5 Key Repair Lessons Learned From Professionals
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work, in a hurry, and jam your keys in the ignition. Then you try turning it, and it snaps off inside the lock!
There are a few options you can try to fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is among the most frustrating things a car owner could experience. This situation is even more painful if it occurs when the driver is rushing to get somewhere or to drop off a child. In this scenario, you should act quickly to try to remove the stuck key.
It is recommended to call an expert locksmith for this job for this job, as they will be able to use the appropriate tools to remove the broken key without damage the lock. Many people will have a look around in their vehicle for something small and rigid such as a paperclip or toothpick, but these typically won't work since it's too thick to fit into the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair of tweezers. They are thin and are able to easily get into the lock. They should be rigid enough to grasp the damaged part of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it's worth looking for a set that is available at auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with hooks that are small enough to 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 isn't always the best option because it could get caught under the lock and cause further damage to it. In such a situation it is recommended to call an expert locksmith.
Some people try to stick the two pieces of their broken car key with superglue as it can aid them in remove it from the lock. However, this is very risky as the bits of metal could stick to each other and then break apart again later on. It is crucial not to turn the key, as it could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to replace the broken key right away.
2. Drill a Hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even if you have an extra key, you may not be able to gain access to your vehicle. In these situations, drilling out the lock is the best option.
You will first want to make sure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler key. If it's not then you won't have the ability to remove the pins and damage the lock's door or 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 is sufficient to penetrate these layers, but you must ensure that you don't go further than this. If you drill too deeply it may cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick inside the hole.
Wearing a protective mask or equipment is recommended when using a drill. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your respiratory system.
It is also a good idea, when the broken piece of key is still sticking out of the lock, to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers at hand. If there is enough of the key to be able to grasp with 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 in the lock, and then turn it toward the key to grab it and remove it.
3. Drill key fob repair service
If you cut your car key in half, it can leave you in a bind. There are a variety of ways to solve the issue without the expense of locksmith. The first method is to make use of a screw or nail. These can be found in your home or at a hardware store. It is best to choose a nail as thin and as long as possible. You can then insert it into the hole and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. Make sure that the back of the nails is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will stop it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of motorists make use of DIY techniques like using super glue to repair a broken car key, but this is a risky way to go. You could end up ruining the lock and have to pay more for getting a replacement from the dealer or a locksmith.
First, take a look at the keys that have been damaged and make sure they are 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 after they are bonded together. After that, you can use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the broken pieces of the key. This will help make the glue bond better and decrease the chance of a key becoming loose in the future.
After you have polished the edges of the damaged key and polished them, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Be cautious not to apply too much glue, as this could cause the key to become too thick and it will 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 begin to set and bond the key pieces together.
Another common household item that can be used to to remove a damaged car key is a bobby pin that can be made into a pick-like device and placed inside the lock. This method is particularly helpful when the damage is close to or within the keyway or lock hole.
Another important thing to note is that if the damaged car key has electronic components that require the cutting of a new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed using a new code, and the chip inside the key will need to be changed. In contrast, if only the metal or shell of the key breaks it typically requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require reprogramming or replacing of the electronic components.