10 Key Repair Tips All Experts Recommend

How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair

You're on your way to work in a hurry, and jam your car keys into the ignition. Then you try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps from the lock!

There are a few things you could do to solve the issue before contacting an experienced locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.

1. Contact for a locksmith

One of the most devastating things that could happen to an owner of a vehicle is a damaged key in a lock. This situation is even more painful if it occurs when the driver is rushing to get to work or drop off a child. In this case it is essential to act quickly and try to release the stuck key.

It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this task, because he or she can use the right tools to remove the broken key and not harm the lock. A lot of people look around the vehicle to find something light and sturdy such as a paperclip or toothpick, but this typically won't work since it's too heavy to enter 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 strong enough to grab the broken part of a key and pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it might be worth searching for a set that is sold at auto parts stores. They are narrow, flat and have hooks that are small. They can be put into the keyhole and then take the broken portion of the key.

Another possible solution is to locate a magnetic key hook that will be affixed to the metal inside the lock and pull it out. This is not always the best choice as it could be caught under the lock and vehicle cause further damage. In this case it is advised to call locksmith.

Some people attempt to glue the two pieces of their snapped car key with superglue as it can aid them in remove it from the lock. However, this can be very risky as the bits of metal could snag on to one another and break apart later. It is also essential not to turn the key because this could cause damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. It is best to contact a professional locksmith who will be able to take the broken key and make an immediate replacement.

2. Drill into a hole

Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even if you have a spare, you might not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. A drill may be the best solution in these situations.

First, you must make sure the keyhole is set for a basic tumbler key. If it's not then you won't be able to drill the pins out and damage the door or internal lock mechanism.

It is important to note that you'll drill through an outer plastic layer as well as an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit will suffice to get through these layers, but you must be sure not to go any deeper than this. Drilling too deep can damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill to snag.

It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective equipment when working using a drill. This will stop dust and dirt from getting into your respiratory system.

It's also a good idea, when the broken piece of key remains stuck in the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers in your bag. If the key is long enough to be able to be grasped with tweezers and pliers, then this is enough to pull it out. If there isn't, however you'll require tools like this one to wedge the tool inside the lock and then rotate it towards 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 leave you in a bind. There are several solutions to fix it without paying for a locksmith. The first step is use screws or nails. You can find these at home or in a hardware store. But, it is best to look for nails that are as thin and long as possible. So you can insert it into the hole and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces. It is also good to make sure the back of the nail is level. This will make it easier to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will keep it from moving and possibly breaking again in the future.

4. Super Glue

Many auto owners use DIY techniques, such as using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a dangerous method. You could end up damaging the lock and having to shell out more money for finding a replacement at the dealer or locksmith.

You must examine the keys that are broken first and make sure they're the same size. This step is essential to ensure that all the pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key fits inside the lock once they have been joined. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the damaged pieces. This will improve the glue's bond and decrease the possibility of a loose key.

Once you have polished the edges of the damaged key then apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Use only the smallest amount of super glue as too much can make the key too large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After that, carefully place the two pieces of the key and press them together. After some time the glue will begin to set and join the key fragments together.

A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used as a tool to extract a broken key from a lock. They can be shaped like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This method is particularly useful if the break is near or within the keyway or lock hole.

A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will need an entirely new key from the locksmith or dealer. The key must be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip in the key needs to be replaced. However, if the metal or shell of the key fails, it usually just requires a new key cut and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of the electronics.