How to Repair Broken Car Keys
When your car key breaks you'll need a solution quickly. You can either wait for the dealership to offer you a new key, which is inconvenient, or you can find other options to travel, such as using public transportation or relying on friends for rides.
If you have the proper tools, you can make some DIY fixes. You can apply penetrating oil and needle-nosed pliers.
Assessing the Damage
There's nothing more frustrating than getting in your car to go somewhere only to discover that your keys have broken in the ignition. It's a common problem that can happen to anyone, and it can be very stressful when you're in a rush to get to where you want to be.
The first thing you should do is take a deep breath and try not to panic. If you're calm, you'll be able to make more informed choices and avoid further damage.
Next, examine the damaged key to see which parts are still in good condition and what percentage of the crack is inside the lock or ignition cylinder. Spray WD-40 or other fluid on the area, where the broken part is in the lock. This will loosen the piece and make it easier to remove. If the broken piece is in the ignition you'll need to remove it with a special tool called a key extractor.
If the key is inside the key ring, try to bend it back into place by using pliers. company website can be difficult particularly if the break is near one of the connectors. If you are unable to bend it back into position, use a paperclip and pull it straight outward.
If you attempt to force the key into the ignition, it will 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 the dealership for your car.
There are many different methods online that claim to fix a broken car key, but some of them could actually cause more harm. For instance, trying to remove a damaged or broken key with a screwdriver may push it deeper into the ignition and can even cause damage to the lock. To avoid this, do not insert anything other than a device specifically designed for removing keys into the keyhole.
Remove the broken piece
A car key is fragile and could break inside the ignition with the slightest bump or over use. This kind of issue could be difficult to fix without the help of a professional locksmith. The attempt to repair the broken key yourself may result in more damage. Super glue or other tricks should not be used because they are difficult to remove and could cause further damage to the ignition cylinder.
Using a magnet to remove a broken key is also not a good idea. Magnets can harm the electrical components of the ignition cylinder and make it even more difficult to pull the damaged key out. Another common mistake could result in breaking the key. This is when you use excessive force or perform sudden movements to turn the car key.
If the key fragment is still visible, pliers or tweezers can be used to grip it and remove it. If the key is not visible and stuck in the ignition, an incredibly small hacksaw or thin-profiled tool can be wedged to grasp the edge and pull it out.
Another option is to apply penetrating oil to help lubricate the keyhole and decrease friction. Applying the oil and letting it sit for a few minutes will aid in the removal of the broken key fragment. If the oil doesn't work, you can try using the key extractor to take the broken key fragment from the ignition.
If the key is totally broken off in the ignition, a locksmith is required to cut a new one. A professional locksmith will reassemble the remaining components and use them as a template to create an entirely new key that will be as close as possible to the original. This method ensures that the new key will work properly and minimizes the risk of misalignment in the lock or ignition system. This could cause additional issues which can require costly and time-consuming repair. Regularly checking and replacing keys for cars is recommended to prevent them from becoming worn out or damaged.
Removal of the Broken Blade from the Ignition
You could cause more damage if you force the key into the ignition. Instead, look for tools you might have at your home to attempt to remove it in a safe manner.
In this case, tweezers come in handy. They can pick up a broken piece of a car key and help you pull it out. There are also dental picks, which are small sharp tools that can be useful. You could also try a flexible wire coat hanger that fits inside the lock. You may want to try tapping the metal on a solid surface before to avoid jarring keys that are broken loose.
Another alternative is to use the mini hacksaw blade which is usually available in hardware stores. This is thinner than a screwdriver, and can be put into the lock to hold onto the damaged car key. This may be enough to take it off without damaging the ignition. You can also use thin needle-nosed pliers that will connect to the broken car key. If you're attempting using a tool like this, make sure you keep acetone and cotton swabs handy to get any glue left on the edge of the pliers after you've removed it.
It's not a great idea to use magnets in the removal of the damaged car key. Magnets should not be used near an ignition as they can damage the electrical components. They also can push broken key fragments deeper into the ignition, which makes it more difficult to remove.
After you've pulled the key part out, you should inspect the ignition to see whether there are any obvious indications of damage. If you find cracks or bends you should contact a professional locksmith. 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 in the near future. Keep both pieces of your broken car key will help them better understand the original shape of the key, and will also allow them to create a precise duplicate for you.
Finding a New Key
There are a few options you can do when your car key is broken. The most important thing to keep in mind is not to force your broken key into the lock or ignition, since this could cause more damage and could lead to costly repairs in the future. It is better to call a locksmith right away for a professional solution.
Wrapping the plastic cap of your key with clear tape will provide support and prevent further damage. Another alternative is to apply super glue. To do this, clean the broken pieces and apply a small dab of super glue to each. After the glue has dried you can attempt to press the pieces together again, and hopefully you will get your key to work.
You can also contact the dealer to get a replacement key. This is a great alternative because it's a way to ensure that you get an exact match for your car and that the key is properly connected to the vehicle. This will usually cost more than a locksmith, but could be the fastest and most efficient solution to your issue.
A professional locksmith will be able to supply you with a spare key, which can be handy in case of future emergencies. You can reduce the chances of your key breaking by taking good care of it, using key protectors and a plan for emergencies.
A damaged car key can be very painful, particularly when you are trying to start your car only to find that it won't turn over. DIY fixes can backfire and lead to misalignments that could damage ignition systems as well as locks. Furthermore, if your key is in the ignition and you push it even further this could damage the key fob battery or cause other issues that require costly repair. For these reasons, it is always best to contact a professional. A professional automotive locksmith will quickly and easily resolve the issue without causing damage to your vehicle or causing more problems.