Why Key Repair Will Be Your Next Big Obsession?
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How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're rushing to get your work done and you put your keys into the ignition. You try to turn the key, but it snaps in the lock.
Luckily, there are several ways you can try to resolve the issue before calling a locksmith. Here are a few easy fixes:1. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
One of the most devastating things that can happen to a car owner is a damaged key in the lock. This can be even more difficult if it happens while the driver is hurrying to get to work or drop off the child. In this situation it is essential to act swiftly and try to free the stuck key.
Contacting a professional locksmith is the best choice, because they'll have the proper tools and know how to take out the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. Many people will look for something thin and stiff, such as a toothpick or paperclip. But it is not the best choice since they are too heavy to fit in the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair tweezers. They are small and are able to easily get inside the lock. They should also be rigid enough to grasp the broken part of the key and pull it out. If you don't have tweezers then you might consider looking for a set of key extractors which are typically sold in auto parts stores. They are narrow, flat and have small hooks. They can be put through the keyhole to grasp the broken piece of the key.
Another option is to find the magnetic key hook that can stick to the metal inside the lock and pull it out. This is not always a good option since it is possible for it to be caught in the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this situation, it's best to call an experienced locksmith.
Some people attempt to stick the two pieces of their broken car key together with superglue, as it can aid them in take it out of the lock. This could be risky since 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. Call a professional locksmith to replace the broken key immediately.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even if you have a spare, you might not be able to gain access to your vehicle. A drill may be the best solution in these instances.
You will first want to ensure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler 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 layer of metal. A small drill bit is enough to cut through these layers, but you need to ensure that you don't go any deeper than that. Drilling too deep can cause damage to the wiring harness, or cause the drill to become stuck.
Wearing a protective mask or equipment is recommended when working with drilling. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting into your respiratory system.
Finally, it is a good idea to have pliers and tweezers available in case the broken key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is extending enough to be held by pliers and tweezers, this is enough to pull it out. If not, you'll have to use a tool such as this to encase it into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grasp it and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
If you smash your car key in half, it could cause you to be in a bind. There are several ways to fix the issue without having to pay a locksmith. The first step is to use a screw or nail. They can be found in your home or at a hardware store. It is best to choose the nail that is as thin and as long as possible. This way, you can place it into the hole and then use epoxy to link the two pieces together. It is also important to ensure that the nail's back is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will prevent it from moving and possibly breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many auto owners opt for DIY hacks, such as using super glue, to fix a broken key. This is a dangerous practice. You could end up ruining the lock and having to shell out more money for finding a replacement at the dealership or a locksmith.
The first step is to examine the keys that are broken and ensure that they are identical in terms of size. This is crucial to ensure that all the pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key will fit in the lock after they have been put in place. After that, use the fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will help the glue bond stronger and reduce the chances of a key falling loose in the future.
After you have polished the edges of the broken key, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Be car remote key repair careful not to apply too much glue, as this could cause the key to become too thick and will have difficulty fitting into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the key that broke, press them together. After some time, the glue will start to set and bond the key fragments together.
Another household item that can be used to to remove a damaged car key is a bobby or paperclip pin, which can be shaped into a pick-like tool and placed inside the lock. This method is particularly useful when the damage is close to or inside the keyway or ignition lock hole.
Another important thing to note is that if your car key has electronic components, it will require the cutting of a new key by the dealership or an experienced locksmith. The key must be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip inside the key needs to be replaced. However, if the shell or metal portion of the key breaks, it usually just requires a new key cut and doesn't require reprogramming or replacing of the electronics.