How to Repair Broken Car Keys
You need a quick solution when your car key breaks. auto key repair can either wait for the dealership to offer you a new one which can be a hassle or find alternative ways to travel, such as using public transport or relying on your friends to take you around.
You can try some DIY fixes, but only if you have the proper tools. These include needle-nose pliers and penetrating oil.
Assessing the damage
There's nothing more annoying than getting in your car to head out only to discover that your keys have broken in the ignition. It's a common problem that can occur to anyone, and it can be extremely stressful when you're trying to get to where you want to go.
The first thing you need to do is take an exhale and try not to get stressed. If you're calm, you'll be able to make more rational choices and avoid further damage.
Examine the key that was damaged to determine which components remain intact and how much of it is inside the lock or ignition cylinder. If the damaged part is in the lock you can spray a lubricant such as WD-40 on the area to loosen it and make it easier to remove. If the broken part is in the ignition you will need to remove it using an instrument that is specifically designed for this purpose, known as an extractor for keys.
If the key is inside the key ring, you can try to bend it back with pliers. This can be a challenge particularly if the break is near one of the connectors. If you're unable to bend it back into its place it is possible to use a paperclip to grab the end of the key and pull straight outward.
If you attempt to force the key in the ignition, it could cause more damage. It may become impossible to remove. If you're not able to remove the damaged key, it's best to call a professional locksmith or visit your car dealership.
Many different hacks are available online that claim to fix damaged car keys, but some can actually make the situation worse. If you attempt to remove a broken car key using the help of a screwdriver, it could push the key further into the ignition. It could even damage the lock. To avoid this, not insert anything else into the keyhole besides a special tool that is designed for removing keys from cars.
Remove the broken piece
A car key is fragile and can break inside the ignition with a slight bump or excessive use. It isn't easy to fix this problem without the help of an expert. If you attempt to repair the damaged key on your own could cause further damage. Super glue and other hacks are not recommended since they can be difficult to remove and may cause further damage to the ignition cylinder.
It is also a bad choice to use a magnet to remove the broken key. Magnets can cause damage to electrical components inside the ignition cylinder and make it more difficult to get rid of the damaged key. Utilizing excessive force or sudden movements when attempting to turn the key is a common mistake that could lead to a broken car key.
If the key fragment remains visible and exposed, pliers or tongs can be employed. If the key is stuck in the ignition but not visible, a tiny hacksaw blade or other tools with a thin profile can be inserted into the ignition to catch the edge of the broken car key and then pull it out.
Another option is to apply penetrating oil to provide lubrication to the keyhole and reduce friction. Applying the oil and letting it sit for a few minutes can help in the removal of the broken key fragment. If the oil does not work, you can employ an extractor for keys to remove the broken key fragment from the ignition.
A locksmith will need to replace the key if it is completely broken in the ignition. A professional locksmith will reassemble all the pieces and use them as a model to design the new key which is as close as possible to the original. This guarantees that the key works effectively and minimizes the chance of misalignment within the lock or ignition. This can cause further problems that need costly and time-consuming repair. Regularly replacing and checking the keys for cars is recommended to prevent them from becoming worn out or damaged.
Removing the Broken Blade from the Ignition
You could cause more damage if you push the key into the ignition. Instead, look for tools you might have in your home to try and remove it in a safe manner.
In this scenario, tweezers come in handy. They can grab a broken piece of a key for your car and assist you in pulling it out. There are also dental picks, which are thin pointed tools that could be used. You can also use coat hangers made of wire, which is flexible enough to fit into the lock. You may want to consider tapping the metal on a hard surface first to avoid jarring keys that are broken loose.
Another option is to use the mini hacksaw blade which you can usually find in hardware stores. It is smaller than a screwdriver, and it can slip in the lock to secure the damaged car key piece. This might be enough to get it out without damaging the ignition. You can also use thin needle-nosed pliers that will connect to the broken car key. If you're using a tool such as this, be sure to keep acetone or cotton swabs in your arsenal to remove any remaining glue from the point.
One thing to remember is that using magnets to take out a broken car key isn't a good idea. Magnets aren't designed to be used near the ignition, and could cause further damage to the electrical components inside. They can also push the broken key fragments deeper into the ignition, making it more difficult to remove them.
After you've taken the key out, you should inspect the ignition to determine whether there are any obvious indications of damage. Contact a locksmith if detect any cracks in the ignition. They can provide key replacement services that won't harm the ignition of your car. They can also provide tips on how to avoid further damage. Keep both pieces of your damaged car key can help them understand the original form of the key, and will also allow them to make a precise copy for you.
How do I get a new key
When your car key breaks There are a few things that you can do. The most important thing to remember is to never insert your broken key into the ignition or lock, since this could cause more damage and lead to more expensive repairs in the future. It is best to call a locksmith for a professional repair.
Covering the cap of plastic on your key with clear tape will provide protection and stop further damage. Another option is to use super glue. To do this, you will need to wash the broken pieces before applying an amount of super glue. Once the glue is dry you can attempt to press the pieces together and hopefully your key will work.
You can also contact the dealer to request a replacement key. This is a great option because it will ensure that you get an exact match to your car and that the key is connected to the vehicle. It will typically cost more than a locksmith service, but may be the fastest and simplest solution to your issue.
A professional locksmith will also be able to supply you with a spare key, which is useful in case of future emergencies. You can also reduce the possibility of your key breaking down in the future by taking care of it, using the key protector and having a backup plan in case of emergency.
It can be very frustrating to have a broken car key, especially when you're trying to start your car and it isn't starting. It can be tempting to take the situation to your own but DIY fixes typically result in issues with locks and ignition systems. If you put your key in the ignition, it can cause damage to the battery of the keyfob or cause issues that require expensive repairs. In these circumstances, it is always best to seek a professional solution. A skilled locksmith for your car can quickly and effectively solve the problem without causing damage to your car or causing additional problems.