How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're heading to work, in rush, and put your car keys into the ignition. You try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps from the lock!
There are several ways you can attempt to solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
A broken key in the lock is among the most frustrating things a car owner could face. This situation is even more painful if it occurs when the driver is hurrying to get to work or drop off the child. In this case it is crucial to act quickly and attempt to release the stuck key.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best option because they'll have the right tools and know how to get rid of the broken keys without damaging the lock. Many people will have a look around their car to find something light and sturdy like a paperclip or toothpick, however this isn't likely to work as it's too heavy to be able to get into the lock.
The best option is to use a pair of tweezers. They are lightweight and are able to easily get 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 might be worth searching for key extractors which are typically found in auto parts stores. They are narrow and flat with small hooks that can be put into the key hole and grip onto the damaged part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal inside the lock, and then remove it. This is not always the best option, as it can sometimes be caught in the lock and cause further damage to it. In this case it is recommended to call locksmith.
Some people will try to join the two pieces of their car key that have snapped together with superglue, as it will help them take it out of the lock. However, this could be extremely risky because the pieces of metal could stick to each other and then break apart again later on. It is also important not to turn the key because this could cause damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to repair the broken key right away.
2. Drill a hole
Even having a spare key you may not be able to access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. A drill may be the best solution in these instances.
You will first want to make sure that the keyhole is positioned for a basic tumbler key. If it isn't then you won't be able to drill the pins without damaging the door and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you'll drill through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers using a the smallest drill bit but you should not go deeper. If you drill too deeply, it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck within the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective equipment when working using a drill. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your lung.
It's also a good idea when the broken piece of key is sticking out of the lock, to keep two pairs of pliers and tweezers handy. If g28carkeys is extending enough to be held by pliers and tweezers this will suffice to get it out. If not, you'll have to use a tool such as this to encase it into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grab and remove it.
3. Drill a nail
You may be left in limbo in the event that you break your key in half. There are fortunately several ways to fix it without having to pay for a locksmith. The first method is to use a nail or screw. These can be found in your home or in a hardware store. But, it is best to look for a nail that is as thin and long as possible. So you can insert it into the hole and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. Make sure that the back of the nails is flat. This will make it easier to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will keep it from moving and potentially breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners make use of DIY techniques like using super glue repair a broken car key, however this is a risky way to go. You could end up ruining the lock and have to spend more money on getting a replacement from the dealer or locksmith.
First, examine the broken keys and make sure that they match each other in terms of size. This is essential to ensure that the glued pieces will be properly aligned and that the key fits into the lock once they have been bonded. After that, you can use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will strengthen the bond of glue and decrease the possibility of a key that is loose.
Once you have polished the edges of the damaged key and polished them, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Only apply the smallest amount of super glue, since too much can make the key too large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, you can carefully place the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a few moments, the glue will begin to set and bind to the key pieces.
Another common household item that can be used to to remove a damaged car key is a bobby or paperclip pin, which can be shaped into a pick-like device and put into the lock. This method is particularly useful when the damage is close to or inside the keyway or ignition lock hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will require an entirely new key from the locksmith or dealer. This is because the key will need to be programmed with a new code and the key chip will need to be replaced. If only the shell or metal part of the key breaks it will be necessary to get a new cut. You don't have to reprogramme or replace electronics.
