8 Tips To Improve Your Key Repair Game
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work, in hurry, and you jam your keys in the ignition. Then you try turning it, and it snaps off inside the lock!
There are a few things you could do to fix the problem before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is among the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner could face. This is particularly aggravating when the driver is in a rush to get somewhere, or to drop off an infant. In this scenario you must act swiftly to try to get the key out of the way.
It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this job, because he or she will be able to use the appropriate tools to remove the broken key without damage the lock. Many people look for something small and stiff like a toothpick or paperclip. However this isn't the best solution as they are too large to fit in the lock.
The best option is to search for a pair of tweezers, because they are thin and easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should be strong 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 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 grip onto the broken bit of the key.
Another option is to locate an magnetic key hook that will attach to the metal in the lock and then pull it out. This isn't always a good option since it is possible for it to be caught in the lock and cause further damage to it. In car key fob repairs is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith.
Some people try to join the two pieces of a broken car key with superglue in order to get it out of the lock. This can be dangerous since the metal pieces could get caught and break later. It is also important not to turn the key because this could cause damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to replace the broken key immediately.
2. Drill a hole
Even having a spare key you might not be able to access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. In these cases drilling out the lock is the best option.
First, you need to make sure that the key hole is set up to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it isn't then you won't be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you'll be drilling through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit is enough to penetrate these layers, but it is important to ensure that you don't go further than this. If you drill to deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to become stuck within the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear while working using drills. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
Finally, it is an excellent idea to keep two pairs 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 suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you will require an instrument like this one to insert the tool inside the lock and then rotate it toward the key to grasp it and pull it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you break your car key in half, it could cause you to be trapped. There are fortunately a few methods to fix it without having to pay for a locksmith. The first option is to utilize a screw or nail. They are available in your house or at the hardware store. It is recommended to look for a 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 parts together. It is also important to ensure that the back of the nail is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will keep it from moving and potentially breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
Many auto owners use DIY techniques, such as using super glue to repair a damaged key. This is a risky method. You could end up damaging the lock, and have to shell out more money to get a new one.
It is important to examine the keys that have been damaged first and make sure they're the same size. This step is crucial to ensure that the glued pieces will be properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock once they are bonded together. After that, use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit 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 chance of a loose key.
After you have polished the edges of the broken key, apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Be careful not to apply too much glue, as this can cause the key to become too thick and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the broken key then press them together. After a few seconds the glue will begin to set and bind the key pieces together.
Another common household item that can be used to to remove a damaged car key is a bobby pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool and placed inside the lock. This method is particularly helpful when the damage is close to or inside 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 need to be reprogrammed using a new code, and the chip inside the key needs to be changed. However, if the metal or shell of the key is damaged, it usually just requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require any reprogramming or replacing of the electronic components.