A Guide To Key Repair In 2023
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed 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 a few options you can attempt to resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Call for a locksmith
One of the worst things that can happen to the owner of a car is a broken key in a lock. This is especially painful if it occurs when the driver is hurrying to get somewhere or to drop off an infant. In this case, it is important to act quickly and try to free the stuck key.
Contacting a professional locksmith is the best choice, as they will have the right tools and know how to remove the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. Many people look for something thin and stiff, such as paperclips or toothpicks. However it is not the best solution as they are too heavy to fit inside the lock.
The best option is to use a pair tweezers. They are thin and are able to easily get into the lock. They should also be rigid enough to hold the damaged part of the key and remove it. If you don't have tweezers, it might be worth searching for a set that is available at auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with small hooks that can be inserted into the key hole and grip onto the damaged part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best option as it can get caught under a lock and cause more damage. In such a situation, it is best to call a locksmith.
Some people attempt to join two pieces of a broken car key with superglue in order to take it out of the lock. However, remote car key repair is extremely risky because the pieces of metal may cling to one another and fall apart later. It is important to not turn the key as this could cause further damage to your lock or the ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the damaged key right away.
2. Drill through a hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even if you have a spare, you might not be capable of opening the door to your vehicle. In these cases drilling out the lock is the best choice.
It is important to make sure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler key. If it's not then you won't be able to drill the pins out and cause damage to the lock's door or internal mechanism.
It is important to keep in mind that you'll be drilling through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with tiny drill bits, but you should not go deeper. If you drill too deeply it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to get stuck inside the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear when working with drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your respiratory system.
It is also a good idea, in the event that the key fragment is broken and is still sticking out of the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers at hand. If the key is protruding enough to be gripped with tweezers and pliers, then this is enough to pull it out. If not, you'll need to use a tool such as this to wedge it into the lock and then turn it towards the key to grab it and remove it.
3. Drill a nail
You could be left without a home if you break your key in half. Luckily, there are some methods to fix it, without having to pay for a locksmith. The first step is to use screws or nails. You can find these at home or at the hardware store. It is recommended to pick the nail that is as thin and long as possible. You can then insert it into the hole and then use 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 stop it from moving and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many auto owners resort to DIY hacks, like using super glue to repair a damaged key. This is a risky method. You could cause damage to the lock, and have to shell out more to get a new one.
The first step is to examine the keys that have been damaged and make sure that they match each other in terms of size. This is crucial to ensure that all the glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key will fit into the lock after they've been bonded. After that, you can use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the broken pieces of the key. This will improve the glue's bond and decrease the chance of a loose key.
After you have polished the edges of the damaged key, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Only apply the smallest amount of super glue as too much can make the key too large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After that, carefully place the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a short time the glue will begin to set and join to the key pieces.
Another household item that can be used to extract a broken car key is a bobby pin, which can be shaped into a pick-like tool and placed inside the lock. This technique is especially helpful when the damage is close to or within the keyway or lock hole.
A broken car key with electronic components will need a new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key will have to be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip inside the key needs to be replaced. In contrast, if only the metal or shell of the key breaks, it usually just requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require any reprogramming or replacing of the electronics.