How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair

You're on your way to work, in a hurry, and jam your keys in the ignition. You try turning the key, but it snaps in the lock.

Luckily, there are several ways you can try to fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are a few easy fixes:: 1. Super Glue.

1. Call an expert locksmith

A damaged key in the lock is one of the worst things a car owner can experience. 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 scenario it is imperative to act fast to try to remove the stuck key.

It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this job as they will be able to use the correct tools to take out the broken key without harm the lock. Many people are looking for something thin and stiff such as a toothpick or paperclip. But, this is not the best solution as they are too large to fit inside the lock.

The best solution is to find a pair of tweezers, because they are thin and can easily get into the key hole in the lock. They should be strong enough to grasp the damaged part of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, then it may be worth searching for a set of key extractors, which are usually available in auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with hooks that are small enough to be put into the key hole and then grip on 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 isn't always the best choice as it could get caught in the lock and cause further damage. In this situation, it's best to call an experienced locksmith.

Some people attempt to join the 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 snag on to one another and break apart later. It is also important not to turn the key, as this can cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to replace the broken key on the spot.

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 instances drilling the lock is the best option.

It is important to make sure that the keyhole is positioned for a basic tumbler key. If it's not, you won't be able to drill out the pins and cause damage to the lock's door or mechanism.

Next, it is important to know that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit is sufficient to get through these layers, but you must be sure not to go further than this. Drilling too deep can damage the internal wiring harness, or cause the drill to stick.

Wearing a mask or other protective equipment is also advised when using a drill. This will keep dust and dirt from entering your lungs.

It's also a good idea, when the broken piece of key remains stuck in the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers at hand. If the key is protruding enough to be held by pliers and tweezers this is enough to pull it out. If not, you'll have to use a tool such as this to encase it into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grab and take it out.

3. Drill a nail

You may be left in limbo when you cut your key in half. Luckily, there are some ways to fix it without having to pay for locksmith. The first method is to use a nail or screw. You can find them in your house or at a hardware store. It is recommended to search for a nail that is as thin as it can be and as long as is possible. You can then insert it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces. It is also important to make sure the nail's back is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will prevent it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.

4. Super Glue

Many auto owners resort to DIY hacks, like using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a risky method. https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/car-key-repairs-near-me/ could end up ruining the lock and needing to spend more money on finding a replacement at the dealership or locksmith.

It is important to examine the keys that have been damaged first and make sure they are the same size. This is essential to ensure that the glued parts will be properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock after they are bonded together. Then, use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth the edges of the broken pieces of the key. This will improve the glue's bond and reduce the possibility of a key that is loose.

After you have polished the edges of the damaged key and polished them, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Be cautious not to apply too much, as this can cause the key to become too heavy and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the key that broke and pressing them together, you can press them. After a short time, 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 paperclip or bobby pin that can be made into a pick-like tool and inserted in the lock. This technique is particularly helpful if the break is in or near the keyway or ignition hole.

Another thing to remember is that if your car key has electronic components and requires an entirely new key from the dealership or a professional locksmith. This is because the key will need to be programmed with a brand new code and the chip must be replaced. In contrast, if only the metal or shell of the key fails, it usually just requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of electronic components.