How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair

You're headed to work, in a hurry, and jam your keys to your car in the ignition. Then you try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps from the lock!

There are a few things you can try to fix the issue before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are some easy fixes. Super Glue.

1. Call a Locksmith

A broken key in the lock is one of the worst things a car owner could face. This situation is even more difficult if it happens while the driver is trying to get to work or drop off an infant. In this situation it is crucial to act quickly and attempt to get the key out of the way.

Calling an experienced locksmith is the best choice, as they'll have the proper tools and know how to take out the keys broken without damaging the lock. Many people will have a look around their car for something small and rigid such as a paperclip or Auto Key Repair Near Me toothpick, however this isn't likely to work as it's too heavy to be able to get into the lock.

The best option is to use a pair tweezers. They are small and easily fit into the lock. They should be strong enough to grab the broken part of a key and pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it's worth searching for a set available at Auto Key Fob Repair parts stores. They are narrow, flat and have hooks that are small. They can be put in the keyhole and grab the broken part of the key.

Another option is to locate the magnetic key hook that is able to attach to the metal in the lock and be pulled out. This is not always the best choice as it could be caught under a lock and cause more damage. In this situation it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith.

Some people attempt to join the two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue in order to remove it from the lock. This can be dangerous as the metal pieces may tangle and break later. It is essential not to turn the key because this could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to repair keys near me the broken key right away.

2. Drill into a hole

Even with a spare key you might not be able to access your vehicle if a key is broken inside the lock. In these cases drilling out the lock is the most effective option.

First, you will want to make sure that the key hole is designed to take a basic tumbler car key. If it isn't it, you will not be able to drill the pins without damaging the door and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.

The next step is to be aware that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with a small drill bit, but you shouldn't go any further. Drilling too deep can cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill to become stuck.

It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear while working using a drill. This will keep dust and dirt from entering your lung.

It is also recommended to have a pair of pliers and tweezers on hand in the event that the broken key is sticking out of the lock. If there is enough of the key protruding to grip with tweezers or pliers, this could be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you'll have to use a tool such as this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it toward the key to grab and pull it out.

3. Drill a nail

You may be left in limbo when you cut your key in half. There are several ways to fix the problem without the expense of an locksmith. The first option is to use a nail or screw. They are available at home or in a hardware store. It is recommended to select nails that are as thin and as long as possible. This will allow you to fit it into the hole, and then use epoxy to link the two pieces. Make sure that the back of the nails are flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will stop it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in future.

4. Super Glue

Many motorists resort to DIY hacks, such as using super glue to fix a broken key. This is a risky method. You could end up ruining the lock and needing to pay more for replacing it from the dealership or locksmith.

First, you need to take a look at the keys that are broken and ensure that they are in terms of size. This step is crucial to ensure that the pieces will be aligned properly and that the key fits into the lock after they are bonded together. Then, use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges of the broken pieces of the key. This will help make the glue bond stronger and reduce the chances of a loose key in the future.

Once you have polished the edges of the damaged key then apply a small amount of 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, you can carefully place the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a few minutes, the glue will begin to set and bind together the key fragments.

A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used to extract a broken key from the lock. They can be cut like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly useful if the break is inside or near the keyway or ignition hole.

A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will require a new key from the locksmith or dealer. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a different code, and the chip inside the key needs to be changed. If only the metal or shell of the key breaks it will be necessary to replace the cut. You don't have to reprogramme or replace the electronic components.