This Week's Top Stories About How To Repair Broken Car Key How To Repair Broken Car Key
How to Repair Broken Car Keys
If your car keys break you'll need an immediate solution. You can either wait for the dealership to give you a new one which is a hassle, or you can find other options to get around, like taking public transportation or asking friends for rides.
If you have the proper tools, you can do some DIY fixes. They include needle-nose pliers, as well as penetrating oil.
Damage Assessment
There's nothing more annoying than getting ready to get in your car to head out only to realize that your key has broken in the ignition. This is a frequent issue that can strike anyone and it can be extremely stressful when you're in a rush to get to where you want to go.
The first thing you should do is take a deep breath and try not to panic. Remaining calm will enable you to make logical choices and avoid any further harm.
Examine the key you broke to determine what parts are still intact and how much is inside the ignition cylinder or lock. If the damaged part is in the lock you can spray a lubricant like WD-40 on the area to loosen it and make it easier to remove. If the broken piece is in the ignition you'll need to remove it with an instrument that is specifically designed for this purpose, known as key extractor.
If go to website is on the key ring, you can try to bend it back into place using pliers. This can be difficult to accomplish, particularly if the broken point is near one of the connectors. If you are unable to get it bent back in the correct position, use a clip and pull it straight outward.
If you attempt to force the key into the ignition, it will cause more damage. It may become impossible to remove. If you're not able to remove the broken key, you should seek out a professional locksmith, or visit your car dealership.
There are a variety of methods online that claim to fix a broken car key, but some of them could actually make the situation worse. For instance, trying to remove a broken key with a screwdriver can force it into the ignition, and could even cause damage to the lock. To avoid this, never insert anything other than a device specifically made for removing keys from the keyhole.
Removing the Broken Part
Car keys are brittle and even a small impact or overuse can cause them to break in the ignition. This kind of issue can be difficult to fix without the assistance of an expert locksmith. You could cause further damage by attempting to fix the broken key. Super glue and other hacks are not recommended because they are difficult to remove and may cause further damage to the ignition cylinder.
It's also a bad choice to use a magnet to remove the broken key. Magnets can harm the electrical components of the ignition cylinder and make it harder to pull the damaged key piece out. Another common error could result in a damaged key. This happens when you apply too much force or make sudden movements to turn the key in your car.
If the key fragment is visible and exposed, pliers or tongs can be employed. If the key is stuck in the ignition and is not visible, a small hacksaw blade or other tools with a thin profile can be inserted into the ignition to catch the edge of the damaged car key and then pull it out.
Another option is to use penetrating oil to provide lubrication to the keyhole and reduce friction. Applying the oil and allowing it to sit for a few minutes will make it easier to remove the broken key fragment. If the oil does not work, you can employ an extractor for keys to remove the broken key fragment from the ignition.
If the key is completely broken off in the ignition, a locksmith will be required to cut a new one. A professional locksmith will reassemble the remaining components and use them as a template to design a new key that will be as close as possible to the original. This ensures that the key works correctly and reduces the risk of misalignment inside the lock or ignition. This can cause further problems which can will require expensive and time-consuming repairs. Regularly checking and replacing car keys is recommended to prevent them from becoming worn out or damaged.
Removing the Broken Blade from the Ignition
If you're fortunate enough to still have the key piece, don't push it into the ignition, or you could cause further damage. Instead, look for any tools you may have around your home to try and remove it in a safe way.
In this situation, tweezers come in handy. They can grasp a damaged piece of a key for your car and help you get it out. There are also dental picks, which are thin pointed tools that could be used. You could also try 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 first to avoid jarring a broken key loose.
You can also make use of a mini hacksaw, which is readily available in a majority of hardware stores. This is thinner than a screwdriver, and can be put into the lock to hold to the broken car key. This could be enough to take it off without damaging the ignition. You can also try using thin needle-nosed pliers that will attach to the damaged car key. If you're attempting using a tool like this, make sure to keep acetone and cotton swabs available to take any glue left on the edge of the pliers once you've pulled it out.
It's not a good idea to use magnets to remove the damaged car key. Magnets aren't made to be used near the ignition, and can cause further damage to the electrical components within. They also can push broken key fragments further into ignition, making it more difficult to remove.
Once you've gotten the key off and you're ready to inspect the ignition to see whether there are any obvious signs of damage. Contact a locksmith if notice any cracks in the ignition. They can offer key replacement services that don't harm the ignition of your car. They can also provide tips on how to avoid further damage. Keeping both pieces of your broken car key will help them understand the original form of the key, and will also allow them to make a exact duplicate for you.
How do I obtain an additional key
There are a few options you can try when your car key is broken. It is crucial to remember that you should not force a damaged key into the ignition or lock. This can cause more damage and result in expensive repairs. It is best to call an expert locksmith for a repair.
The cap of the plastic on your key with clear tape will provide protection and stop further damage. Another alternative is to apply super glue. To do this, wash the broken pieces and apply a small dab of super glue to each. After the glue has dried you can attempt to press the pieces together and hope that your key will work.
Alternatively, you can call the dealership to request an alternative key. This could be a good option since it ensures that you have a perfect match to your car and that the key is paired to the vehicle. This is usually more expensive than a locksmith, but might be the quickest and simplest solution to your issue.
A professional locksmith will also give you an additional key that will help you if ever need to deal with an emergency. You can also decrease the possibility of your key breaking in the future by taking care of it, by using a key protector, and having a plan for emergencies.
A break in a car key can be difficult, especially when you try to start your car but discover that it isn't turning over. DIY fixes can backfire, and cause misalignments that can damage ignition systems and locks. In addition when your key is in the ignition, and you push it even further this could harm the battery for the key fob or cause other issues that require expensive repair. It is advised to consult an expert in these circumstances. A professional locksmith for cars can quickly and easily resolve the issue without damaging your vehicle or causing more issues.