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How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair You're heading to work in a hurry, and jam your car keys into the ignition. You try to turn it into a lock, and it snaps inside the lock! There are some things you can try to fix the issue before calling an expert locksmith. Here are a few easy fixes:: 1. Super Glue. 1. Contact a locksmith One of the worst things that could happen to the owner of a car is a damaged key in a lock. This can be even more frustrating if it occurs while the driver is hurrying to get somewhere or to drop off an infant. In this situation you must act swiftly to attempt to get the key out of the way. It is best to call an expert locksmith for this job, because he or she can use the right tools to remove the broken key without harm the lock. Many people are looking for something thin and stiff like paperclips or toothpicks. But it is not the best option since they are too thick to fit inside the lock. The best solution is to find a pair of tweezers, since they are very thin and can easily get into the key hole inside the lock. They should also be strong enough to grasp the broken part of the key and then pull it out. If you don't have tweezers it might be worth searching for a set of key extractors that are often sold in auto parts stores. They are narrow and flat with small hooks that can be put into the key hole, and then hold onto the damaged part of the key. A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal inside the lock, and then remove it. This isn't always a good option because it could be caught in the lock and cause further damage to it. In this case it is best to contact an experienced locksmith. Some people try to join the two pieces of their car key that have snapped together with superglue, as it will help them get it out of the lock. However, this could be extremely risky since the pieces of metal could stick to one another and break apart later. It is also important not to turn the key, since this could cause further damage to the lock or ignition cylinder. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith who will be on hand to remove the broken key and make a replacement on the spot. 2. Drill a Hole Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be capable of opening the door to your vehicle. Drilling out the lock may be the best solution in these instances. You will first want to make sure that the keyhole is set for a basic tumbler. If it's not there, you won't be able to remove the pins and cause damage to the lock's door or internal mechanism. It is important to note that you will drill through the outer layer of plastic as well as an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers using a a small drill bit, but you should not go any deeper. If you drill too deep, it could harm the wiring harness inside or cause the drill bit to become stuck inside the hole. It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective equipment when working using a drill. This will prevent dust and dirt from entering your respiratory system. It is also a good idea in the event that the key fragment is broken and is still sticking out of the lock, to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers at hand. If there is enough of the key protruding to grip with tweezers or pliers, this will be sufficient to get it out of the lock. If not, you'll need to use a tool such as this to wedge it in the lock, and then turn it toward the key to grab it and pull it out. 3. Drill a nail You may be left in limbo in the event that you break your key in half. There are several solutions to fix it without having to pay for locksmith. The first step is to use the screw or nail. These can be found in your home or at a local hardware store. However, it is best to search for the nail that is as thin as it can be and as long as is possible. So you can insert it into the hole and then apply epoxy glue to join the two pieces together. It is also important to ensure that the back of the nail is flat. This will allow it to fit into the slot in the key. This will stop it from moving around and possibly breaking again in the future. 4. Super Glue Many car owners tend to resort to DIY tricks like using super glue try and fix a broken car key, however this is a risky way to go. You could end up damaging the lock and be forced to shell out more money to get a new one. First, examine the keys that are broken and make sure they are in terms of size. This step is crucial to ensure that the pieces will be aligned properly and that the key fits into the lock once they have been bonded. After that, use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the broken pieces of the key. nearby key repair shop will make the glue stick better and reduce the chances of a key falling loose in the future. Once you have polished the edges of the broken key and polished them, apply a small amount super glue to one of the ends. Be cautious not to apply too much glue, as this can cause the key to become too heavy and it will be difficult to fit into the lock. Then, you can carefully align the two pieces of the key and press them together. After a few minutes, the glue will begin to set and join to the key pieces. A bobby-pin or paperclip can also be used to extract a broken key from an lock. They can be cut like a pick and then inserted into the lock. This method is particularly helpful if the break is near or inside the keyway or lock hole. A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will require a new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. The key will have to be reprogrammed with a different code and the chip in the key needs to be changed. If only the shell or metal part of the key is damaged and needs to be replaced, you'll need to have a new cut. You won't need to reprogramme or replace the electronics.