How to Repair Broken Car Keys
When your car key breaks and you require a solution quickly. You can either wait for the dealer to give you a replacement which can be a hassle or find other ways to travel, such as taking public transportation or relying on friends for rides.
If you have the right tools, you can make some DIY fixes. You can make use of penetrating oils and needle-nosed pliers.
Damage Assessment
It can be a bit frustrating to get into your car and discover that your ignition key is broken. This issue can happen to anyone, and can be stressful if you're in a rush to get to your destination.
Take a deep breath, and don't panic. If you're calm you'll be able make better choices and avoid further damage.
Then, look over the key that is broken to determine which parts are still in good condition and how much of the break is in the lock or ignition cylinder. Spray WD-40 or any other fluid on the area, in the event that the broken piece is within the lock. This will help loosen the part and make it easier to remove it. If the damaged part is in the ignition you'll need to take it out using a specific tool known as the key extractor.
If the key is in the key ring you can try to bend the key back into place by using pliers. This isn't easy to accomplish, particularly if the broken point is located near one of the connectors. If you cannot get it bent back in place, use a paperclip and pull it straight outward.
If you try to force the key into the ignition, it will cause more damage. It could even become impossible to remove. If you're not able to remove the damaged key, it's best to contact a professional locksmith or visit the dealership for your car.
Many different hacks are available online which claim to fix broken car keys, but some of them can actually cause the problem to get worse. If you try to remove a damaged car key with a screwdriver, it can force the key further into the ignition. It can even damage the lock. To avoid this, you should not put anything else in the keyhole other than a specific tool designed for removing car keys.
Remove the broken piece
Car keys are delicate, and a slight impact or use can cause them break in the ignition. It can be difficult to solve this type of problem without the help of a professional. Attempting to repair the broken key by yourself could result in further damage. Super glue or other hacks should not be used as they are difficult to remove and may cause further damage to your ignition cylinder.
It is also a bad choice to use a magnet to remove the broken key. Magnets can damage the electrical components of the ignition cylinder which makes it harder to get rid of the damaged key. Another common error can lead to a broken key. This is when you apply too much force or make abrupt movements to turn the key of your car.
If the key fragment remains visible and exposed, pliers and tongs can be used. 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 grab the edge of the broken car key 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 can aid in the removal of the broken key fragment. If the oil doesn't work, you can employ a key extractor to remove the broken key fragment from the ignition.
If the key is totally broken off in the ignition, a locksmith will be required to cut a replacement. A professional locksmith will reassemble the other parts and use the parts as a template to design a new key that will be as similar as possible to the original. This assures that the key will function effectively and minimizes the chance of misalignment in the lock or ignition. This could lead to further issues which can require costly and time-consuming repair. It is recommended to check regularly and replace car keys to ensure they are not damaged or worn out to the point of breaking.
Remove the Broken Blade from the Ignition
If you're lucky enough to still have the key part, don't push it into the ignition, or you'll cause more damage. You can use any tools you have at home to take it out it with care.
In this situation, tweezers are a lifesaver. They can grasp the broken key from a car and help remove it. remote car key repairs can also find dental picks, which are thin sharp tools that can be used. You can also use a coat hanger made of wire that fits inside the lock. You might want to try tapping the metal on a solid surface before and then try to shake keys that are broken loose.
You can also use an incredibly small hacksaw that is readily available in a majority of hardware stores. It is smaller than the screwdriver and can be inserted into the lock to secure on to the broken car key. This could suffice to get it out without damaging the ignition. You could also try using needle-nose pliers, which are thin and can connect to the broken car key piece. If you're trying a tool like this, make sure you have cotton swabs and acetone 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 to take out the damaged car key. Magnets aren't made to be used near the ignition and could cause further damage to the electrical components inside. They can also push broken key fragments deeper into the ignition, making it harder to remove them.
After you've removed your key, you should check the ignition for any visible indications of damage. Contact a locksmith if detect any cracks in the ignition. They can replace the keys with no damage to your car's ignition. They can also give you tips on how to avoid further damage in the near future. Keep the two pieces of the damaged car key. This will help them understand the original shape, and also create duplicate keys for you.
Getting a New Key
There are a few things you can do when your car key breaks. It is crucial to remember that you should not force a broken key into the ignition or lock. This can cause more damage and result in expensive repairs. Instead, it is recommended to contact locksmiths immediately for a professional solution.
Covering the cap of plastic on your key with clear tape will provide support and prevent further damage. Super glue is another option. To do this, clean the broken pieces and apply a tiny dab of super glue to each. Once the glue dries you can attempt to press the pieces together again and hopefully you will be able to get your key working.
You can also call the dealership to request an alternative key. This is a great option because it will ensure that you have an exact match for your car and that the key is linked to the vehicle. This is usually more expensive than a locksmith service, but may be the fastest and simplest solution to your problem.
A professional locksmith can give you an additional key that will be useful if you encounter an emergency. You can lessen the chance of your key being damaged by taking good care of it, using key protectors and a plan for emergencies.
A damaged car key can be painful, particularly when you try to start the car and find it won't turn over. DIY fixes could backfire, and lead to misalignments that could cause damage to ignition systems and locks. Additionally If your key is in the ignition, and you force it further, this can harm the battery for the key fob or cause other issues that require costly repair. It is advised to consult a professional for these reasons. A professional locksmith for cars can quickly and efficiently resolve the problem without causing damage to your car or causing further problems.