Ten Ways To Build Your Key Repair Empire
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How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're in a hurry to get your work done and you put your keys into the ignition. You try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps inside the lock!
Luckily, there are a few ways you can fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Call an expert locksmith
One of the most devastating things that can happen to an owner of a vehicle is a broken key in a lock. This can be particularly frustrating when the driver is in a rush to get somewhere, or to drop off the child. In such a situation it is crucial to act quickly and attempt to free the stuck key.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best option, as they will have the right tools and know how to get rid of the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. Many people look for something that is thin and rigid, such as a toothpick or paperclip. But this isn't the best option since they are too heavy to fit in the lock.
The best option is to use a pair of tweezers. They are small and can easily reach inside the lock. They should be able to grab the broken part of a key and pull it out. If you don't have tweezers it might be worth trying to locate key extractors, which are usually found in auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with hooks that are small enough to be inserted into the key hole, and then hold onto the broken bit of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal in the lock and then remove it. This is not always the best option as it could be caught under the lock and cause further damage. In such a scenario it is advised to contact an expert locksmith.
Some people try to join two pieces of a damaged car key with superglue in order to get it out of the lock. However, this could be extremely risky since the pieces of metal could stick to each other and then break apart later. It is also important not to turn the key, as this can cause further damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the damaged key immediately.
2. Drill a Hole
Even with a spare key you might not be able to access your vehicle if a key is broken inside the lock. In these cases drilling the lock is the most effective option.
The first step is to make sure that the key hole is set to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it isn't then you won't be able to drill the pins without damaging the door, and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.
It is also important to understand that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers with tiny drill bits, however, you should not go any further. If you drill too deeply, it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck inside the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear while working using drills. This will keep dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
It is an excellent idea, if the broken key piece is still sticking out of the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers in your bag. If the key is extending enough to be held by pliers and tweezers, this will suffice to get it out. If there isn't, however you'll need to use an instrument like this one to wedge the tool into the lock, and then turn 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 leave you in a bind. Luckily, there are a few methods to fix it without paying for locksmith. The first method is to make use of a screw or nail. You can find these at home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to pick the nail that is as thin and as long as you can. This way, you can place it into the hole, and then use epoxy to link the two pieces. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will help it to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving and potentially breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners tend to resort to DIY tricks like using super glue attempt to fix a damaged car key, but this is not a safe way to go. You could cause damage to the lock and be forced to shell out more money to replace it.
You need to check the keys that have been damaged first, and ensure that they are of the same size. This is essential to ensure that the glued pieces will be properly aligned and that the key fits into the lock once they have been bonded. 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 reduce the likelihood of a future loose key.
Once you have polished the edges of the damaged key, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Only apply tiny car remote key repair near me amounts of super glue, since excessive amounts can make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully place the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a few minutes, the glue will begin to set and join the key fragments.
Another common household item that can be used to help extract a broken car key is a bobby or paperclip pin that can be made into a pick-like tool, then inserted in the lock. This method is especially useful when the damage is located within or near the keyway or ignition hole.
A broken car key with electronic components will require an entirely new key from the locksmith or dealer. This is because the key will have to be programmed with a brand new code and the key chip will need to be replaced. If, however, only the shell or metal portion of the key fails it typically requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of the electronics.