Comprehensive List Of Broken Car Key Repair Dos And Don'ts

· 6 min read
Comprehensive List Of Broken Car Key Repair Dos And Don'ts

Tips For a Broken Car Key Repair

A broken key in the ignition could be very frustrating. To avoid further damage, avoid turning the key.

Get professional help as quickly as possible. A locksmith can take out the broken piece without causing any further damage. In the meantime, you can find another method to travel by taking the bus or requesting a ride from an acquaintance.

Assessing the Damage

A broken car key can be a major inconvenience. It could hinder you from getting to where you must go, causing you to lose money and time, or even lead to expensive repairs to your vehicle. That's why it's important to keep a few tips for a broken car crucial repair in mind to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.

First of all, do not try to remove the broken key yourself. This can worsen the problem and damage your lock or ignition cylinder. Modern locksmiths are equipped to safely extract a broken car key without causing further damage.

The reason could be wear, damage or simply mishandling, there are many reasons that your car key could break. A common reason is that the key gets worn down and can't fit in the ignition anymore. This could be because of normal usage or after being exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Another reason your car key may break is because there is a blockage in the keyway or ignition cylinder. This could be due to dirt or debris that has built up over time, and could affect the grooves on your key. If you have a modern key with electronic functions, the issue could be caused by issues with the battery, or how your car connects the keys.

If your car keys break in the ignition or door lock, it's best to call an expert locksmith immediately. Trying to get the key out could cause further damage, so it's always best to be safe and consult an expert.

If you do decide to attempt to repair your car key yourself using super glue, do not try it. It's likely to break after a few use and won't be as effective as a professional tool from an experienced locksmith. Instead, use a thick wire or a nail to fix the loop of plastic that has broken. If you are able you can drill holes at both ends of the wire or nails to the key's width, and then apply glue. Allow it to dry completely before you use the key.

Remove the broken part

You can take a damaged car key from the door lock. However, you should be careful not to risk creating further damage. A good set of needle-nose pliers and penetrating oil can help you do this. A jigsaw with teeth pointing downwards can be used to latch on the broken piece within the lock and then take it out at an angle. Avoid twisting the bit since this may break it off completely or cause further damage to the ignition cylinder.

If the key breaks inside the lock, you'll require locksmiths for an exchange or visit your dealer. If there's enough of the broken piece sticking out, however, you may be able to pick it up using the help of pliers. Beware of turning the key with pliers or a screwdriver since this could cause it to break more or cause further damage to the lock or ignition.

Super glue can be used to repair the loop that is broken on your key. Be sure to apply a gel-type glue, not just a thin one, and let it dry before putting the key into the lock. This method is not ideal since a lapse in judgement could easily cause misalignments to damage the lock or ignition system and cause more costly repairs down the line.

Another option is to use a strong wire or nail to finish to serve as a temporary key loop replacement. For each end of the nail or wire, drill two holes in the loop that has been damaged on the key. Apply a small amount super glue to each hole after cutting the wire or nail the same length as the key. Then, you can slide the nail or wire into the holes and close up the damaged plastic loop on your car key.

The fact that you keep both pieces of your broken car key will make it easier for locksmiths to create a exact replica. This will reduce the chances of issues with the new key, and will save you time and money.

How do I obtain an additional key

Sometimes, keys for cars can break in such a manner that it's difficult to start the vehicle. It could happen when you apply too much force when turning the key, and it breaks off in the ignition. This could be the case if you are using your key fob for opening the door, and it gets stuck. If this occurs, you'll need contact a locksmith or a dealership for assistance.

A broken ignition key can be quite a hassle since you won't be able to drive your car until it is repaired. This is because the key is used to switch the car on and off as well as to unlock doors and enable other features. There are fortunately, a few steps you can take to fix the damaged key in the ignition before it becomes a more serious problem.

The first step is to remove the broken part of your key by using pliers. If you're lucky enough, the car key was broken near the top and should be easy to jimmy out of the lock. If it was broken at the bottom, you'll face more difficulty removing it by yourself and may require to use a pair of special tools. These tools are narrow, flat and have small hooks at the end. They cling to the key's fragment and pull it away. You can also apply an lubricant like liquid or powder to loosen the key and make it easier removable.

Another option is calling an emergency locksmith who will visit and repair your damaged key. This is typically less expensive than visiting a dealership and will save you time. They can also make a new key that matches the key that you have already got which is particularly important for newer vehicles that use programmable chip technology.

Finally, you could try to re-attach the two parts of your key with super glue. This is a risky method however, it is possible to work. Be careful not to get your key stuck in the ignition again.

Programming the New Key

You might not be able to change your key yourself, depending on the model. This can only be done by an authorized locksmith or dealer since it safeguards your car's security from unauthorized access. This is essential to prevent people from using another key to start your vehicle and even stealing it. However, it makes the process more complex, especially if you need to replace the fob.

In a rush, it's easy for you to exert too excessive pressure when turning the key to unlock or lock your car. This can result in the key being snagged or break into two inside the lock. It could also be that the key is stuck in the ignition, blocking you from starting your car. This can be a hassle and throw off your schedule. There are ways to fix this problem before it gets out of hand.


In some cases you can get rid of a broken key fragment from the lock with basic tools you may already have at home. Tweezers can be useful to grab small pieces of the key and pliers are great for removing the key. You can also make use of a key extractor, which is a special tool that is often available at auto parts stores. It is possible to spray lubricant on the lock to assist in the process of extracting.

Keep  car key remote repair near me  of the broken keys. This allows the locksmith to create a more precise duplicate which will make the replacement process faster. This will also allow you to get back on the road sooner. If you don't own any spare keys that work, ask your dealer to start your car with a brand new key and then program the new key.

You can also purchase a second key from the locksmith and insert it into the ignition to turn the computer system of the vehicle into programming mode. After a few moments, turn the ignition key to "on" but don't start the car. Then, switch to the new key.  car keys repairs near me  could take from a few minutes to a few hours which is why you'll need be able to get around until it's finished. You can use public transportation or ask friends to drive you.