How To Know If You're Ready To Go After Key Repair
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work, in a hurry, and jam your car keys into the ignition. You try to turn it around, and it breaks inside the lock!
There are a few things you can do to solve the issue before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are key repairs : 1. Super Glue.
1. Call a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that could happen to the owner of a car is a broken key in locks. This is especially frustrating if the driver is trying to get somewhere, or pick up the child. In this case it is crucial to act quickly and try to get the key out of the way.
It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith for this job, because he or she will be able to use the appropriate tools to remove the broken key and not cause damage to the lock. A lot of people look around their car to find something light and sturdy such as a paperclip or toothpick, but this typically won't work since it's too heavy to enter the lock.
A much better solution is to find a pair of tweezers since they are very thin and easily reach the key hole in the lock. They should be strong enough to grasp the broken piece of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers then you might consider searching for a set of key extractors, which are usually found in auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with hooks that are small enough to be inserted into the key hole, and then hold onto the broken bit of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal inside the lock and then remove it. This is not always the best option since it can get caught under the lock and cause further damage. In this case it is best to contact an experienced locksmith.
Some people attempt to join two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue in order to take it out of the lock. However, this could be very risky as the bits of metal could stick to each other and then fall apart later. It is also important not to turn the key, because this could cause damage to the lock or the ignition cylinder. It is best to contact a professional locksmith who will be on hand to remove the damaged key and then make a replacement on the spot.
2. Drill 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 instances, drilling out the lock is the most effective option.
It is important to make sure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler. If it's not then you won't have the ability to drill the pins out and cause damage to the lock's door or mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you will drill through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner metal layer. A small drill bit is sufficient to cut through these layers, but you need to be sure to not go further than this. If you drill to deep it may damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to become stuck inside the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear when working using drilling. 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 pliers and tweezers in your bag. If there is enough of the key to grip with tweezers or pliers, this could suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, you'll have to use a tool like this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grab and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
If you cut your car key in half, it could leave you in a bind. There are a variety of ways to solve the issue without the expense of a locksmith. The first step is use the screw or nail. These can be found in your home or in a hardware store. However, it is best to try to find nails that are 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. It is also good to ensure that the nail's back is flat. This will help it to fit in the cut slot of the key. This will keep it from moving and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists resort to DIY hacks, like using super glue to repair a damaged or broken key. This is a risky method. You could damage the lock, and have to shell out more money for a replacement.
First, you need to examine the keys that are broken and make sure they are in terms of size. This is vital to ensure that the glued pieces will be aligned properly and that the key fits into the lock after they have been bonded. 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 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 the other side. Only apply a small amount of super glue, as too much could make the key too large. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the broken key then press them together. After some time the glue will begin to set and bond the key fragments.
Another household item that can be used to help remove a damaged car key is a bobby pin, which can be shaped into a pick-like tool, then inserted in the lock. This technique is especially helpful when the damage is close to or within the keyway or lock hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will require an entirely new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key will have to be reprogrammed using a new code and the chip in the key must be replaced. However, if the shell or metal portion of the key breaks the key, it will usually only require a new key cut and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of the electronics.