How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair You're heading to work, in a hurry, and jam your keys to your car in the ignition. You try turning the key however it locks. the lock. There are a few things you can do to fix the problem before contacting an experienced locksmith. Here are some quick fixes:1. Super Glue. 1. Call a locksmith One of the worst things that can happen to a car owner is a broken key in locks. This is especially frustrating when the driver is trying to get somewhere, or pick up the child. In this situation, it is important to act quickly and try to get the key out of the way. It is best to call an experienced locksmith for this task for this job, as they can use the right tools to remove the broken key and not cause damage to the lock. A lot of people look around the vehicle for something thin and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, but this usually won't work as it's too heavy to be able to get into the lock. The best option is to find an tweezers set, since they are very thin and can easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to grasp the broken part of the key and remove it. If you don't have tweezers, it's worth searching for a set available at auto parts stores. They are narrow and flat with small hooks that can be placed into the key hole and then grip onto the broken bit 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 isn't always a good option because it could become stuck under the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In such a scenario it is advised to contact an expert locksmith. Some people will try to stick the two pieces of their snapped car key together with superglue, as it will help them get it out of the lock. This could be risky because the pieces of metal may tangle and break later. It is crucial not to turn the key, as it could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to repair the broken key immediately. 2. Drill a hole Sometimes a key breaks inside the lock, and even with an extra key, you may not be able to gain access to your vehicle. In these instances, drilling out the lock is the best choice. First, you must make sure the keyhole is positioned to accept a basic tumbler key. If it isn't it, you will not be able to drill the pins without damaging the door, and possibly damaging the lock mechanism. It is also important to understand that you'll 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 deeper. If you drill too deeply, it can damage the internal wiring harness, or cause the drill to stick. Wearing a protective mask or equipment is advised when using a drill. This will stop dust and dirt from getting into your lungs. It is also an excellent idea to keep a pair of pliers and tweezers available in the event that the broken key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is long enough to be held by pliers and tweezers it will be enough to get it out. If not, you'll need to use an instrument such as this to wedge it in the lock, and then rotate it towards the key to grasp it and pull it out. 3. Drill a nail If you break your car key in half, it can cause you to be trapped. Luckily, there are several methods to fix it without paying for locksmith. The first way is to utilize a screw or nail. They can be found in your home or at a local hardware store. car key fob repair is recommended to select a nail as thin and long as you can. So you can insert it into the hole and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces. It is also important to ensure that the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will stop it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future. 4. Super Glue A lot of car owners resort to DIY hacks like using super glue to try and fix a broken car key, however this is a risky way to go. You could end up ruining the lock and needing to shell out more money for getting a replacement from the dealership or locksmith. The first step is to examine the keys that are broken and make sure they are identical in terms of size. This step is essential to ensure that all pieces that have been glued are aligned correctly and that the key will fit into the lock after they've been bonded. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will strengthen the bond of glue and decrease the chance of a key that is loose. After polishing the edges after polishing, apply the smallest amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue to the other side. Use only tiny amounts of super glue, since excessive amounts can make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After that, carefully align the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a few moments, the glue will begin to set and bond to the key pieces. Another household item that can be used to to remove a damaged car key is a bobby or paperclip pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool and put into the lock. This technique is especially helpful in the event that the broken part is close or within the keyway or lock hole. Another important thing to note is that if your car key is equipped with electronic components, it will require a new key cut from the dealership or an experienced locksmith. The key will have to be reprogrammed with a different code and the chip inside the key will need to be replaced. If only the shell or metal part of the key is damaged it will be necessary to get a new cut. It is not necessary to reprogramme or replace electronic components.
car key fob repair