5 Key Repair Lessons Learned From Professionals

How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair

You're rushing to get to work and jam your keys into the ignition. You try to turn the key but it is unable to get into the lock.

There are a few things you can do to fix the problem before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are  key repairs . Super Glue.

1. Call for a locksmith

One of the worst things that can happen to a car owner is a broken key in a lock. This can be even more difficult if it happens while the driver is trying to get to work or drop off the child. In  ignition key repair near me , you should act quickly to try and free the stuck key.

A locksmith with experience is the best option, because they'll have the proper tools and know how to get rid of the broken keys without damaging the lock. Many people will look for something that is thin and rigid such as a toothpick or paperclip. However, this is not the best option since they are too thick to fit inside 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 also be rigid enough to hold the damaged part of the key and pull it out. If you don't own tweezers then you might consider looking for keys extractors that are often available in auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have tiny hooks. They can be put in the keyhole and grab the broken part of the key.

A magnetic key hook can be used to adhere to the metal of the lock, and then pull it out. This is not always a good idea, as it can sometimes become stuck under the lock and cause further damage to it. In such a situation it is recommended to contact a locksmith.

Some people attempt to join two pieces of a broken car key with superglue in order to get it out of the lock. However, this is extremely risky since the pieces of metal could stick to each other and then break apart again later on. It is essential not to turn the key as this could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact a professional locksmith who will be able to take out the damaged key and then make a replacement on the spot.

2. Drill into a hole

Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be able to gain access to your vehicle. Drilling out the lock may be the best solution in these situations.

First, you need to make sure that the key hole is set up to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it's not then you won't be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door, and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.

It is also important to understand that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and the inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers using a a small drill bit, however, you should not go any further. If you drill too deeply, it can cause damage to the wiring harness, or cause the drill to snag.

It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear when working with a drill. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lung.

It's also a good idea, when the broken piece of key is still sticking out of the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers handy. If the key is extending enough to be able to be grasped with pliers and tweezers it will be enough to get it out. If not, you will need to use an instrument like this one to wedge the tool inside the lock and then turn it towards the key to grasp it and pull it out of the hole.

3. Drill a nail

If you break your car key in half, it can leave you in a bind. There are several ways to solve the issue without having to hire a locksmith. The first step is use screws or nails. You can find them at home or at the hardware store. It is recommended to select nails that are as thin and as long as you can. This means you can put it into the hole, and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces. Make sure that the back of the nails are flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will stop it from moving around and potentially breaking again in the future.

4. Super Glue

Many car owners opt for DIY hacks, such as using super glue to repair a damaged key. This is a dangerous method. You could end up ruining the lock and needing to pay more for finding a replacement at the dealer or locksmith.

First, examine the keys that have been damaged and ensure that they are in terms of size. This is essential to ensure that the pieces will be properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock once they are bonded together. After that, you can use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the broken pieces of the key. This will help make the glue stick better and decrease the chance of a loose key in the future.

After you have polished the edges of the broken key and polished them, 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 thick and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the broken key then press them together. After several seconds, the glue will start to set and bind the key fragments.

Another common household item that can be used to extract a broken car key is a bobby or paperclip pin, which can be shaped into a pick-like device and placed inside the lock. This technique is particularly useful when the damage is located inside or close to the keyway or ignition hole.

Another important point to keep in mind is that if the broken car key has electronic components, it will require a new key cut from the dealership or an experienced locksmith. This is because the key needs to be programmed with a new code and the chip must be replaced. However, if the shell or metal portion of the key fails it typically requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of electronics.