Tips For a Broken Car Key Repair
It can be frustrating when a key breaks in the ignition. To avoid further damage, don't force the key.
Instead, seek professional help immediately. A locksmith can take out the broken part without causing more damage. While you wait, take the bus or ride with someone else.
Assessing the damage
A broken car key is an absolute pain. It could hinder you from getting to where need to go, cause you to lose time and money and could even result in expensive repairs to your vehicle. It is important to keep in mind some of the best practices for fixing keys that have become damaged to help you solve the problem quickly.
The first and most important thing to remember is never try to remove a damaged key on your own. This could cause more damage and damage your ignition cylinder or lock. Modern locksmiths are equipped with the necessary tools to extract a damaged car key without causing further damage.
The car key could break due to a variety of reasons, such as damage, wear or improper handling. The key may become worn out and not can be used in the ignition. This can be due to normal usage or after being exposed to extreme weather conditions.
A blockage in the ignition cylinder or keyway could also cause your car key to break. This could be due to dirt or debris that has accumulated over time, and it could cause problems with the grooves of your key. If you have a modern key with electronic functions, the issue could be caused by issues with the battery, or the way your car connects to the keys.
Contact a locksmith right away when your car key is broken within the ignition or door lock. It's best to avoid damaging the car by trying to force out the key.
Super glue is not the most effective method of repairing your car keys. This will likely break after a couple of uses and won't be as efficient as a reputable tool from professional locksmith. Instead, use a thick wire or a nail to close the loop of plastic that has broken. If possible, drill a hole in each end of the wire or nail to the width of the key, then apply glue to both holes. Let it dry completely before you use the key.
Remove the broken part
It is possible to take the damaged car key from a door lock, however, it requires careful attention to prevent further damage. You can do this with a good set of needle nose pliers as well as penetrating oils. A jigsaw blade that has downward-facing teeth can also be helpful in latching onto the broken piece inside the lock and pulling it out at a straight angle. Avoid twisting the bit as this could cause it to break completely or cause damage to the ignition cylinder.
If the key is damaged inside the lock, you will have to call locksmiths for a replacement or visit your dealer. If there's enough of the broken piece sticking out it is possible to grab it with the help of pliers. Be careful not to turn the key using pliers or screwdrivers, because you could cause the key to break or cause damage to the lock and ignition.
For a more permanent solution you can try using super glue to close up the plastic loop that is broken on your key. Use a gel glue not a liquid type. Let it dry before putting your key into the lock. This method is not recommended, as a mistake could lead to misalignments which can cause damage to the lock and ignition system.
If you prefer, you can make use of a long wire or finishing nail to replace the loop on your car keys. Make use of a drill for two holes in the broken loop of plastic for each end of the nail or wire. Apply a small amount super glue to each hole after cutting the wire or nail to the same length as the key. Then, insert the nail or wire into the holes and close up the broken plastic loop on the car key.
Keep both pieces of the broken car key. This will allow professional locksmiths to create an exact copy. This reduces the chance of problems with the new key, thereby saving your time and money in the long in the long.
Getting a New Key
Sometimes keys to cars break in a way that makes it impossible to start the car. It could happen when you use too much force when turning the key and it snaps off in the ignition. It could also happen if you use your key fob to open the door, and then it becomes stuck or snags. It is best to call a locksmith assist you if this happens.
It's a huge problem to have a broken key in your ignition as you can't drive your vehicle until the problem is fixed. This is because the key is used to switch the car on and off as well as to unlock the doors and enable other functions. There are fortunately, a few steps you can take to fix your broken key in the ignition before it turns into a more serious problem.
It is recommended to first take the broken part of your key by using pliers. If you are lucky, your car key may have been damaged close to the top of the lock and be easy to remove from the lock. If it broke at the bottom, you'll face more difficulty removing it on your own, and you may need to use a pair of specially designed tools. These tools are narrow, flat and have small hooks at the end. They grasp onto the key's fragment and pull it out. You can also apply an lubricant like liquid or powder to loosen the key and make it more to remove.
Another option is calling a mobile locksmith to visit and repair your damaged key. This is typically less expensive than going to a dealer and will save you time. They can also make an entirely new key that is compatible with the key that you have already got and is especially crucial for newer cars with chip-based programmable technology.
In the end, you may try to re-attach the two pieces of your key with super glue. This is a risky option however it may work. Be cautious not to cause your key to become stuck in the ignition again.
Programming the New Key
Depending on the kind of key you have, it may not be possible to program it on your own. Only a dealer or locksmith can do this, because it protects your security system of your car from unauthorized access. This is a necessity to prevent people from using different keys to start your car, and possibly steal it. However, it can make the process more complex especially if you need to replace the fob.
If you're in a rush it's easy to apply too much force when turning the key to unlock or open your car. This could result in the key being snagged or break in half inside the lock. It could also mean that the key is stuck in the ignition, blocking you from starting your car. This could be frustrating and disrupt your schedule. Fortunately, there are ways to deal with this issue before it becomes a major source of an issue.
In some cases you can take a broken key fragment from the lock using basic tools you already have at home. Tweezers can be useful for grabbing small fragments and pliers can be useful to remove the key. You can also use a key extractor that is a tool specifically designed for this purpose that is typically found at auto parts stores. You could also try spraying the lock with lubricant to aid in the extraction process.
It's also important to keep the two pieces of the broken key. This helps the locksmith create a more precise duplicate that can accelerate the process of replacing it. It can also help you get back on the road sooner. If you don't own any spare working keys and you're in need of a replacement, ask the dealership to start your car using the new key, and then use it to program the new one.
You can also purchase a second key and insert it into the ignition to program the vehicle's computer. After a few moments then, turn the ignition switch to "on" but do not start the vehicle. Then, change to your new key. The process could last between a few minutes up to several hours. You'll need a way to travel around until the process is complete. broken car key repair can take public transportation or ask your friends to take you to the airport.