10 Healthy Key Repair Habits
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work in a hurry, and jam your keys to your car in the ignition. Then you try turning it around, and it breaks in the lock!
There are a few things you can try to fix the issue before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are a few easy fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Call for a locksmith
One of the worst things that could happen to the owner of a car is a damaged key in the lock. This is particularly aggravating when the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or to drop off a kid. In this scenario, you should act quickly to try and free the stuck key.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best choice, as they will have the right tools and know how to remove the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. Many people will have a look around the vehicle for something small and rigid like a paperclip, or toothpick, but these usually won't work as it's too heavy to enter the lock.
The best option is to find a pair of tweezers because they are thin and can easily reach the key hole within the lock. They should also be rigid enough to grasp the broken part of the key and remove it. If you don't own tweezers it might be worth looking for key extractors that are often available in auto parts stores. They are thin and flat with small hooks that can be put into the key hole, and then hold onto the broken bit of the key.
Another possible solution is to locate an magnetic key hook that is able to be affixed to the metal inside the lock and then pull it out. This isn't always a good idea since it is possible for it to get caught under the lock and cause further damage to it. In this instance it is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith.
Some people attempt to stick the two pieces of their broken car key together using superglue, thinking that it can aid them in take it out of the lock. This could be risky since the metal pieces could get caught and break later. It is also essential not to turn the key, as this can cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to replace the broken key immediately.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even with an extra key, you may not be capable of opening the door to your vehicle. In these cases drilling the lock is the best option.
The first step is to ensure that the key hole is set to accept a standard tumbler car key. If it's not there, you won't have the ability to remove the pins and cause damage to the lock's door or internal mechanism.
It is important to note that you'll be drilling through the outer layer of plastic as well as an inner metal layer. A small drill bit will suffice to get through these layers, but it is important to ensure that you don't go any deeper than this. If you drill too deeply, it could cause damage to the wiring harness or cause the drill bit to stick in the hole.
Wearing a protective mask or equipment is recommended when working with a drill. This will keep the dust and dirt from entering your lung.
It's also a good idea when the broken piece of key remains stuck in the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers at hand. If there is enough of the fob key repair protruding to grip with tweezers or pliers, this could suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not, however you'll require tools like this one to wedge the tool inside the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grasp it and take it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
If you cut your Remote car key repair near me key in half, it could cause you to be stranded. There are several ways to fix the issue without having to hire a locksmith. The first method is to utilize a screw or nail. These are available at your home or at a local hardware store. However, it is best to try to find nails that are as thin and long as possible. This way, you can place it into the hole and then use epoxy to join the two pieces. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will keep it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners use DIY hacks, like using super glue to keyless entry repair a damaged or broken key. This is a dangerous method. You could damage the lock and be forced to shell out more for a replacement.
First, you need to examine the keys that are broken and make sure that they are in terms of size. This is crucial to ensure that all glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key will fit inside the lock once they have been bonded. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will help make the glue bond better and reduce the chances of a key falling loose in the future.
Once you have polished the edges of the damaged key, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Be careful not to use too much glue, as this can cause the key to become too heavy and may be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, you can carefully place the two pieces of the key and press them together. After some time, the glue will start to set and join the key fragments together.
A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used as a tool to remove a broken key from a lock. They can be cut like a pick and inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly useful if the break is in or close to the keyway or the ignition hole.
Another important point to keep in mind is that if the damaged remote car key repair near me key has electronic components, it will require the cutting of a new key from the dealership or a professional locksmith. This is because the key needs to be programmed using a new code and the chip needs to be replaced. If, however, only the metal or shell of the key is damaged it typically requires a new key cut and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of the electronics.