Why Key Repair Will Be Your Next Big Obsession

How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair

You're rushing to get to work, and you put your keys into the ignition. You try to turn it around, and it breaks in the lock!

There are a few things you can do to solve the issue before contacting an expert locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions. Super Glue.

1. Contact a locksmith

A broken key in the lock is one of the most unpleasant things a vehicle owner could experience. This is especially frustrating if the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or drop off a kid. In this case it is essential to act swiftly and try to free the stuck key.

Contacting a professional locksmith is the best option, as they'll have the right tools and know how to remove the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. A lot of people look around their car for something thin and rigid like a paperclip or toothpick, but this typically won't work since it's too heavy to be able to get into the lock.

The best solution is to use a pair of tweezers. They are thin and can easily reach into the lock. They should also be strong enough to hold the damaged part of the key and pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it could be worth looking for a set available at auto parts stores. They are thin, flat and have small hooks. They can be inserted into the keyhole and then grasp the broken piece of the key.

A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best option because it could be caught in the lock and cause further damage to it. In this situation it is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith.

Some people attempt to join two pieces of a broken car key repair key using superglue in order to get it out of the lock. However, this is extremely risky because the pieces of metal could snag on to each other and then break apart later. It is important to not turn the key, as this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is best to contact an expert locksmith who will be able to remove the broken key and make an immediate replacement.

2. Drill into a hole

Even having a spare key you may not be able to access your vehicle if a key is broken inside the lock. In these instances drilling the lock is the best option.

You will first want to make sure the keyhole is positioned for a basic tumbler key. If it's not, you won't be able to drill the pins out and cause damage to the lock's door or mechanism.

It is important to keep in mind that you will drill through an outer plastic layer as well as an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with tiny drill bits, but you shouldn't go any further. If you drill to deep it may cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to become stuck in the hole.

Wearing a protective mask or gear is also recommended when working with a drill. This will keep the dust and dirt from entering your respiratory system.

It's also a good idea when the broken piece of key is still sticking out of the lock, to keep a pair pliers and tweezers in your bag. If the key is protruding enough to be held by tweezers and pliers, then this will suffice to get it out. If not, you'll need to use a tool such as this to wedge it into the lock and then turn it toward the key to grab it and remove it.

3. Drill a nail

If you break your car key fob repair key in half, it could cause you to be trapped. There are fortunately some solutions to fix it without paying for a locksmith. The first option is to make use of a screw or nail. You can find them in your house or at the hardware store. It is recommended to try to find nails that are as thin and as long as you can. This way you can fit it in the hole and then use epoxy to link the two pieces together. 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 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 or broken key. This is a dangerous method. You could end up damaging the lock and have to pay more for finding a replacement at the dealer or a locksmith.

First, you need to examine the keys that have been damaged and ensure that they match each other in terms of size. This step is crucial to ensure that the glued parts will be aligned properly 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 damaged pieces. This will improve the glue's bond and reduce the possibility of a key that is loose.

After polishing the edges after polishing, apply a small amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue on one end. Only apply the smallest amount of super glue, since excessive amounts can make the key too large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the broken key, press them together. After several seconds, the glue will start to set and bind the key pieces together.

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

Another thing to remember is that if the broken car key has electronic components, it will require the cutting of a new key repair from the dealer or an experienced locksmith. The key will have to be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip in the key needs to be replaced. However, if the metal or shell of the key fails the key, it will usually only require a new key cut and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of electronic components.