Key Repair Tips From The Top In The Business
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're rushing to get to work, and jam your keys into the ignition. Then you try to turn it around, and it breaks inside the lock!
There are a few options you can solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are some easy fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is among the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner could experience. This can be 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 important to act swiftly and try to get the key out of the way.
It is recommended to call an expert locksmith for this job for this job, as they can use the correct tools to take out the broken key without cause damage to the lock. Many people are looking for something thin and stiff like toothpicks or paperclips. However it is not the best option since they are too heavy to fit into the lock.
The best option is to use a pair of tweezers. They are thin and are able to easily get into the lock. They should be rigid enough to grasp the damaged part of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers it might be worth searching for keys extractors, which are usually sold in auto parts stores. They are thin, flat and have small hooks. They can be put through the keyhole to grab the broken part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal in the lock, and then pull it out. This is not always the best option because it could get caught under the lock and cause further damage to it. In this situation it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people attempt to stick the two pieces of their snapped car key fob repair near me key together using superglue, thinking that it will help them take it out of the lock. This is a risk since the metal pieces could snag and break later. It is also important not to turn the key, because this could cause damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. It is best to contact a professional locksmith who will be ready to remove the broken key and make a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill into a hole
Even with a spare key, you might not be able to access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. In these cases drilling out the lock is the best option.
First, you will want to ensure that the key hole is set up to take a basic tumbler car key. If it's not it, you will not be able to remove the pins without damaging the door, and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.
Next, it is important to know that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with a small drill bit, however, you should not go any further. If you drill too deeply it may harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to get stuck inside the hole.
Wearing a mask or other protective equipment is recommended when using drilling. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
It is also a good idea to have a pair of pliers and tweezers in your possession in the event that the broken piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key to be able to grasp with tweezers or pliers, this will be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, however you'll require a tool such as this one to encase the tool in the lock and then turn it toward the key to grip and take it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you smash your car key in half, it can leave you in a bind. There are fortunately a few methods to fix it without paying for a locksmith. The first step is to use screws or nails. You can find these at home or in the hardware store. But, it is best to try to find the nail that is as thin and as long as you can. You can then insert it into the hole, and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. Make sure that the back of the nails are flat. This will allow it to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will prevent it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners tend to make use of DIY techniques such as using super glue to repair key fob a broken car key, however this is a risky way to go. You could end up ruining the lock and have to pay more for getting a replacement from the dealership or locksmith.
You need to check the keys that have been damaged first and make sure they are the same size. This is vital to ensure that the glued parts will be properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock after they have been bonded. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the broken pieces. This will improve the bond of glue and decrease the likelihood of a future key that is loose.
Once you have polished the edges of the broken key, apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Be careful not to apply too much glue, as this could cause the key to become too thick and it will be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, carefully place the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a few seconds, the glue will start to set and bind the key lock repair near me pieces together.
Another common household item that can be used to extract a broken car key repair shop near me key is a paperclip or bobby pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool, then put into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful if the break is within or close to the keyway or the ignition hole.
A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will need a new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key will have to be reprogrammed with a different code and the chip inside the key will need to be changed. If the metal or shell of the key is damaged it will be necessary to have a new cut. You don't have to reprogramme or replace the electronics.