How to Repair Broken Car Keys
There's a need for a quick fix when your car key breaks. You can either wait for the dealership to give you a new key which is a hassle, or find alternative ways to get around, such as taking public transport or relying on your friends for rides.
You can try some DIY fixes, but only if you have the appropriate tools. You can make use of penetrating oils and needle-nosed pliers.
Damage Assessment
It's frustrating to be about to drive off and discover that your ignition key is damaged. It's a problem that could happen to anyone, and can be a stressful experience if you're in hurry to get to your destination.
The first thing you should do is take your breath deeply and try not to be overly anxious. Being calm will allow you to make informed decisions and prevent further harm.
Examine the key that was damaged to determine which parts are still intact and how much is in the lock or ignition cylinder. Spray WD-40 or any other lubricant on the area in the event that the broken piece is in the lock. This will make the piece looser and make it easier for you to remove it. If the broken part is in the ignition it is necessary to remove it using a special tool known as a key extractor.
If the key remains inside the key ring, you may try to bend the key back into place by using pliers. This can be a challenge, especially if the break is located near one of the connectors. If you are unable to get it bent back into position, use a paperclip and pull it straight outward.
If you try to force the key into the ignition, it will cause more damage. It may become impossible to remove. If you are unable to remove a broken key, call a locksmith or visit the car dealership.
There are many different hacks online which claim to fix broken keys to cars, but some can actually cause the problem to get worse. For instance, trying to remove a damaged or broken key with a screwdriver may push it deeper into the ignition and even cause damage to the lock. To avoid this, do not insert anything other than a device specifically designed to remove keys into the keyhole.
Removing the Broken Part
Car keys are brittle, and a slight impact or excessive use could cause them to break inside the ignition. This type of problem can be difficult to fix without the help of a professional locksmith. You may cause further damage by trying to repair the broken key. Super glue and other hacks are not recommended since they can be difficult to remove and might cause further damage to the ignition cylinder.
Utilizing a magnet to remove a broken key is also not a good idea. Magnets can damage the electrical components of the ignition cylinder, making it even more difficult to pull the damaged key piece out. Utilizing excessive force or sudden movements when trying to turn the key is a common error that can result in a broken car key.
If the key fragment remains exposed and visible, pliers or tweezers can be used to grasp it and remove it. If the key is stuck in the ignition and not visible, a small hacksaw blade or any other small-profile tool can be inserted into the ignition to grab the edge of the broken car key and then pull it out.
Another option is to apply penetrating oil to help lubricate the keyhole and decrease friction. If you apply the oil and let it sit for a few minutes, it could make it easier to remove a broken key fragment. If the oil does not work, you can employ the key extractor to take the broken key fragment from the ignition.
A locksmith must replace the key in the event that it is completely damaged in the ignition. A professional locksmith will reassemble the remaining components and use the parts as a template to design a new key that will be as similar as possible to the original. This ensures that the new key will function well and minimizes the possibility of misalignment in the lock or ignition system. This could cause further issues that require costly and lengthy repairs. It is recommended to regularly check and replace the keys on your car to ensure they are not damaged or worn to the point of breaking.
Remove the Broken Blade from the Ignition
If you're fortunate enough to still have your key part do not put it in the ignition or it could cause more damage. You can use any tools you own to remove it safely.
Tweezers can be a lifesaver in this situation. They can grab a broken piece of a car key and help you get it out. There are also dental picks, which are small sharp tools that can be used. You could also try coat hangers made of wire which is flexible enough to fit in the lock. You may want to try tapping the metal on a solid surface before, which can sometimes jar a broken key loose.
You can also make use of a mini hacksaw, which is readily available in a majority of hardware stores. It is less brittle than a screwdriver and it can be inserted into the lock to latch onto the car key that is broken. This could suffice to get it out without damaging the ignition. car key fob repair can also use needle-nosed pliers that will latch onto the broken car key. If you're attempting an instrument such as this, be sure to keep acetone and cotton swabs handy to remove any glue left on the edge of the pliers after having removed it.
It's not a great idea to use magnets to take out the damaged car key. Magnets aren't intended to be employed near the ignition and could cause further damage to the electrical components within. They can also push broken key fragments further into the ignition, making it difficult to remove them.
Once you've gotten the key off, you should inspect the ignition to determine if there are any obvious indications of damage. If you notice cracks or bending it is recommended to contact an expert locksmith. They can replace the keys with no damage to the ignition of your vehicle. They can also offer advice on how to avoid further damage. Keep the two pieces of the damaged car key. This will allow them understand the original shape, and also create duplicate keys for you.
How do I get a new key
If your car key is damaged there are a few things you can do. It is important to keep in mind that you should never force a broken key into a lock or ignition. This could cause more damage and lead to costly repairs. It is recommended to call an expert locksmith to make a fix.
If your key plastic top isn't completely broken Try wrapping it with clear tape to provide support and stop further damage. Another option is to use super glue. To do this, wash the broken pieces and apply a tiny dab of super glue to each. After the glue has dried it is possible to attempt to press the pieces together to try again and hopefully get your key to work.
You can also call the dealer to get a replacement key. This is a great option since you'll get keys that are matched to your vehicle and is properly paired to the vehicle. This will usually cost more than a locksmith service, but may be the fastest and easiest solution to your issue.
A professional locksmith can also give you an additional key that could help you if encounter an emergency. You can also decrease the likelihood of your key breaking in the near future by taking care of it with a key protector, and having an emergency plan.
A damaged car key can be extremely frustrating, especially when you are trying to start your car but find that it won't turn over. It can be tempting to take the situation into your own hands, but DIY fixes often fail and lead to misalignments that damage locks and ignition systems. Furthermore 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 best to consult an expert in these circumstances. A professional locksmith for automotive can quickly and easily fix the problem without causing damage to your vehicle or causing any further issues.