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 replacement which can be a hassle or find other ways to travel, such as using public transportation or asking friends for rides.
You can try some DIY fixes however, only if have the proper tools. They include needle-nose pliers, as well as penetrating oil.
Assessing the damage
It can be a bit frustrating to get into your car and realize that your ignition key is broken. It's a common problem that can strike anyone, and it can be extremely stressful when you're trying to get where you need to be.
The first thing you must do is take your breath deeply and try not to get stressed. If you remain calm, you'll be able to make more informed decisions and avoid causing more damage.
Then, look over the key that is broken to determine what remains of the key and how much of the damage is inside the lock or the ignition cylinder. Spray WD-40 or another oil on the area in the event that the broken piece is within the lock. This will make the piece looser and make it easier to remove. If the broken piece is located in the ignition, you'll have to remove it using a specific tool known as the key extractor.
If the key is still in the ring, you can try to bend the key back into place with pliers. This can be a difficult task, particularly in the event of a break near a connector. If you cannot get it bent back in the correct position, use a clip and pull it straight outward.
Trying to force the key into the ignition will only cause more damage and could make it impossible to take it out. If you're not able to remove the broken key, you should seek out a professional locksmith, or visit your local car dealership.
There are many different hacks online that claim to fix broken car keys, but certain methods can cause the problem to get worse. If you try to remove a damaged car key using a screwdriver it could push the key further into the ignition. It could even damage the lock. To avoid this, don't insert anything other than a device specifically made for removing keys from the keyhole.
Take out the broken part
A car key is fragile and could break inside the ignition after a a slight bump or excessive use. It can be difficult to solve this type of problem without the assistance of a professional. If you attempt to repair the damaged key on your own could cause more damage. Super glue or other methods should not be used because they are difficult to remove and could cause further damage to the ignition cylinder.
It's also a dangerous thing to use a magnet to remove the broken key. Magnets can cause damage to electrical components inside the ignition cylinder which makes it harder to remove the damaged key. Using excessive force or sudden movements when attempting to turn the key is a common error that can result in a broken car key.
If the key fragment remains visible and exposed, pliers or tongs can be used. If the key is stuck in the ignition and not visible, a tiny hacksaw blade or another thin-profile tool can be wedged into the ignition to grab the edge of the damaged car key and then pull it out.
key fob repairs is also possible to use penetrating oils to lubricate and decrease friction in the keyhole. Applying the oil and letting it sit for a couple of minutes could help in the removal of the broken key fragment. If the oil does not work, you can try using a key extractor to remove the broken key fragment from the ignition.
If the key is totally broken in the ignition, a locksmith is required to cut a new one. A professional locksmith will reassemble the other components and use them as a model to create an entirely new key that is as close as possible to the original. This method ensures that the new key functions properly and minimizes the risk of misalignment within the lock or ignition system. This could cause further issues that require costly and time-consuming repairs. It is recommended to check regularly and replace keys for cars to prevent them from getting worn or damaged to the point of breaking.
Removing the Broken Blade from the Ignition
You could cause more damage if force the ignition key. Instead, look for tools you might have in your house to try and remove it in a safe way.
In this situation, tweezers come in handy. They can grasp a damaged piece of a car key and help you get it out. You can also find dental picks, which are thin pointed tools that could work as well. You can also use a flexible wire coat hanger that will fit into the lock. You could tap the metal against an unfinished surface to release the key that is broken.
You can also use a mini hacksaw, which is available in most hardware stores. It is smaller than a screwdriver and can be inserted into the lock to latch on to the broken car key. This might be enough to pull it out without causing damage to the ignition. You can also use thin needle-nosed pliers to latch onto the broken car key. If you're using a tool such as this, be sure to keep acetone or cotton swabs in your arsenal to remove any glue that remains from the point.
It's not a good idea to use magnets in the removal of the damaged car key. Magnets aren't intended 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 more difficult to remove.
After you've pulled the key out and inspected the ignition to see if there are any obvious signs of damage. If you find cracks or bends it is recommended to contact an expert locksmith. They can offer key replacement services that don't harm the ignition of your car. They can also offer tips on how to avoid further damage in the future. Keep both pieces of your damaged car key will allow them to better understand the original shape of the key, and also help them create a precise duplicate for you.
Finding a New Key
There are a few things you can try when your car key breaks. The most important thing to keep in mind is not to insert your broken key into the ignition or lock since this could cause more damage and could lead to more expensive repairs in the future. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith to make a fix.
Covering the cap of plastic on your key with clear tape will give support and prevent further damage. Another alternative is to make use of super glue. To do this, wash the broken pieces and apply a small dab of super glue to each. After the glue is dry you can attempt to press the pieces together to try again and hopefully get your key to work.
You can also call the dealer to request a replacement key. This could be a good option since it ensures that you get an exact match to your car and that the key is connected to the vehicle. Usually, this will cost more than using a locksmith service, but it could be the fastest and easiest way to solve your problem.
A professional locksmith can give you an additional key that could be useful if you ever need to deal with an emergency. You can also decrease the likelihood of your key breaking in the near future by taking care of it, using an appropriate key protector, and having a plan for emergencies.
It can be frustrating to have a broken car key, particularly if you're trying to start your car and it won't start. It's tempting to take things to your own however, DIY fixes usually fail and lead to issues with locks and ignition systems. Furthermore If your key is in the ignition, and you push it even further it could harm the battery for the key fob or cause other issues that require costly repair. In these circumstances, it is recommended to seek out a professional solution. A professional automotive locksmith can quickly and easily solve the issue without causing any damage to your vehicle or causing any further issues.