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How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're heading to work, in rush, and put your keys to your car in the ignition. Then you try to turn it, and it snaps off inside the lock!
There are some things you can do to fix the problem before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Call for a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that can happen to a car owner is a broken key inside the lock. This can be even more difficult if it happens while the driver is rushing to get to work or to drop off an infant. In such a situation it is essential to act swiftly and try to get the key out of the way.
It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this job, because he or she will be able to use the appropriate tools to remove the broken key and not harm the lock. Many people will look for something small and stiff, such as toothpicks or paperclips. But this isn't the best choice since they are too thick to fit into the lock.
The best option is to find a pair of tweezers as these are quite thin and can easily reach the key hole within the lock. They should also be rigid enough to grasp the broken part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it's worth searching for a set that is available at auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow 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 locate a magnetic key hook that will attach to the metal in the lock and pull it out. This is not always the best choice as it could be caught under a lock and cause more damage. In such a scenario it is advised to contact a locksmith.
Some people try to join the two pieces of their broken car key with superglue as this can help them to get it out of the lock. This could be risky because the pieces of metal could get caught and break later. It is essential not to turn the key because this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the broken key on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes a key is broken inside the lock, and even with an extra key, you may not be able to gain access to your vehicle. In these situations drilling the lock is the best option.
It is important to ensure that the keyhole is set for a basic tumbler key. If it's not there, you won't have the ability to drill the pins out and cause damage to the lock's door or internal mechanism.
It is also important to know that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit is enough to cut through these layers, but you must be sure to not go any deeper than that. In the event of drilling too deep, it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill to snag.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear while working with drills. This will keep dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.
It is also an excellent idea to keep a pair of pliers and tweezers available in case the broken key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key sticking out to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this should be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you will need to use tools like this one to encase the tool inside the lock, and then turn it toward the key to grasp it and remove it from the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you break your car key in half, it can cause you to be trapped. There are some methods to fix it, without having to pay for locksmith. The first step is to use the screw or nail. These can be found in your home or at a local hardware store. But, it is best to search for nails that are as thin and long as possible. This way, you can place it into the hole, and then use epoxy to connect the two pieces. It is also good to make sure the back of the nail is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will prevent it from moving and breaking in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists resort to DIY techniques, such as using super glue, to repair a damaged key. This is a dangerous practice. You could end up damaging the lock and be forced to shell out more to replace it.
It is important to examine the keys that are broken first to ensure they are the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all the glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key fits in the lock after they have been bonded. After that, use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the broken pieces of the key. car key repairs near me will make the glue bond better and decrease the chance of a loose key in the future.
After finishing the edges, apply only a small amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue to one end. Use only tiny amounts of super glue as too much could make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, you can carefully place the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a few minutes the glue will begin to set and bond to the key pieces.
A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used as a tool to extract a broken key from a lock. They can be cut as a pick, and then inserted into the lock. This method is especially useful if the break is in or near the keyway or ignition hole.
A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will need a new key from the locksmith or dealer. This is because the key needs to be programmed with a brand new code and the chip must be replaced. If, however, only the metal or shell of the key breaks the key, it will usually only require the cutting of a new key and doesn't require reprogramming or replacing of the electronics.