Your Family Will Be Grateful For Having This Key Repair
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're heading to work, in rush, and put your car keys into the ignition. key fob repair near me try to turn the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
There are a few ways you can attempt to fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
One of the most devastating things that can happen to the owner of a car is a damaged key in a lock. This is especially painful if it occurs when the driver is hurrying to get to work or to drop off a child. In this case, it is important to act quickly and try to get the key out of the way.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best option, as they will have the proper tools and know how to take out the keys broken without damaging the lock. A lot of people look around in their vehicle to find something light and sturdy like a paperclip or toothpick, however this typically won't work since it's too heavy to enter the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair tweezers. They are thin and easily fit into the lock. They should be able to grasp the broken piece of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers then it may be worth trying to locate keys extractors, which are usually found in auto parts stores. They are narrow, flat and have tiny hooks. They can be inserted in the keyhole and take the broken portion of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal in the lock, and then remove it. This is not always a good idea, as it can sometimes get caught under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this case, it's best to call a professional locksmith.
Some people will try to join the two pieces of their car key that have snapped together using superglue, thinking that it will help them get it out of the lock. However, this is very risky as the bits of metal may cling to one another and break apart later. It is important to not turn the key, as this could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to replace the broken key immediately.
2. Drill through a hole
Even with a spare key you might not be able to access your vehicle if a key breaks inside the lock. A drill may be the best solution in these situations.
You will first want to ensure that the keyhole is positioned for a basic tumbler. If it isn't it, you will not be able to drill the pins without damaging the door and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.
The next step is to understand that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers using a the smallest drill bit but you should not go any further. If you drill to deep it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick inside the hole.
Wearing key fob repair near me or protective equipment is recommended when using drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your respiratory system.
It's also a good idea, in the event that the key fragment is broken and is still sticking out of the lock, to have pliers and tweezers at hand. If the key is extending enough to be gripped with pliers and tweezers, this is enough to pull it out. If not, you'll need to use a tool like this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grab and pull it out.
3. Drill a nail
If you smash your car key in half, it could leave you stranded. Luckily, there are several ways to fix it without having to pay for a locksmith. The first step is to use screws or nails. These are available at your home or in a hardware store. However, it is best to try to find nails that are as thin as it can be and as long as is possible. So you can insert it into the hole, and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. Make sure that the back of the nails is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will stop it from moving and breaking in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners opt for DIY techniques, such as using super glue to repair a damaged or broken key. This is a dangerous method. You could end up damaging the lock and having to spend more money on getting a replacement from the dealership or locksmith.
First, examine the keys that have been damaged and make sure they are identical in terms of size. This step is crucial to ensure that the glued parts are properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock once they are bonded together. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the broken pieces. This will make the glue stick better and decrease the chance of a key becoming loose in the future.
Once you have polished the edges of the damaged key, apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Be careful not to use too much glue, as this could cause the key to become too heavy and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the key that broke then press them together. After several seconds, the glue will start to set and bind the key pieces together.
Another household item that can be used to help extract a broken car key is a bobby or paperclip pin that can be made into a pick-like tool, then put into the lock. This method is particularly helpful when the damage is close to or inside the keyway or ignition lock hole.
Another important point to keep in mind is that if the broken car key is equipped with electronic components and requires a new key cut from the dealer or a professional locksmith. This is because the key will need to be programmed using a new code and the key chip will need to be replaced. If only the metal or shell of the key fails it will be necessary to get a new cut. You don't have to reprogramme or replace the electronic components.