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 dealer to give you a new key, which is inconvenient, or find alternative ways to get around, such as taking public transport or relying on your friends to take you around.
If you've got the right tools, you can perform some DIY fixes. These include needle-nose pliers as well as penetrating oil.
Damage Assessment
It can be a bit frustrating to drive off and discover that your ignition key is damaged. It's a common problem that can happen to anyone and it can be extremely stressful when you're trying to get to where you need to go.
car key repair service must do is to take your breath deeply and try not to be overly anxious. Being calm will allow you to make rational decisions and prevent further damage.
Examine the key that was damaged to determine which parts remain intact and how much is in the ignition cylinder or lock. Spray WD-40 or any other oil on the area if the broken part is inside the lock. This will help loosen the part and make it easier to remove it. If the damaged part is in the ignition you will need to remove it using an instrument that is specifically designed for this purpose, known as a key extractor.
If the key is still 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're unable to get it bent back into position, use a paperclip and pull straight outward.
The attempt to force the key into the ignition will cause more damage and could make it impossible to take it out. If you are unable to remove a broken or damaged key, call a locksmith or visit the dealership of your car.
There are many different hacks online that claim to fix damaged keys to cars, but certain methods can make the situation worse. If you try to remove a broken car key using a screwdriver it could push the key deeper into the ignition. It can even damage the lock. To avoid this, don't insert anything other than a tool designed for removing keys into the keyhole.
Take out the broken part
Car keys are brittle and even a small impact or overuse could cause them to break in the ignition. It can be difficult to fix this issue without the help of a professional. You could cause further damage by trying to fix the broken key. Super glue or other methods should not be used because they are difficult to remove and may cause further damage to the cylinder of your ignition.
It's also a bad option to use a magnetic to remove the broken key. Magnets can harm the electrical components of the ignition cylinder, making it harder to get the broken key out. Utilizing excessive force or sudden movements when trying to turn the key is another common error that can cause a damaged car key.
If the key fragment remains visible and exposed, pliers or tongs can be used. If the key is stuck in the ignition but is not visible, a small hacksaw blade or another thin-profile tool can be wedged into the ignition to catch the edge of the damaged car key and pull it out.
Another option is to use penetrating oil to lubricate the keyhole and reduce friction. If you apply the oil and allow it to sit for a few minutes, it could aid in the removal of a broken key fragment. If the oil isn't working, a key extractor can be used to extract the broken car key from the ignition.
A locksmith will need to replace the key if it's completely broken in the ignition. A locksmith will reassemble all parts and employ the template to make a key that is as like the original as possible. This process ensures that the new key functions well and minimizes the possibility of misalignment within the lock or ignition system. This can lead to further problems that require expensive and costly repairs. It is recommended to regularly inspect and replace keys for cars to prevent them from getting damaged or worn to the point of breaking.
Removing the Broken Blade from the Ignition
If you're fortunate enough to still have the key piece do not push it into the ignition or it could cause more damage. You can use any tool you have at home to remove it in a safe manner.
In this situation, 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 thin sharp tools that can be used. You can also use a wire coat hanger, that is flexible enough to fit inside the lock. You might want to try tapping the metal on a solid surface before to avoid jarring the key that has been broken loose.
You can also make use of an incredibly small hacksaw that is available in most hardware stores. It is less brittle than a screwdriver and it is able to slip into the lock to secure the broken car key piece. This might suffice to get it out without damaging the ignition. You may also try needle-nose pliers that are very thin and can be able to connect to the broken car key piece. If you're trying using a tool like this, make sure you have acetone and cotton swabs handy to remove any glue from the tip of the pliers after you've pulled it out.
One thing to keep in mind is that using magnets to take out a broken car key is a bad idea. They shouldn't be used close to an ignition as they could damage electrical components. They also can push broken key fragments deeper into the ignition, which makes it difficult to remove.
After you have removed the key, you must inspect the ignition for any visible indications of damage. Contact a locksmith if detect any cracks in the ignition. They can offer key replacement services that won't damage your car's ignition. They can also offer advice on how to avoid further damage. The two pieces of your damaged car key can help them understand the original form of the key, and they can make a exact duplicate for you.
Getting a New Key
If your car keys break there are a few things that you can do. It is crucial to keep in mind that you should never force a broken key into the ignition or lock. This could cause more damage and could result in costly repairs. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith for a fix.
Covering the cap of plastic on your key with clear tape will provide support and protect against further damage. Another option is to make use of super glue. To do this, you will have to clean the broken pieces before applying a small amount of super glue. After the glue has dried you can try pressing the pieces to try again and hopefully get your key to work.
Alternately, you can contact the dealership to request the replacement key. This could be a good alternative because it's a way to ensure that you have an exact match to your vehicle and that the key is properly paired to the vehicle. This is usually more expensive than a locksmith service, but could be the fastest and most efficient solution to your problem.
A professional locksmith can give you an additional key that will help you if ever need to deal with an emergency. You can reduce the chances of your key being damaged by taking care of it, using key protectors, and having an emergency plan.
It can be very frustrating to lose your car key, particularly if you're trying to start your car but it will not start. DIY fixes can backfire, and cause misalignments that can damage ignition systems and locks. In addition, if your key is in the ignition and you push it even further, this can harm the battery for the key fob or cause other issues that require costly repair. For these reasons, it is recommended to seek out a professional solution. A professional locksmith for cars will be able to quickly and easily fix the issue without damaging your vehicle or causing more problems.