A Step-By-Step Guide To Selecting The Right Broken Car Key Repair
Tips For a Broken Car Key Repair
A broken key in the ignition can be extremely annoying. Do not forcefully turn it to avoid further damage to the lock and the ignition cylinder.
Instead, seek professional help immediately. A locksmith will be able to remove the broken piece with no further damage. While you wait, you can take the bus or get a ride with a friend.
Damage Assessment
A car key that is damaged can be a major inconvenience. It can hinder you from getting to where you 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 tips for repairing a broken car keys to help you solve the issue fast.
Do not attempt to remove a key that has broken by yourself. This could exacerbate the situation and damage the cylinder of your ignition or lock. Modern locksmiths have the tools necessary to extract a damaged car key, without causing damage.
It could be due to wear, damage, or simply mishandling, there are many reasons why your car key might break. The key may become worn out and cannot fits into the ignition. This can happen due to normal use or being exposed harsh weather conditions.
A blockage in the keyway or ignition cylinder can also cause your car key to break. This could be due to dirt or debris that has built up over time and could cause problems with the grooves on your key. If you have an electronic key that has modern functions, the issue can also be caused by problems with the battery, or how your car connects to the keys.
Call a locksmith immediately in the event that your car keys break in the ignition or door lock. If you try to get the key out could cause further damage, so it's always best to be safe and seek help from an expert.
If you do decide to attempt to repair your car keys yourself, don't use super glue. It's likely to break after a few use and will not be as effective as the appropriate tool that locksmiths use. Instead, use thick wire or a nail for closing the damaged plastic loop. 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. Allow it to dry completely before using the key.
Take out the broken part
It is possible to take the car key that is broken from the door lock, but it requires careful precision to avoid further damage. A set of needle-nose pliers as well as penetrating oil can assist you to in this. A jigsaw blade that has downward-facing teeth could be useful for latching onto the broken bit inside the lock and pulling it out at an even angle. Avoid twisting the bit since this may break it off completely or cause damage to the ignition cylinder.
If the key has a break inside the lock you will need to contact locksmiths for an exchange or visit your dealer. If the broken part is large enough to be grabbed with pliers, it may be possible. Beware of turning the key using pliers or a screwdriver, because this could cause it to break even more or cause other damage to the lock or ignition.
Super glue can be used to fix the broken loop on your key. Make sure you use a gel glue, not a liquid type. Dry it before putting your key in the lock. This isn't a good idea since a lapse in judgement could easily lead to misalignments that damage the lock or ignition system, and result in more costly repairs down the line.
Another option is to use a thick wire or nail to finish to serve as a temporary key loop replacement. Use a drill to make two holes in the broken plastic loop for each end of the nail or wire. Cut the wire or nail to the same length as the key, then apply small amounts of super glue on each hole. Then, slide the nail or wire through the holes to seal the broken loop on your key.
Keep the two pieces of your broken car key. This will make it easier for professional locksmiths to create an exact copy. This will reduce the chances of problems with your new key, and will save you time and money.
How do I obtain a new key
Sometimes, keys for cars can break in a way that it's difficult to start the vehicle. This can happen if you apply too much pressure when turning the key, and it snaps in the ignition. It could also happen if you use your key fob to open the door and then it gets stuck or snags. You'll need a locksmith to assist you in this situation.
A broken key in the ignition could be a major hassle since you won't be able to drive your car until it's fixed. This is because the key is used to switch the car off and on as well as to unlock the doors and enable other features. Fortunately, there are some steps you can do to fix the broken key in the ignition before it turns into an even more serious issue.
First, you should try to remove the broken part of your key using pliers. If you're lucky enough, the car key broke near the top and will be a breeze to get out of the lock. If the key was broken at the bottom of the lock, you'll have more difficulty removing it by yourself and may require the use of specialized tools. These tools are flat, narrow and have hooks with small holes at the end. They cling to the fragment of the key and pull it away. You can also use an lubricant like liquid or powder to loosen the key and make it easier removable.
Another option is to contact an emergency locksmith who will arrive and repair your damaged key. This is typically less expensive than going to a dealer and can save your time. They can also make keys that match your car's existing key which is particularly important for cars that have programmable chip technology.
You could also try to reconnect the two pieces of your key with super glue. This is a risky approach however it can be successful. Just be careful not to cause the key to become stuck in the lock or ignition.
The New Key is Programming
It is possible that you will not be able to reprogram your key by yourself, based on the type. Only a dealer or locksmith can do that, because it protects your security system of your car from unauthorized access. This is an essential step to ensure that no one uses another key to start your vehicle and possibly stealing it. It does complicate the process particularly if the fob needs to be replaced.
In a hurry it's not difficult to use too excessive pressure when turning the key to unlock or lock your vehicle. The key can break or get stuck inside the lock if you apply too excessive force. The key could also become stuck in the ignition and prevent you from starting your car. This can be frustrating and disrupt your schedule. There are keys repair to address this issue before it gets out of control.
In some cases you can get rid of the broken key from the lock with basic tools you already have at home. Tweezers work well for small fragments and pliers for prying out the key. You can also make use of an key extractor from an auto parts store. You could also try spraying lubricant in the lock to aid in the extraction process.
It's also important to keep both pieces of the damaged key. This allows the locksmith to create a more precise duplicate which will speed up the replacement process. It can also help you get back on the road faster. If you don't have spare keys that work, you can ask the dealership to start your vehicle with the new key, and then use it to program the new one.
You can also buy a second key from the locksmith and then insert it into the ignition to put the vehicle's computer system into programming mode. After a short time, turn the ignition key to "on", but don't start the car. Then, switch to the new key. The process could take anywhere from just a few minutes or some hours, so you'll need to be able to get around until the process is completed. This could mean using public transportation or relying on family members to take you for an ride.