Key Repair 101"The Complete" Guide For Beginners
how to repair broken car key to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work, in rush, and put your remote car key repair keys into the ignition. You try to turn the key, but it snaps in the lock.
There are a few things you could do to fix the problem before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are some quick fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
One of the worst things that can happen to a car owner is a damaged key in a lock. This situation is even more difficult if it happens while the driver is rushing to get to work or drop off a child. In this situation, you should act quickly to try and remove the stuck key.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best option, as they'll have the right tools and know how to take out the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. A lot of people look around in their vehicle key repairs for something thin and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, however this usually won't work as it's too heavy to enter the lock.
The best solution is to search for a pair of tweezers as these are quite thin and can easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should be rigid enough to grasp the damaged part of a key and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers then you might consider trying to locate key extractors which are typically sold in auto parts stores. They are thin, flat and have hooks that are small. They can be put in the keyhole and grab the broken part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal in the lock, and then remove it. This isn't always the best option since it could be caught under the lock and cause damage. In such a situation it is advised to call locksmith.
Some people try to glue together the two pieces of a damaged car key with superglue in order to remove it from the lock. This is a risk because the pieces of metal could get caught and break later. It is also crucial not to turn the key since this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is best to contact a professional locksmith who will be on hand to take out the broken key and create an immediate replacement.
2. Drill a hole
Even having a spare key you may not be able access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. A drill may be the best solution in these instances.
The first step is to ensure that the key hole is set up to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it isn't then you won't be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.
The next step is to know that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner metal layer. A small drill bit will suffice to penetrate these layers, but you need to ensure that you don't go any deeper than that. If you drill to deep, it could harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to become stuck inside the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear while working with a drill. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
It is an excellent idea, if the broken key piece is sticking out of the lock, to keep pliers and tweezers in your bag. If there is enough of the key to grip with tweezers or pliers, this should be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you'll have to use an instrument like this to wedge it into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grab it and remove it.
3. Drill a Nail
If you cut your remote control car key repairs key in half, it could leave you trapped. There are fortunately several ways to fix it, without having to pay for locksmith. The first thing you can do is to use screws or nails. They can be found in your home or at a hardware store. It is best to choose nails that are as thin and as long as 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 slot cut in the key. This will prevent it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
A lot of car owners tend to make use of DIY techniques such as using super glue to repair a broken car key repair key, but this is a dangerous option to make. You could end up damaging the lock and having to shell out more money for getting a replacement from the dealership or locksmith.
First, examine the broken keys and make sure that they are in terms of size. This is vital to ensure that the pieces will be aligned properly and that the key fits into the lock after they are bonded together. After that, 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 help the glue bond better and reduce the chances of a loose key in the future.
After you have polished the edges of the broken 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 thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the broken key, press them together. After a short time, the glue will begin to set and bond to the key pieces.
Another common household item that can be used to help to remove a damaged car key is a bobby or paperclip pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool and put into the lock. This method is especially useful in the event that the broken part is in or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will need a new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. This is because the key needs to be programmed with a brand new code and the key chip will need to be replaced. If, however, only the shell or metal portion of the key is damaged, it usually just requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require reprogramming or replacing of the electronic components.