See What Key Repair Tricks The Celebs Are Using
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're rushing to get to work, and put your keys in the ignition. You try turning the key, but it snaps in the lock.
There are a few ways you can solve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few quick fixes. Super Glue.
1. Call an expert locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is among the worst things a car owner can experience. This can be even more difficult if it happens while the driver is hurrying to get somewhere or to drop off a child. In such a situation it is crucial to act quickly and attempt to get the key out of the way.
A locksmith with experience is the best option as they'll have the proper tools and know how to take out the keys broken without damaging the lock. Many people will look for something small and stiff such as paperclips or toothpicks. But it is not the best solution as they are too thick to fit into the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair of tweezers. They are small and are able to easily get inside the lock. They should also be rigid enough to hold the damaged part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't own tweezers, it could be worth searching for a set that is available at auto parts stores. They are thin, flat and have small hooks. They can be put through the keyhole to take the broken portion of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal of the lock and then pull it out. This is not always the best choice as it can get caught under the lock and cause further damage. In this situation, it's best to call an experienced locksmith.
Some people will try to stick the two pieces of their car key immobiliser repair key that have snapped with superglue as it can aid them in remove it from the lock. This could be risky because the pieces of metal could snag and break later. It is essential not to turn the key as this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to repair the damaged key right away.
2. Drill 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 best option.
It is important to make sure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler key. 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 internal mechanism.
The next step is to know that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and the inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers using a the smallest drill bit however, you should not go any further. If you drill too deeply it may cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick within the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective gear while working using a drill. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.
It is also an excellent idea to keep pliers and tweezers on hand in case the damaged piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is extending enough to be gripped with pliers and tweezers, this is enough to pull it out. If not, you'll need to use a tool such as this to encase it into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grab it and remove it.
3. Drill a Nail
You can be left stranded when you cut your key in half. There are a variety of ways to fix the problem without having to hire an locksmith. The first thing you can do is to use the screw or nail. These can be found in your home or in a hardware store. It is recommended to select a nail as thin and long as possible. This means you can put it into the hole and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. Make sure that the back of the nails is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will keep it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
Many car remote key repair owners tend to resort to DIY hacks like using super glue to repair key a broken car key, however this is not a safe thing to do. You could end up damaging the lock and needing to pay more for getting a replacement from the dealer or locksmith.
You must examine the keys that are broken first to ensure they are of the same size. This is essential to ensure that the glued pieces are properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock once they are bonded together. Then, using a piece fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will improve the bond of glue and decrease 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 to one side. Be careful not to apply too much, because this could cause the key to become too heavy and may be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, 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 fragments together.
Another household item that can be used to to remove a damaged car key is a bobby or paperclip pin that can be made into a pick-like tool, then inserted in the lock. This technique is particularly useful when the damage is located in or near the keyway or the ignition hole.
Another important thing to note is that if your car key is equipped with electronic components that require an entirely new key from the dealership or an experienced locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip in the key needs to be changed. If, however, only the shell or metal portion of the key is damaged it typically requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of the electronic components.