5 Key RepairsRelated Lessons From The Professionals

How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A faulty key fob can throw off your whole day. Fortunately, fixing the issue is simple with the right tools and steps.
Before attempting any repairs, you must always be sure to ground yourself to eliminate static electricity. It takes only a second, and is good practice when working with electronics in general.
Check for any debris that has gotten caught under the key that is damaged. Breadcrumbs and other bits can become stuck under keys, preventing the keys from being properly pushed in.
Broken Car Keys
It's easy to take car keys for granted until they stop working or break at the most inconvenient time. If you're trying to open the trunk of your car to get groceries, unlocking your doors to go out, or starting your engine and heading to work - car keys can be very frustrating when they don't work.
Over time, keys for automobiles can wear out. They may be damaged due to being thrown around or dropped, and the internal components can wear out to the point where they don't function correctly anymore. This is a big problem since it means you aren't able to drive without an extra key or your mechanic fix the problem.
The majority of car keys that are damaged can be easily repaired or replaced. If the key is broken off in your lock or ignition, you can occasionally remove the remaining part of the key by using pliers or a wire coated with. A locksmith can also provide you with specialized tools designed to slide along the key and hold the broken pieces in a pincer-like manner.
Super glue can be used to repair a broken car key. It is a quick and simple fix. It can be a challenge to ensure that the pieces are aligned correctly, but it can yield great results. Keep a pair of scissors and a roll of tape in case you need to adjust the alignment.
Replace the battery inside the car key fob to fix a broken key. This is usually the best option if your car key fob doesn't turn on but you don't have the right replacement. Depending on the model of car, you can sometimes do this by removing the key fob and opening it up with a screwdriver or a small tool.
If the issue is more severe, such as if your key fob is completely unresponsive or doesn't switch on at all, you'll require replacement. It is possible to do this at the dealership, but an auto locksmith is likely to be cheaper. They will visit you and make the needed repairs or even replace the key fob.
Broken Key Fobs
Car key fobs are not impervious to damage, and just like any electronic device is susceptible to malfunctions at some time. When they stop working they're not difficult to repair. You'll first need to determine the issue.
The battery is often the culprit when the keyfob stops working. The replacement of the battery is the simplest and cheapest solution, and it's something you can do at home.
If changing the battery doesn't work, you can take it apart and cleaning it. The fob is equipped with a circuit board inside which houses a number of "contact pads" for each button that you can press on the fob (lock buttons or trunk buttons, etc.). The contact pads are made of rubber and coated in an electricity conducting film that will eventually wear away as time passes. Utilizing a cotton swab along with some rubbing alcohol, you can scrub the contacts of your key fob to get rid of any corrosion that may be stopping them from functioning.
If you suspect that your contacts are damaged or loose You can try using a pair of tweezers. If you do this, however it's a good idea to use some silicone on the back of your key fob prior inserting the new contacts. Silicone will help to seal the contacts and keep out water.
A key fob that's not working may be because it is not paired with the vehicle. When you push a key fob button, it transmits a code to the car, which tells it what it is trying to do. If the key fob has been not paired, it will not recognize the car and will not allow you to start the engine.
It's time to call a locksmith or a dealership technician if you can't get the key fob that you want to pair with your car. They will have the equipment necessary to reprogram the fob to make it work. You'll likely have to pay for the service, but it will be much cheaper than purchasing a new key fob.
Keys are not responsive
When the keyboard key ceases to function, it can be an absolute nightmare. The first step is to ensure that the key isn't being obstructed by anything physical. Over time, dust, hair and other particles can build up and disrupt the circuitry of keys. Try gently getting rid of your key and then cleaning it with a rag soaked in ruby alcohol. Sometimes, this is all it takes to get your key functioning again.
If the key doesn't work, it's an issue with your software. If your key doesn't do what you expected, look at the settings of your game to confirm that it's properly mapped.
You may also want to try reinstalling the drivers for your keyboard to fix the issue. Drivers that are outdated or damaged can cause your keyboard to stop functioning, which is why you should always keep them updated whenever possible.
Another possibility is that the key is damaged. Every key switch is made up of two circuits, and they can wear out in time to the point that they no longer recognize the press. If this happens, the best option is to replace the entire keyboard since it will likely no longer perform as it should.
If you've tried all these fixes, but the key isn't responding then it's time to have an expert examine your laptop keyboard or an external computer keyboard. It could be that the membrane covering your keyboard is damaged or one of the keys is malfunctioning.
You can test the keys with a keyboard tester. The website will let you know if the keys are registering correctly or not. If they're not, then it is most likely to be a software issue. You can then begin applying the remaining fixes to restore full functionality. You can also utilize an external keyboard until the internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.
Keys that aren't working
It's a hassle when keys don't function, but they are usually simple to repair. A malfunctioning key could be caused by a small piece of dirt under the button, or it could be due to the fact that it cannot be connected properly to your laptop or keyboard. If you're not sure, clean the keys with canned air and blow away any dirt or dust.
It is also possible that the key has been unaligned with the lock. This is another problem that can be fixed with a professional, though it is more likely to require replacement of the key. If your car key is electronic and cannot be turned by turning a metal key manually into the ignition, it's likely the transponder chip inside has stopped working and you'll need to get a new one programmed.
If your external keyboard or laptop keys aren't not registering any action at all, you can try using a key test website. This will allow you to determine if your keyboard is malfunctioning or if software is causing problems.
Another reason for a single key not performing its intended function is that the switch isn't working correctly. If you have a mechanical keyboard you can look under the keycap and seeing if there is any debris that has accumulated on it. If you spot anything that is not there, use canned air to clean it, then take off the cap. This will let you replace the hooks that connect the retainer to the switch, and hopefully bring back the functionality of the key.
If the key on your keyboard does not perform the desired function in just one program, then it's likely that the keyboard settings of the game have mapped the key to perform a different action. Check the settings for your keyboard and then press the key again to check if it is functioning. If it's not, it's best to purchase a brand new keyboard and have it installed by an experienced. This is true, especially in case you play a game that requires a lot of typing.