10 Tips To Build Your Key Repair Empire
Wiki Article
How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're headed to work in hurry, and you jam your car keys into the ignition. You try to turn the key, but it snaps in the lock.
There are some things you can do to solve the issue before calling a professional locksmith. Here are a few easy solutions: 1. Super Glue.
1. Call a Locksmith
One of the most devastating things that can happen to a car owner is a broken key inside a lock. This can be particularly frustrating when the driver is in a hurry to get somewhere, or pick up the child. In this case, you should act quickly to try and 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 that are broken without damaging the lock. Many people are looking for something small and stiff like paperclips or toothpicks. 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 thin and easily fit inside the lock. They should be rigid enough to grab the broken part of a key, and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers then you might consider looking for keys extractors which are typically found in auto parts stores. They are narrow, flat and have hooks that are small. They can be put in the keyhole and grab the broken part of the key.
Another option is to locate a magnetic key hook that is able to be affixed to the metal inside the lock and then 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 case it is recommended to call a locksmith.
Some people will try to stick the two pieces of their snapped car key together with superglue, as this can help them to remove it from the lock. This can be dangerous because the pieces of metal may tangle and break later. It is crucial not to turn the key because it could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Contact a professional locksmith to repair the damaged key on the spot.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be capable of opening the door to your vehicle. A drill may be the best option in these instances.
You will first want to make sure that the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler key. If it's not there, you won't be able to drill out the pins and cause damage to the lock's door or internal mechanism.
Next, it is important to understand that you'll be drilling through the outer plastic layer and an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers using a the smallest drill bit however, you should not go deeper. If you drill too deep it may harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill keys repair bit to stick in the hole.
Wearing a protective mask or equipment is also recommended when using a drill. This will keep dust and dirt from entering your lungs.
It is also an excellent idea to keep 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 held by pliers and tweezers this will suffice to get it out. If not, you'll need to use an instrument like this to wedge it into the lock and then turn it toward the key to grab it and take it out.
3. Drill a nail
You may be left in limbo when you cut your key in half. There are fortunately several ways to fix it without having to pay for a locksmith. The first thing you can do is to use a screw or nail. These can be found in your home or at a hardware store. It is recommended to pick the nail that is 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. Make sure that the back of the nails are flat. 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 use DIY hacks, like using super glue, to repair a damaged key. This is a risky practice. You could end up ruining the lock and needing to pay more for getting a replacement from the dealer or locksmith.
It is important to examine the keys that have been damaged first and make sure they're the same size. This is crucial to ensure that all the glued pieces are aligned correctly and that the key will fit into the lock after they've been joined. Then, using a piece of fine-grit paper or a metal filing, smooth the edges of the broken pieces. This will help the glue bond stronger and reduce the chances of a key falling loose in the future.
After polishing the edges after polishing, apply a small amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue to one side. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue as too much can make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After aligning the two pieces of the broken key then 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 to remove a broken key from an lock. They can be cut like a pick and inserted into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful in the event that the broken part is in or close to the keyway or ignition hole.
A car key that is damaged and has electronic components will need a new key from the locksmith or dealer. This is because the key needs to be programmed with a brand new code and the chip must be replaced. However, if the shell or metal portion of the key is damaged, it usually just requires the cutting of a new key and doesn't require any reprogramming or replacing of the electronics.