Five Key Repair Lessons Learned From Professionals

How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair

You're heading to work, mobile car key repair in rush, and put your keys repair to your car in the ignition. You try to turn the key, but it snaps in the lock.

Luckily, there are several ways you can attempt to fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are a few easy fixes:: 1. Super Glue.

1. Contact a locksmith

One of the most devastating things that could happen to a car owner is a broken key inside the lock. This can be even more difficult if it happens while the driver is hurrying to get to work or to drop off a child. In such a situation it is crucial to act quickly and try to release the stuck key.

It is recommended to contact an experienced locksmith for this job, because he or she will have the correct tools to take out the broken key and not harm the lock. A lot of people look around the vehicle for something small and rigid such as a paperclip or toothpick, however this usually won't work as it's too heavy to be able to get into the lock.

The best solution is to look for a pair of tweezers, as these are quite thin and easily reach the key hole inside the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to hold the damaged part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it's worth looking for a set sold at auto parts stores. They are narrow, flat and have hooks that are small. They can be inserted in the keyhole and grasp the broken piece of the key.

Another option is to locate an magnetic key hook that is able to stick to the metal inside the lock and be pulled out. This is not always the best choice as it could get caught in the lock and cause further damage. In this case it is advised to contact locksmith.

Some people attempt to glue the two pieces of their car key that have snapped with superglue as this can help them to remove it from the lock. This is a risk as the metal pieces could snag 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 an expert locksmith who will be able to remove the broken key and make a replacement on the spot.

2. Drill through a hole

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

The first step is to make sure that the key hole is designed to take a basic tumbler car key. If it's not, you won't be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door, and possibly destroying the internal lock mechanism.

Next, it is important to understand that you'll be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers with tiny drill bits, but you should not go any further. In the event of drilling too deep, it could damage the internal wiring harness, or cause the drill to become stuck.

Wearing a protective mask or equipment is recommended when working with drilling. This will keep dust and dirt from getting into your respiratory system.

It is also recommended to have pliers and tweezers in your possession in case the broken piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is extending enough to be held by pliers and tweezers this will suffice to get it out. If not, you'll have to use a tool such as this to encase it in the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grab and take it out.

3. Drill a Nail

You can be left stranded when you cut your key in half. There are a number of options to fix the issue without having to pay a locksmith. The first option is to use a nail or screw. These can be found in your home or in a hardware store. It is best to choose a nail as thin and long as you can. This way you can fit it in the hole and then use epoxy to link the two pieces. Make sure that the nail's back is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will prevent it from moving around and possibly breaking again in the future.

4. Super Glue

Many mobile car key repair owners use DIY hacks, such as using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a risky method. You could end up damaging the lock and have to pay more for replacing it from the dealership or a locksmith.

You need to check the keys that have been damaged first and make sure they're the same size. This step is essential to ensure that all the glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key will fit in the lock after they have been joined. After that, use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth the edges of the broken pieces of the key. This will improve the glue's bond and reduce the chance of a key that is loose.

After polishing the edges, apply a small amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue to one end. Only apply a small amount of super glue, as too much could make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the broken key and pressing them together, you can press them. After a few moments the glue will begin to set and join together the key fragments.

Another household item that can be used to remove a damaged car key is a bobby or paperclip pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool and placed inside the lock. This method is especially useful if the break is within or near the keyway or ignition hole.

Another thing to remember is that if your car key has electronic components that require the cutting of a new key from the dealer or an experienced locksmith. This is because the key needs to be programmed with a new code and the chip will need to be replaced. In contrast, if only the metal or shell of the key fails it typically requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require any replacement or reprogramming of the electronic components.