What Experts Say You Should Know

How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair

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

There are a few things you could do to fix the problem before contacting an experienced locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.

1. Contact an expert locksmith

A damaged key in the lock is one of the worst things a car owner could experience. This situation is even more painful if it occurs when the driver is hurrying to get to work or to drop off an infant. In this case, you should act quickly to try to remove the stuck key.

Contacting a professional locksmith is the best choice, because they'll have the proper tools and know how to take out the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. A lot of people look around their car key fob repairs near me for something thin and rigid like a paperclip or toothpick, but this typically won't work since it's too heavy to fit into the lock.

The best option is to search for a pair of tweezers, as these are quite thin and easily reach the key hole within the lock. They should be rigid enough to grasp the broken piece of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it could be worth searching for a set that is sold at auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have tiny hooks. They can be inserted through the keyhole to grab the broken part of the key.

A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best option, as it can sometimes get caught under the lock and cause further damage to it. In such a scenario it is recommended to contact a locksmith.

Some people attempt to join the two pieces of their snapped car key repair key with superglue as this can help them to take it out of the lock. This could be risky as the metal pieces could get caught and break later. It is also crucial not to turn the key because this could cause damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. It is better to call a professional locksmith who will be on hand to take the broken key and make a replacement on the spot.

2. Drill a Hole

Sometimes a key is broken inside the lock, and Broken Car Key Repair even if you have an extra key, you may not be capable of opening the door to your vehicle. In these situations drilling the lock is the best choice.

The first step is to make sure that the key hole is set to take a basic tumbler car key. If it isn't then you won't be able to remove the pins without damaging the door, and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.

It is also important to be aware that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with the smallest drill bit but you should not go any further. If you drill too deep it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick within the hole.

Wearing a mask or other protective gear is also recommended when working with drills. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your respiratory system.

It's also a good idea, in the event that the key fragment is broken and is still sticking out of the lock, to keep two pairs of pliers and tweezers in your bag. If there is enough of the key to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this will suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you'll need to use a tool like this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it toward the key to grab it and take it out.

3. Drill a nail

You can be left stranded if you break your key in half. There are a variety of ways to fix the issue without having to hire an locksmith. The first thing you can do is to use a screw or nail. You can find them at home or in the hardware store. However, it is best to look for the nail that is as thin and as long as you can. This way, you can place it into the hole, and then use epoxy to join the two parts together. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will keep it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in future.

4. Super Glue

Many auto owners use DIY techniques, such as using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a risky method. You could end up ruining the lock and having to pay more for replacing it from the dealership or a locksmith.

You need to check the keys that are broken first, and ensure that they are the same size. This step is essential to ensure that all the glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key fits into the lock after they have been put in place. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the damaged pieces. This will improve the glue's bond and reduce the likelihood of a future key that is loose.

After you have polished the edges of the damaged key then apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Be careful not to apply too much glue, because this could cause the key to become too heavy and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the key that broke, 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 extract a broken key from a lock. They can be cut as a pick, and then inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly useful if the break is within or close to the keyway or the ignition hole.

Another important thing to note is that if the damaged car key has electronic components and requires a new key cut from the dealer or an experienced locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip in the key needs to be changed. If, however, only the metal or shell of the key is damaged, it usually just requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of electronics.