Five Key Repair Lessons From The Professionals
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work, in rush, and put your keys in the ignition. Then you try to turn it, and it snaps off in the lock!
Luckily, there are key repair near me can attempt to fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are some quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the worst things a car owner can experience. This can be even more painful if it occurs when the driver is trying to get to work or drop off a child. In this case, it is important to act quickly and attempt to get the key out of the way.
It is best to call an expert locksmith for this job as they will have the correct tools to take out the broken key and not damage the lock. A lot of people look around their car for something thin and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, but these usually won't work as it is too thick to fit into the lock.
The best solution is to search for an tweezers set, as these are quite thin and can easily get into the key hole within the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to hold the damaged part of the key and remove it. If you don't have tweezers, then you might consider searching for keys extractors which are typically sold in auto parts stores. They are narrow, flat and have hooks that are small. They can be inserted into the keyhole and then take the broken portion of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal of the lock and then remove it. This is not always the best option as it can get caught under a lock and cause more damage. In such a scenario, it is best to call an expert locksmith.
Some people attempt to glue the two pieces of their snapped car key together with superglue, as it will help them take it out of the lock. However, this can be extremely risky since the pieces of metal could snag on to each other and then fall apart later. It is also crucial not to turn the key, since 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 into a hole
Even with a spare key, you might not be able to access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. In these instances drilling the lock is the best option.
You will first want to ensure that the keyhole is positioned for a basic tumbler key. If it's not, you won't be able to remove the pins without damaging the door, and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
It is important to keep in mind that you will drill through the outer layer of plastic as well as an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit will suffice to penetrate these layers, but you need to be sure not to go any deeper than that. Drilling too deep can cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill to stick.
Wearing a mask or protective equipment is also recommended when working with drills. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your respiratory system.
It is also a good idea, when the broken piece of key is still sticking out of the lock, to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers in your bag. If the key is long enough to be able to be grasped with pliers and tweezers, this is enough to pull it out. If not, you'll need to use an instrument such as this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it toward the key to grab it and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
If you cut your car key in half, it can leave you trapped. There are a variety of ways to fix the issue without having to pay a locksmith. The first step is use the screw or nail. You can find them at home or at the hardware store. But, it is best to try to find nails that are as thin as it can be and as long as is possible. You can then insert it into the hole and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving around and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists opt for DIY hacks, like using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a risky practice. You could end up damaging the lock and have to shell out more money for finding a replacement at the dealership or a locksmith.
First, you need to examine the keys that have been damaged and make sure they match each other in terms of size. This step is essential to ensure that all pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key fits inside 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 decrease the likelihood of a future loose key.
After polishing the edges after polishing, apply the smallest amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue to one end. Use only the smallest amount of super glue as excessive amounts can make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully align the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a few seconds the glue will begin to set and bind the key fragments.
A paperclip or bobby-pin can also be used to remove a broken key from an lock. They can be shaped like a pick and inserted into the lock. This method is particularly useful when the damage is close to or within the keyway or lock hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will need an entirely new key from the locksmith or dealer. This is because the key needs to be programmed with a new code and the key chip needs to be replaced. If the metal or shell of the key is damaged it will be necessary to have a new cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace the electronics.