How to Repair Broken Car Keys
If your car key is damaged, you need urgent help. You can wait for a replacement from the dealership, but it is not practical. Or, you could locate a different method of getting around.
If you have the right tools, you can make some DIY fixes. car key repair can apply penetrating oil and needle-nosed pliers.
Assessing the Damage
There's nothing more frustrating than getting ready to get in your car to go somewhere only to discover that your keys have broken in the ignition. This is a frequent issue that can strike anyone and it can be a major stressor when you're in a rush to get where you need to be.
The first thing you should do is take your breath deeply and try not to be overly anxious. If you're calm, you'll be able to make more informed decisions and avoid causing more damage.
Examine the key you broke to determine which parts remain intact and how much is in the ignition cylinder or lock. Spray WD-40 or other fluid on the area, if the broken part is within the lock. This will help loosen the part and make it easier for you to remove. If the broken part is in the ignition, you'll need to take it out by using a special tool called a key extractor.
If the key is in the key ring, you can try to bend it back using pliers. This can be a challenge to accomplish, particularly if the broken point is located near one of the connectors. If you're unable to get it bent back into its place, you can use a paperclip to grab the end of the key and pull straight outward.
If you try to force the key in the ignition, it could cause more damage. It may even become impossible to remove. If you're not able to remove the damaged key, you should contact a professional locksmith or visit your local car dealership.
There are many different methods online that claim to fix a damaged car key, but certain of them may make the situation worse. For instance, attempting to remove a broken key using a screwdriver could cause it to be pushed deeper into the ignition and even cause damage to the lock. To avoid this, never insert anything other than a tool made for removing keys from the keyhole.
Remove the broken piece
A car key is fragile and could break inside the ignition after a a slight bump or excessive use. It can be difficult to resolve this problem without the help of an expert. Attempting to repair the broken key by yourself could result in further damage. Super glue and other methods are not recommended as they are difficult to remove and might cause further damage to the ignition cylinder.
Utilizing a magnet to take out the broken key is a bad idea. car keys repairs can harm the electrical components of the ignition cylinder and make it even more difficult to pull the damaged key out. Another mistake that is common could result in a damaged 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 exposed and visible the pliers or tweezers could be used to grasp the key and pull it out. If the key is stuck in the ignition and not visible, a tiny hacksaw blade or any other small-profile tool can be inserted into the ignition to catch the edge of the broken car key and pull it out.
You can also use penetrating oils to lubricate and reduce friction in the keyhole. If you apply the oil and allow it to sit for a few minutes, it will help in the removal of the broken key fragment. If the oil isn't working, a key extractor can be used to remove the damaged car key from the ignition.
A locksmith must replace the key in the event that it is completely broken in the ignition. A locksmith will reassemble all components and make use of the template to design a key that is as like the original as is possible. This process ensures that the new key will work properly and minimizes the risk of misalignment issues in the lock or ignition system. This can cause further problems which can will require expensive and time-consuming repairs. It is recommended to regularly inspect and replace keys for cars to prevent them from getting worn or damaged to the point of breaking.
Remove the broken blade from the Ignition
If you're lucky enough to still have the key piece do not push it into the ignition or you could cause further damage. You can use any tool you own to remove it in a safe manner.
Tweezers can be a lifesaver in this type of situation. 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 pointy tools that may be useful. You can also use a coat hanger that is flexible that can be inserted into the lock. You could try tapping the metal against an unfinished surface to release the broken key.
You can also make use of the mini hacksaw, which is available in most hardware stores. It is smaller than a screwdriver, and can be slipped into the lock to hold on to the broken car key. This could suffice to get it out without causing damage to the ignition. You could also try using needle-nose pliers, which are very thin and can be able to attach to the damaged car key piece. If you're using a tool such as this, make sure you have cotton swabs or acetone on hand to remove any remaining glue from the point.
It's not a good 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 inside. They also can push broken key fragments further into ignition, which makes it more difficult to remove.
After you have removed the key, you should check the ignition for any visible indications of damage. Contact a locksmith if find any cracks or holes in the ignition. They can offer key replacement services that don't cause damage to your vehicle's ignition. They can also offer tips on how to avoid further damage. Keep the two pieces of the damaged car key. This will help them to understand the original shape, and also create a duplicate key for you.
Getting a New Key
If your car key is damaged there are a few things you can do. It is important to remember to not force a broken key into the ignition or lock. This could cause further damage and could result in costly repairs. It is best to call a locksmith for a professional repair.
If the plastic top of your key has not broken off completely Try wrapping it in clear tape to support it and stop further damage. Another option is to use super glue. To do this, clean the broken pieces and apply a small dab of super glue to each. Once the glue dries, you can try pressing the pieces together again and hopefully you will be able to get your key working.
You can also contact the dealer to obtain a replacement key. This could be a good option since it ensures that you have a perfect match for your car and that the key is correctly paired to the vehicle. Usually, this will cost more than using an locksmith service, however it may be the quickest and most efficient solution to your issue.
A professional locksmith will also provide you with an extra key that can be useful if you ever need to deal with an emergency. You can also decrease the likelihood of your key breaking in the future by taking care of it with an appropriate key protector, and having a backup plan in case of emergency.
A damaged car key can be extremely painful, particularly when you are trying to start the car and find that it won't turn over. DIY fixes can backfire and cause misalignments that can damage ignition systems as well as locks. If you put your key in the ignition, it can damage the keyfob battery or cause issues that require expensive repairs. This is why it is recommended to seek a professional solution. A professional locksmith for cars will be able to quickly and easily resolve the issue without causing damage to your vehicle or causing additional issues.