5 Key Repair Projects That Work For Any Budget
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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 to your car in the ignition. You try turning the key, but it snaps in 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
One of the worst things that can happen to the owner of a car is a damaged key in the lock. This can be particularly frustrating when the driver is trying to get somewhere, or pick up the child. In this situation you must act swiftly to try and free the stuck key.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this job, because he or she will have the appropriate tools to remove the broken key and not harm the lock. A lot of people look around the vehicle for something thin and rigid such as a paperclip or toothpick, but this isn't likely to work as it's too thick to enter the lock.
A much better solution is to search for a pair of tweezers as these are quite thin and easily reach the key hole in the lock. They should also be rigid enough to hold the damaged part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it might be worth looking for a set available at auto parts stores. They are narrow and flat with hooks that are small enough to be placed into the key hole, and then hold onto the broken bit of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal of the lock, and then pull it out. This is not always the best option since it is possible for it to be caught in the lock and cause further damage to it. In this case it is recommended to contact locksmith.
Some people try to glue together the two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue order to remove it from the lock. This could be risky because the pieces of metal could snag and break later. It is crucial not to turn the key, as it could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to repair the broken key right away.
2. Drill a Hole
Even with a spare key you might not be able to access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. In these cases drilling the lock is the most effective option.
First, you will want to make sure that the key hole is set to take a basic tumbler car key. If it's not, you won't be able to remove the pins without damaging the door and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.
It is important to note that you'll be drilling through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers using a a small drill bit, however, you should not go any deeper. Drilling too deep can damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill to snag.
Wearing a protective mask or gear is also recommended when using drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.
It's an excellent idea, in the event that the key fragment is broken and remains stuck in the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers handy. If there is enough of the key protruding to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this should be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you'll have to use an instrument such as this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grasp it and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
If you break your car key in half, it can cause you to be stranded. There are several ways to fix the issue without the expense of an locksmith. The first way is to utilize a screw or nail. These can be found in your home or at a hardware store. But, it is best to search for the nail that is as thin as it can be and as long as is possible. This way you can fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to join the two pieces together. It is also good to ensure that the nail's back is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will keep it from moving and possibly breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners tend to use DIY techniques such as using super glue to try and fix a broken car key, however this is not a safe option to make. You could cause damage to the lock, and then have to shell out more money for a replacement.
First, take a look at the keys that have been damaged and make sure they are identical in terms of size. This is crucial to ensure that all pieces of electronic car key repair the glue are aligned properly and that the key fits in the lock after they've been put in place. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the broken pieces. This will improve the glue's bond and decrease the chance of a key that is loose.
After finishing the edges, apply only a small amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue to the other side. Use only a small amount of super glue as too much could make the key too large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the broken key, press them together. After a few moments the glue will begin to set and bind the key fragments.
Another common household item that can be used to remove a damaged car key is a bobby or paperclip pin which can be cut into a pick-like device and placed inside the lock. This method is especially useful in the event that the broken part is within or close to the keyway or ignition hole.
Another important thing to note is that if your car key is equipped with electronic components and requires an entirely new key from the dealership or an experienced locksmith. This is because the key will have to be programmed using a new code and the key chip must be replaced. If, however, only the metal or shell of the key fails, it usually just requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of electronics.