You're in a rush to get to work and jam your keys into the ignition. You try to turn the key but it is unable to get into the lock.
There are a few things you could try to fix the issue before contacting a professional locksmith. Here are a few quick solutions. Super Glue.
1. Call an expert locksmith
A damaged key in the lock is among the most frustrating things a car owner could face. This is particularly aggravating if the driver is in a rush to get somewhere, or drop off the child. In this case it is imperative to act fast to attempt to get the key out of the way.
A locksmith with experience is the best option, as they will have the right tools and know how to take out the keys broken without damaging the lock. Many people are looking for something small and stiff like toothpicks or paperclips. But, this is not the best choice since they are too large to fit into the lock.
The best solution is to use a pair of tweezers. They are lightweight and easily fit 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 then you might consider trying to locate keys extractors which are typically sold in auto parts stores. These are flat, narrow and have hooks that are small. They can be inserted into the keyhole and then grab the broken part of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal inside the lock, and then remove it. This isn't always the best choice as it could get caught in a lock and cause more damage. In this situation it is best to contact an experienced locksmith.
Some people attempt to glue together the two pieces of a damaged car key with superglue in order to remove it from the lock. This can be dangerous as the metal pieces could snag and break later. It is crucial not to turn the key because it could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. Get a locksmith professional to repair the damaged key immediately.
2. Drill through 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. Drilling out the lock may be the best solution in these situations.
First, you must make sure the keyhole is set up for a basic tumbler. If it isn't then you won't be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.
The next step is to understand that you will be drilling through the outer plastic layer and the inner metal layer. You can drill through these layers using a tiny drill bits, however, you should not go deeper. In the event of drilling too deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness, or cause the drill to become stuck.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear while working using a drill. This will stop dust and dirt from getting into your lungs.
Finally, it is recommended to have pliers and tweezers in your possession in case the broken key is sticking out of the lock. If the key is long enough to be held by pliers and tweezers it will be enough to get it out. If there isn't, however, you will need to use a tool such as this one to encase the tool into the lock and then rotate it towards the key to grasp it and pull it out of the hole.
3. Drill a nail
You may be left in limbo in the event that you break your key in half. There are a number of options to fix the issue without having to hire a locksmith. The first option is to utilize a screw or nail. You can find these at home or in the hardware store. It is recommended to try to find nails that are as thin and long as possible. This means you can put it into the hole and then use epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. Make sure that the back of the nails are flat. This will make it easier to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will stop it from moving and potentially breaking again in the future.
4. Super Glue
Many motorists make use of DIY tricks like using super glue to attempt to fix a damaged car key, however this is a dangerous option to make. You could end up damaging the lock, and have to shell out more to get a new one.
You must examine the keys that are broken first, and ensure that they're the same size. This step is crucial to ensure that the glued parts will be properly aligned and that the key fits into the lock once they are bonded together. After that, use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth the edges of the broken pieces of the key. go here will strengthen the glue's bond and reduce the possibility of a key that is loose.
After polishing the edges after polishing, apply the smallest amount (about an amount of pea-sized) of super glue on one end. Be careful not to use too much glue, 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.
Another common household item that can be used to help 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 in the event that the broken part is inside or near the keyway or ignition hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will require a new key from the locksmith or dealer. This is because the key needs to be programmed with a brand new code and the key chip must be replaced. In contrast, if only the metal or shell of the key is damaged, it usually just requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require replacement or reprogramming of the electronics.
