that, carefully place the two pieces of the key fob repairs and press them together. After a few minutes the glue will begin to set and bind to the key repairs pieces.

A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used as a tool to extract a broken key from the lock. They can be shaped like a pick and inserted into the lock. This method is particularly helpful when the damage is close to or inside the keyway or ignition lock hole.

A broken car key with electronic components will need an entirely new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a new code and the chip inside the key will need to be replaced. If the metal or shell of the key fails and needs to be replaced, you'll need to replace the cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace electronic components.