See What Key Repair Tricks The Celebs Are Using
Wiki Article
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work, in rush, and put your car keys into the ignition. You try to turn the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
Luckily, there are a few ways you can attempt to fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call for a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is one of the most frustrating things a car owner could face. This situation is even more frustrating if it occurs while the driver is trying to get to work or drop off an infant. In such a situation it is essential to act quickly and try to get the key out of the way.
It is recommended to call an experienced locksmith for this task as they will be able to use the right tools to remove the broken key without damage the lock. Many people are looking for something that is thin and rigid such as paperclips or toothpicks. However it is not the best solution as they are too large to fit in the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair of tweezers. They are small and can easily reach into the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to grasp the broken part of the 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 found in auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with small hooks that can be placed into the key hole and then grip onto the broken bit of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal of the lock and then pull it out. This is not always a good option because it could be caught in the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this instance it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people try to glue together the two pieces of a broken car key using superglue in order to get it out of the lock. However, this is very risky as the bits of metal could snag on to each other and then break apart again later on. It is also important not to turn the key because this could cause damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to replace the broken key immediately.
2. Drill a hole
Even with a spare key you may not be able access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. Drilling out the lock may be the best option in these instances.
First, you need to make sure that the key hole is set up to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it's not, you won't be able to drill the pins without damaging the door and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.
It is important to keep in mind that you'll drill through an outer plastic layer as well as an inner layer of metal. A small drill bit is enough to cut through these layers, but it is important to ensure that you don't 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.
Wearing a mask or other protective gear is also recommended when working with a drill. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your lung.
It's also a good idea, if the broken key piece is still sticking out of the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers at hand. If there is enough of the key to grip with tweezers or pliers, this could suffice to pull it out of the lock. If there isn't, however you'll need to use a tool such as this one to wedge the tool into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grasp it and pull it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
You can be left stranded in the event that you break your key in half. Luckily, there are some solutions to fix it without paying for a locksmith. The first thing you can do is use the screw or nail. These can be found in your home or in a hardware store. It is recommended to look for a nail that is as thin and as long as you can. This will allow you to fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to connect the two parts together. It is also good to ensure that the back of the nail is level. This will make it easier to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving and possibly breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners tend to make use of DIY techniques such as using super glue to attempt to fix a damaged car how to repair car key fob key, but this is a risky way to go. You could end up damaging the lock, and then have to shell out more to replace it.
You must examine the keys that are broken first, and ensure that they are of the same size. This is vital to ensure that the glued pieces will be properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock after they are bonded together. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the broken pieces. This will improve the glue's bond and reduce the chance of a key that is loose.
After polishing the edges, apply only a small amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue to the other side. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue, since excessive amounts can make the key too large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully align the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a short time the glue will begin to set and bind the key fragments.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used to remove a damaged key from a lock. They can be shaped like a pick and inserted into the lock. This method is especially useful when the damage is located in or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
Another important point to keep in mind is that if your car key is equipped with electronic components that require an entirely new key by the dealership or an experienced locksmith. This is because the key will have to be programmed with a brand new code and the key chip needs to be replaced. If only the shell or metal part of the key is damaged and needs to be replaced, you'll need to have a new cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace electronics.