The Reason Why Broken Car Key Repair Is More Dangerous Than You Realized
Tips For a Broken Car Key Repair
A broken key in the ignition could be very difficult. Avoid turning it too hard to prevent further damage to the lock and ignition cylinder.
Get help from a professional as soon as you can. A locksmith can remove the broken piece with no further damage. In the meantime, find another way to get around, such as taking the bus or requesting an ride from your friend.
Damage Assessment
A car key that is damaged can be a real inconvenience. You might not be able to get to where you want to go, you could lose money and time or you might have to make costly repairs to your vehicle. It is important to keep in mind some of the best practices for fixing keys to your car that are broken to help you solve the issue fast.
The first and most important thing to remember is never try to remove a damaged key on your own. This can worsen the situation and cause damage to your ignition cylinder or lock. Modern locksmiths have the equipment to safely extract a broken car key without causing further damage.
The car key could break due to many reasons, including wear, damage or mishandling. The key may become worn out and not fit into the ignition. This could be due to normal use or being exposed harsh weather conditions.
A blockage in the keyway or cylinder of ignition can also cause your car key to break. This can be caused by dirt or other debris that has accumulated over time, and could cause problems with the grooves of your key. The issue may also be caused by a malfunction with the connection of your car to the key or the battery if you have a key that has electronic functions.
If your car key breaks in the ignition or door lock, it's best to call a professional locksmith immediately. Trying to remove the key could cause more damage, so it's safer to be cautious and consult an expert.
If remote key repairs decide to attempt to repair your car key on your own using super glue, do not try it. It's likely to fail after a few uses and won't be as efficient as a reputable tool from an experienced locksmith. Use a thick wire or nail to close the broken loop. If you are able you could drill holes on both ends of the wire or nails to the width of the key and then apply glue. Allow it to dry completely before you use the key.
Removal of the damaged part
It is possible to remove the damaged car key from a door lock but it requires careful precision to prevent further damage. You can do this with a set of needle nose pliers and penetrating oils. A jigsaw blade that has downward-facing teeth is helpful in latching onto the broken bit inside the lock and removing it at an even angle. Avoid twisting the piece because this can cause it to break completely or damage the ignition cylinder.
If the key is damaged inside the lock, you will require an locksmith to get replacement or visit your dealer. If there is enough of the broken piece sticking out you might be able to grab it with pliers. Beware of turning the key using screws or pliers, since this could cause it to break more or cause damage to the lock or ignition.
Super glue can be used to repair the loop that is broken on your key. Use a gel glue not a runny one. Let it dry before putting your key in the lock. This method is not recommended, as a mistake could lead to misalignments which can damage the lock and the ignition system.
If you prefer, you can make use of a long piece of wire or finishing nail to replace the loop that your car keys have. For each end of the nail or wire, drill two holes in the loop that has been damaged on the key. Apply a small amount super glue to each hole after cutting the wire or nail the same length as the key. Slide the nail or wire into the holes to seal the broken loop on your key.
Keep both pieces of the broken car key. This will allow an expert locksmith to make an exact copy. This will reduce the chances of problems with the new key, and will save your time and money.
Finding a New Key
Sometimes, keys for cars can break in such a way that it's difficult to start a car. It happens when you exert too much force when turning the key, and it breaks off in the ignition. It can also happen if you use your key fob to open the door, and it becomes stuck. You'll need a locksmith assist you in this situation.
A broken key in the ignition could be a major hassle because you can't drive your car until it is repaired. This is because the key is used to turn the car on and off and also to unlock doors and activate other functions. There are a few steps you can take to fix a broken or damaged key in your ignition before it gets more serious.
The first step is to take off the broken portion of your key using pliers. If you're lucky your car key might have been damaged near the top of the lock and be easy to remove from the lock. If it was broken at the bottom, you'll have more trouble getting it out by yourself, and you may need to use special tools. Those tools are narrow and flat and have small hooks at the end that are able to latch onto the key fragment and then pull it out. You can also apply an lubricant like liquid or powder to loosen the key and make it easier to remove.
Another option is to contact a mobile locksmith to arrive and replace your broken key. This service is usually less expensive than visiting the dealership, and can save you a lot of time. They can also make you a key that matches the existing key of your car that is essential for newer vehicles with programmed chips.
You could also try to reattach the two pieces of your key with super glue. This is a risky option however, it could work. Be careful not to cause the key to become stuck in the ignition or lock.
Programming the New Key
Depending on the type of key you own depending on the type of key you have, it might not be possible to reprogramme it by yourself. This is only possible by a locksmith or dealer, as it protects your car's security from unauthorized access. This is an essential step to stop people from using another key to start your vehicle and possibly steal it. It can make the process more difficult particularly in the event that the fob must be replaced.
If you're in a hurry it's easy to use too much pressure when turning the key to unlock or lock your vehicle. The key may break or get stuck inside the lock if you apply too much force. The key could also be stuck in the ignition, preventing you from getting your car started. This can be a hassle and cause a disruption to your schedule. Fortunately, there are ways to address this issue before it becomes too much of an issue.
In certain instances you can take the broken key fragment from the lock using simple tools that you might have at home. Tweezers are great for picking small pieces and pliers can be useful to remove the key. You can also use a key extractor, which is a special tool that is typically found at auto parts stores. You can inject lubricant into the lock to assist in the extraction process.
It's also important to keep both pieces of the damaged key. This will help the locksmith create a more precise copy which will speed up the replacement process. It also allows you to get back on the road faster. If you don't own any spare keys that work, request your dealer to start your vehicle with a new key and then program your new key.
You can also buy another key from the locksmith and then insert it into the ignition to turn the vehicle's computer system into programming mode. After a few seconds then, turn the ignition switch to "on" but don't start the car. Then, switch to your new key and go on your way. The process can take between a few minutes up to several hours. You'll need to find a way to travel around until the process is complete. You can use public transportation or get your friends to drive you.