Why Key Repair Is Fast Becoming The Hottest Trend Of 2023
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a hurry to get to work and put your keys in the ignition. You try turning the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
There are a few ways you can resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some quick solutions: 1. Super Glue.
1. Call for a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that could happen to an owner of a vehicle is a damaged key in the lock. This is especially frustrating if the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or pick up an infant. In this case you must act swiftly to attempt to remove the stuck key.
broken car key repair with experience is the best choice, as they'll have the right tools and know how to take out the keys broken without damaging the lock. Many people look around the vehicle for something small and rigid like a paperclip or toothpick, however this usually won't work as it's too heavy to be able to get into the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair tweezers. They are thin and easily fit inside the lock. They should be rigid enough to grab the broken part of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers then it may be worth looking for a set of key extractors that are often available in auto parts stores. They are narrow, flat and have hooks that are small. They can be put in the keyhole and grasp the broken piece of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal in the lock, and then pull it out. This is not always a good idea because it could get caught under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In such a situation it is advised to contact locksmith.
Some people attempt to join the two pieces of their broken car key together using superglue, thinking that it will help them remove it from the lock. However, this can be extremely risky since the pieces of metal could snag on to one another and break apart again later on. It is also crucial not to turn the key, since this could cause further damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to replace the broken key on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Even having a spare key you may not be able to access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. A drill may be the best option in these instances.
First, you need to make sure that the key hole is set up to take a basic tumbler car key. If it's not then you won't be able to drill the pins without damaging the door, and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.
Next, it is important to know that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and the inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers using a the smallest drill bit but you should not go any deeper. Drilling too deep can damage the internal wiring harness, or cause the drill to snag.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear when working with drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your respiratory system.
It is an excellent idea, in the event that the key fragment is broken and is sticking out of the lock, to keep pliers and tweezers at hand. If there is enough of the key to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this should suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not you'll need to use tools like this one to insert the tool into the lock and then turn it towards the key to grip and remove it from the hole.
3. Drill a nail
You can be left stranded if you break your key in half. Luckily, there are a few methods to fix it without paying for a locksmith. The first way is to utilize a screw or nail. They can be found in your home or in a hardware store. However, it is best to look for nails that are as thin as it can be and as long as is possible. This way you can fit it in the hole and then use epoxy to join the two parts together. Make sure that the back of the nails are flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will prevent it from moving around and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists resort to DIY techniques, such as using super glue, to repair a damaged or broken key. This is a risky practice. You could end up ruining the lock and needing to spend more money on replacing it from the dealership or a locksmith.
You need to check the broken keys first, and ensure that they're the same size. This is vital to ensure that the glued parts will be properly aligned and the key will fit 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 damaged pieces. This will improve the bond of glue and decrease the possibility of a key that is loose.
After finishing the edges after polishing, apply the smallest amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue to the other side. Be careful not to use too much, because this could cause the key to become too thick and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. Then, carefully place the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After several seconds, the glue will start to set and join the key fragments.
Another household item that can be used to remove a damaged car key is a bobby pin that can be made 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.
Another important thing to note is that if the broken car key has electronic components and requires the cutting of a new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. This is because the key needs to be programmed with a new code and the key chip must be replaced. If only the metal or shell of the key breaks, you will need to get a new cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace the electronic components.