A Guide To Key Repair From Start To Finish
Wiki Article
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a hurry to get to work, and you put your keys into the ignition. You try to turn it around, and it breaks from the lock!
There are a few things you could try to fix the issue before calling a professional locksmith. Here are some quick solutions: 1. Super Glue.
1. Call a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is among the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner can experience. This is especially painful if it occurs when the driver is trying to get to work or drop off the child. In this case it is crucial to act quickly and try to release the stuck key.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best option as they'll have the proper tools and know how to take out the keys broken without damaging the lock. Many people will look for something thin and stiff like paperclips or toothpicks. However this isn't the best solution as they are too large to fit into the lock.
A much better solution is to search for an tweezers set, because they are thin and can easily get into the key hole in the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to grasp the broken part of the key and remove it. If you don't have tweezers, it could be worth looking for a set available at auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have small hooks. They can be inserted through the keyhole to grab the broken part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best choice as it can get caught under the lock and cause damage. In this instance, it's best to call a professional 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 may tangle and break later. It is essential not to turn the key, as this could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to repair the damaged key right away.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes a key breaks inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. In these instances drilling the lock is the most effective option.
First, you will want to ensure that the key hole is designed to take a basic tumbler car key. If it's not there, you won't have the ability to drill out the pins and damage the door or internal lock mechanism.
Next, it is important to be aware that you'll be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner metal layer. A small drill bit will suffice to get through these layers, but you must be sure to not go any deeper than this. If you drill too deep it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick within the hole.
Wearing a protective mask or equipment is also recommended when using drills. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your respiratory system.
Finally, it is a good idea to have a pair of pliers and tweezers in your possession in case the broken key is sticking out of the lock. 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 need to use an instrument such as this to encase it into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grasp it and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
You could be left without a home if you break your key in half. Luckily, there are some solutions to fix it, without having to pay for a locksmith. The first thing you can do is to use the screw or nail. These can be found in your home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to look for the nail that is as thin and as long as you can. This will allow you to fit it in the hole and then use epoxy to connect the two pieces. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will help it to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of motorists resort to DIY techniques like using super glue repair a broken car key, but this is not a safe thing to do. You could end up damaging the lock, and have to pay more money to get a new one.
It is important to examine the broken keys first, and ensure that they are of the same size. This step is crucial to ensure that the glued parts are properly aligned and that the key fits into the lock once they are bonded together. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the broken pieces. This will help the glue bond better and lessen the risk of a key falling loose in the future.
After polishing the edges, apply only a small key car repair amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue to one end. Only apply the smallest amount of super glue as too much could make the key too large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the broken key and pressing them together, you can press them. After a few seconds, the glue will start to set and join the key fragments together.
Another common household item that can be used to help extract a broken car key is a paperclip or bobby pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool, then put into the lock. This technique is especially helpful when the damage is close to or within the keyway or lock hole.
A broken car key with electronic components will need a new key from the locksmith or dealer. The key will have to be reprogrammed using a new code and the chip in the key must be changed. If the metal or shell of the key is damaged, you will need to replace the cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace the electronics.