10 Key Repair Tricks All Experts Recommend How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair

You're in a rush to get to work and put your keys in the ignition. You try to turn it, and it snaps off in the lock!


There are a few things you could do to solve the issue before contacting an experienced locksmith. Here are some easy fixes. Super Glue.

1. Contact a locksmith

One of the most devastating things that can happen to a car owner is a damaged key in the lock. This can be particularly frustrating when the driver is in a rush to get somewhere, or drop off a kid. In this situation it is essential to act quickly and attempt to get the key out of the way.

A locksmith with experience is the best option as they'll have the proper tools and know how to take out the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. Many people look around their car to find something light and sturdy like a paperclip or toothpick, however this typically won't work since it's too heavy to fit into the lock.

The best way to do this is to use a pair of tweezers. They are lightweight and easily fit into the lock. They should be strong enough to grasp the damaged part of a key and pull it out. If you don't have tweezers it might be worth searching for keys extractors, which are usually available in auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with hooks that are small enough to be inserted into the key hole and then grip onto the damaged part of the key.

A magnetic key hook can be used to stick to the metal in the lock, and then remove it. This isn't always a good option, as it can sometimes be caught in the lock and cause further damage to the lock. In this situation it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith.

Some people try to join the two pieces of their car key that have snapped with superglue as it will help them remove it from the lock. However, this can be very risky as the bits of metal may cling to one another and fall apart later. It is also important not to turn the key as this can cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is better to call a professional locksmith who will be on hand to take the damaged key and then make a replacement on the spot.

2. Drill a hole

Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even if you have an extra key, you may not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. Drilling out the lock may be the best option in these situations.

It is important to make sure that the keyhole is set for a basic tumbler. If it isn't it, you will not be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door, and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.

Next, broken key repair is important to be aware that you will be drilling through the outer layer of plastic and an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers using a the smallest drill bit but you shouldn't go deeper. In the event of drilling too deep, it could cause damage to the wiring harness, or cause the drill to become stuck.

Wearing broken key repair or other protective gear is also recommended when working with a drill. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lung.

It's also a good idea, if the broken key piece remains stuck in the lock, to have a pair pliers and tweezers handy. If the key is long enough to be able to be grasped with pliers and tweezers this is enough to pull it out. If not, you will need to use an instrument like this one to encase the tool in the lock and then rotate it towards the key in order to grip it and pull it out of the hole.

3. Drill a Nail

If you break your car key in half, it can cause you to be in a bind. There are fortunately a few solutions to fix it without paying for locksmith. The first way is to make use of a screw or nail. They are available in your house or at the hardware store. It is recommended to look for the nail that is as thin and long as possible. This will allow you to fit it in the hole and then use epoxy to link the two pieces. It is also good to ensure that the nail's back is level. This will allow it to fit into the slot cut in the key. This will prevent it from moving around and potentially breaking again in the future.

4. Super Glue

Many motorists use DIY hacks, such as using super glue to repair a damaged key. This is a risky method. You could end up ruining the lock and needing to spend more money on finding a replacement at the dealer or a locksmith.

You must examine the keys that are broken first to ensure they're the same size. This step is essential to ensure that all the pieces of the glue are aligned properly and that the key will fit into the lock after they have been bonded. After that, use a piece of sandpaper with fine-grit or a metal file to smooth the edges of the broken pieces of the key. This will help the glue bond better and lessen the risk of a loose key in the future.

After polishing the edges After polishing the edges, apply the smallest amount (about the size of a pea) of super glue on one end. Be cautious not to apply too much glue, as this can cause the key to become too thick and it will be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, you can carefully place the two broken pieces of the key and press them together. After a few minutes the glue will begin to set and bond the key fragments.

Another common household item that can be used to remove a damaged car key is a bobby pin that can be made into a pick-like device and put into the lock. This method is particularly helpful in the event that the broken part is close or inside the keyway or lock hole.

Another thing to remember is that if the damaged car key is equipped with electronic components and requires the cutting of a new key from the dealership or an experienced locksmith. This is because the key needs to be programmed using a new code and the chip will need to be replaced. In contrast, if only the metal or shell of the key is damaged, it usually just requires a new key cut and doesn't require reprogramming or replacing of the electronic components.