Key Repair Tools To Make Your Day-To-Day Life
Key Repair Tools To Make Your Day-To-Day Life
Blog Article
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work in rush, and put your keys to your car in the ignition. Then you try turning it, and it snaps off from the lock!
There are a few ways you can fix it before calling a locksmith. Here are some easy fixes. Super Glue.
1. Contact a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that can happen to the owner of a car is a damaged key in the lock. This is especially frustrating if the driver is in a rush to get somewhere, or drop off a kid. In such a situation, it is important to act quickly and try to free the stuck key.
It is recommended to call an expert locksmith for this job as they can use the right tools to remove the broken key and not damage the lock. Many people will have a look around their car to find something light and sturdy like a paperclip, or toothpick, however this typically won't work since it's too thick to fit into the lock.
A much better solution is to look for a pair of tweezers as these are quite thin and can easily reach the key hole in the lock. They should also be rigid enough to grasp the broken part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it might be worth searching for a set that is sold at auto parts stores. They are narrow and flat with small hooks that can be inserted into the key hole and grip onto the broken bit of the key.
Another possible solution is to locate a magnetic key hook that can stick to the metal inside the lock and pull it out. This isn't always the best choice as it can get caught under a lock and cause more damage. In this instance it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith.
Some people attempt to join two pieces of a damaged car key using superglue in order to take it out of the lock. This is a risk as the metal pieces could snag and break later. It is important to not turn the key because this could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith who will be ready to remove the broken key and make an immediate replacement.
2. Drill through a hole
Even with a spare key, you may not be able access your vehicle if the key breaks inside the lock. In these situations, drilling out the lock is the best option.
The first step is to ensure that the key hole is set to accept a basic tumbler car key. If it isn't, you won't be able to remove the pins without damaging the door and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.
It is important to note that you will drill through an outer plastic layer as well as an inner metal layer. A small drill bit is enough to cut through these layers, but it more info is important to be sure not to go further than this. If you drill too deeply, it can damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill to become stuck.
It is also recommended to wear a mask and protective equipment when working with a drill. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your respiratory system.
Finally, it is an excellent idea to keep a pair of pliers and tweezers in your possession in case the broken piece of the key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is long enough to be able to be grasped with pliers and tweezers this is enough to pull it out. If not you'll need to use a tool such as this one to encase the tool inside the lock and then turn it towards the key to grip and take it out of the hole.
3. Drill a Nail
You may be left in limbo if you break your key in half. There are fortunately a few ways to fix it without having to pay for a locksmith. The first way is click here to make use of a screw or nail. These are available at your home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to look for nails that are as thin and as long as you can. You can then insert it into the hole and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces. It is also important to make sure the back of the nail is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will stop it from moving around and breaking in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many auto owners opt for DIY hacks, like using super glue, to repair a damaged key. This is a dangerous practice. You could end up damaging the lock, and have to shell out more money to replace it.
The first step is to take a look at the keys that have been damaged and ensure that they are identical in terms of size. This is essential here to ensure that the pieces are properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock after they have been bonded. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or website a metal filing, smooth the edges of the damaged pieces. This will strengthen the glue's bond and decrease the likelihood of a future loose key.
After you have polished the edges of the key repairs broken key and polished them, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Be cautious not to apply too much, as this can cause the key to become too thick and it will be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the key that broke, press them together. After a short time the glue will begin to set and bond together the key fragments.
A bobby-pin or a paperclip can also be used as a tool to remove a broken key from a lock. They can be shaped like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful if the break is inside or close to the keyway or the ignition hole.
Another important point to keep in mind is that if your car key is equipped with electronic components and requires an entirely new key from the dealer or an experienced locksmith. The key will need to be reprogrammed using a new code, and the chip inside the key needs to be replaced. However, if the shell or metal portion of the key is damaged the key, it will usually only require a new key cut and doesn't require any reprogramming or replacing of the electronics.