How to Repair Broken Car Keys
When your car key breaks and you require a solution quickly. You can either wait for the dealership to offer you a new key which is a hassle, or you can find other options to travel, such as taking public transport or relying on your friends for rides.
If you have the proper tools, you can perform some DIY fixes. They include needle-nose pliers, as well as penetrating oil.
Assessing the Damage
There's nothing more annoying than getting in your car to go somewhere and then finding that your key has broken in the ignition. It's a problem that can happen to anyone, and can be a major stressor when you're in a rush to get where you need to go.
The first thing you should do is to take your breath deeply and try not to panic. If you're calm, you'll be able to make more rational choices and avoid further damage.
Examine the broken key again to determine what parts remain intact and how much is in the lock or ignition cylinder. Spray WD-40 or another lubricant on the area in the event that the broken piece is in the lock. This will loosen the piece and make it easier for you to remove. If the broken piece is in the ignition you'll need to remove it by using a special tool called key extractor.
If the key is in the key ring you can try to bend the key back into place by using pliers. This can be a difficult task, particularly if you have a break near a connector. If you're unable to get it bent back into position, use a paperclip and pull straight outward.
If you try to force the key in the ignition, it could cause more damage. It may become impossible to remove. If you are unable to remove a broken or damaged key, call a locksmith or visit the dealership of your car.
There are a variety of hacks online that claim to fix a damaged car key, however some of them can actually cause more harm. If you try to remove a damaged car key with a screwdriver it could push the key further into the ignition. It may even harm the lock. To avoid this, never insert anything else into the keyhole, unless you use a tool specifically designed to remove keys from cars.
Remove the broken piece
Car keys are fragile and even a small impact or use can cause them to break inside the ignition. It isn't easy to fix this problem without the assistance of a professional. Attempting to repair the broken key on your own could cause further damage. Super glue or other methods should not be used as they are difficult to remove and may cause further damage to the ignition cylinder.
It is also a bad choice to use a magnet to remove the broken key. Magnets can cause damage to electrical components in the ignition cylinder which makes it harder to remove the broken key. Using excessive force or sudden movements when trying to turn the key is a common mistake that could cause a damaged car key.
If the key fragment remains exposed and visible the pliers or tweezers could be used to grab it and remove it. If the key is not visible and is stuck in the ignition, a small hacksaw or other thin-profiled tool can be wedged to grasp the edge and then remove it.
Another option is to use penetrating oil to lubricate the keyhole and reduce friction. Applying the oil and allowing it to sit for a few minutes can help in the removal of the broken key fragment. If key repair does not work, a key extractor can be used to remove the damaged car key from the ignition.
If the key is completely broken in the ignition the locksmith is required to cut a replacement. A professional locksmith will reassemble all the parts and use the parts as a template to design an entirely new key that will be as similar as possible to the original. This assures that the key will function correctly and reduces the risk of misalignment in the lock or ignition. This could lead to further issues which can will require expensive and time-consuming repairs. It is recommended to regularly inspect and replace keys for cars to ensure they are not damaged or worn out to the point of breaking.
Remove the Broken Blade from the Ignition
If you're fortunate enough to have the key piece do not force it into the ignition or you could cause further damage. Instead, look for any tools you may have around your house to try and get it out safely.
In this case Tweezers can be a lifesaver. They can grab onto the broken key from a car and help pull it out. Dental picks are tiny pointed tools that can work. You can also use coat hangers made of wire which is flexible enough to fit into the lock. You may want to consider tapping the metal on a solid surface first and then try to shake keys that are broken loose.
You can also use a mini hacksaw, which is available at most hardware stores. This is thinner than a screwdriver, and can be inserted into the lock to secure to the broken car key. This could be enough to remove it without damaging the ignition. You may also try needle-nose pliers that are thin and can connect to the broken 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 glue that remains from the point.
It's not a good idea to use magnets to remove a damaged car key. Magnets aren't designed to be employed near the ignition and could cause further damage to the electrical components inside. They also can push broken key fragments deeper into the ignition, making it harder to remove.
After you've removed your key, you should check the ignition for any visible indications of damage. If you find cracks or bending it is recommended to contact an expert locksmith. They can repair the keys with no damage to your car's ignition. They can also give you suggestions on how to prevent further damage in the near future. Keeping both pieces of your broken car key will help them better understand the original shape of the key, and also help them create a precise duplicate for you.
How do I get an additional key
There are a few things you can try when your car keys break. It is important to remember that you should not force a damaged key into a lock or ignition. This can cause more damage and lead to costly repairs. It is best to call a locksmith for a professional fix.
Wrapping the plastic cap of your key with clear tape will give support and protect against further damage. Super glue is another alternative. To do this, clean the broken pieces and apply a small dab of super glue to each. Once the glue has dried, you can try to press the pieces back together and hopefully your key will work.
Alternatively, you can call the dealership for the replacement key. This is a great alternative because it's a way to ensure that you get an exact match to your vehicle and that the key is correctly connected to the vehicle. In general it will cost more than using the services of a locksmith, but it could be the fastest and easiest way to solve your problem.
A professional locksmith will be able to supply you with a spare key which is useful in case of future emergencies. You can also reduce the possibility of your key breaking in the near future by taking care of it, using a key protector, and having an emergency plan.
It can be very frustrating to have a broken car key, especially if you're trying to start your car, but it will not start. It can be tempting to take the situation to your own however, DIY fixes usually result in misalignments that damage locks and ignition systems. If you force your key into the ignition, it can harm the battery in the keyfob, or cause issues that require costly repairs. In these circumstances, it is best to contact a professional. A professional automotive locksmith can quickly and effectively fix the problem without causing damage to your vehicle or causing further problems.