A Look At The Myths And Facts Behind Key Repair
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a rush to get to work and jam your keys into the ignition. Then you try to turn it, and it snaps off in the lock!
There are some things you can do to fix the problem before calling a professional locksmith. Here are some quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Contact for a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that can happen to the owner of a car is a broken key inside the lock. This is especially difficult if it happens while the driver is trying to get to work or to drop off the child. In view it now is imperative to act fast to try and free the stuck key.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this task as they will have the correct tools to take out the broken key and not damage the lock. Many people will have a look around their car to find something light and sturdy such as a paperclip or toothpick, but these usually won't work as it's too thick to enter the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair tweezers. They are lightweight and are able to easily get inside the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to hold the damaged part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers then it may be worth looking for keys extractors, which are usually found in auto parts stores. They are narrow and flat with small hooks that can be placed into the key hole, and then hold onto the broken bit of the key.
Another possible solution is to find the magnetic key hook that will stick to the metal inside the lock and be pulled out. This isn't always the best option since it could be caught under a lock and cause more damage. In this case it is advised to contact an expert locksmith.
Some people attempt to join the two pieces of their car key that have snapped together with superglue, as this can help them to take it out of the lock. However, this can be extremely risky because the pieces of metal could snag on to one another and break apart again later on. It is essential not to turn the key because it could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. It is best to contact an expert locksmith who will be on hand to take out the damaged key and then make a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes a key breaks inside the lock, and even if you have a spare, you might not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. In these instances drilling the lock is the best option.
It is important to ensure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler key. If it isn't then you won't be able to remove the pins without damaging the door, and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.
Next, it is important to understand that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit will suffice to penetrate these layers, but it is important to be sure to not go any deeper than this. Drilling too deep can cause damage to the wiring harness, or cause the drill to stick.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear when working with drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your lung.
It is also an excellent idea to keep two pairs of pliers and tweezers available in case the damaged key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key sticking out to grip with tweezers or pliers, this will be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If there isn't, however, you will require tools like this one to insert the tool into the lock and then turn it toward the key to grasp it and take it out of the hole.
3. Drill a Nail
If you smash your car key in half, it could cause you to be stranded. Luckily, there are some ways to fix it, without having to pay for a locksmith. The first option is to make use of a screw or nail. You can find these at home or in the hardware store. It is recommended to look for nails that are as thin and long as possible. This way you can fit it into the hole and then use epoxy to link the two pieces. It is also good to make sure the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will stop it from moving around and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners tend to make use of DIY tricks such as using super glue to attempt to fix a damaged car key, but this is a risky way to go. You could cause damage to the lock, and then have to shell out more for a replacement.
First, examine the broken keys and make sure they are identical in terms of size. This is crucial to ensure that all pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key fits into 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.
Once you have polished the edges of the damaged key, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Only apply a small amount of super glue as too much can make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the key that broke then press them together. After a few seconds the glue will begin to set and bond the key fragments together.
A paperclip or bobby-pin can also be used as a tool to remove a damaged key from the lock. They can be shaped like a pick and inserted into the lock. This technique is especially helpful in the event that the broken part is close 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 dealer or a professional locksmith. This is because the key will have to be programmed using a new code and the key chip will need to be replaced. 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 reprogramming or replacing of the electronics.