How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair

You're in a hurry to get your work done and put your keys in the ignition. You try to turn it, and it snaps off inside the lock!

Luckily, there are a few ways you can attempt to fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are some easy solutions. Super Glue.

1. Contact a locksmith

A damaged key in the lock is among the worst things a car owner could experience. This is especially frustrating if it occurs while the driver is trying to get somewhere or to drop off a child. In this case it is essential to act quickly and attempt to release the stuck key.

It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith for this job for this job, as they can use the right tools to remove the broken key car repair and not cause damage to the lock. A lot of people look around their car for something small and rigid like a paperclip or toothpick, however this usually won't work as it is too thick to enter the lock.

The best option is to search for an tweezers set, as these are quite thin and can easily get into the key hole in the lock. They should be rigid enough to grasp the damaged part of a key and pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it's worth looking for a set available at auto parts stores. They are narrow and flat with small hooks that can be put into the key hole and then grip onto the damaged part of the key.

Another option is to locate an magnetic key hook that will attach to the metal in the lock and be pulled out. This is not always the best option since it could be caught under the lock and cause further damage. In such a scenario, it is best to call locksmith.

Some people attempt to join two pieces of a broken car key with superglue in order to get it out of the lock. This is a risk as the metal pieces could get caught and break later. It is also essential not to turn the key because this could cause damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact a professional locksmith who will be able to take out the broken key and create a replacement on the spot.

2. Drill into a hole

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

First, you must make sure that the keyhole is positioned for a basic tumbler. If it's not, you won't be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door and potentially destroying the lock mechanism.

It is important to keep in mind that you will drill through an outer plastic layer as well as an inner metal layer. A small drill bit is sufficient to cut through these layers, but it is important to be sure not to go any deeper than that. In the event of drilling too deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill to stick.

It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear when working with a drill. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your respiratory system.

It is also an excellent idea to keep a pair of pliers and tweezers available in case the damaged piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is protruding enough to be gripped with tweezers and pliers, then this is enough to pull it out. If not, you'll need to use a tool such as this to wedge it into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grab it and remove it.

3. Drill a nail

You could be left without a home if you break your key in half. There are several methods to fix it, without having to pay for locksmith. The first step is use screws or nails. They can be found in your home or in a hardware store. But, it is best to try to find a nail that is as thin and as long as you can. This way, you can place 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 prevent it from moving and potentially breaking again in future.

4. Super Glue

Many motorists opt for DIY techniques, such as using super glue to fix a broken key. This is a risky method. You could end up damaging the lock and having to pay more for getting a replacement from the dealer or locksmith.

You must examine the keys that have been damaged first, and ensure that they are the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all the glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key fits into the lock after they've been joined. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth out the edges of the broken pieces. This will make the glue bond stronger and reduce the chances of a key falling loose in the future.

After finishing the edges, apply a small amount (about a pea-sized amount) of super glue on the other side. Use only a small amount of super glue, as too much could make the key too thick. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, you can carefully align 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 pieces together.

A paperclip or bobby-pin can also be used to remove a broken key from the lock. They can be shaped like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This method is particularly useful in the event that the broken part is close or within the keyway or lock hole.

A broken car key with electronic components will require an entirely 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 needs to be replaced. However, if the shell or metal portion of the key is damaged the key, it will usually only require an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require any reprogramming or replacing of the electronic components.