10 Things We Love About Repair Car Keys

How to Repair Car Keys The car keys are tiny and may not be considered important, but they are essential for the operation of your vehicle. The cost of replacing a traditional or modern transponder car key could be as high as $200. There are methods to repair your car keys at home for a fraction of the cost. This article will discuss the most frequently encountered car keys issues and their DIY fixes. Dead Key Fob Battery The remote key fobs for keys that come with cars make it simpler than ever before to open the trunk, doors and tailgate. However, the battery inside this device can die. There are a few strategies you can use to solve this problem quickly. Check to see if the vehicle is in ignition mode. If it is, the key fob battery may be drained instead of dead. To test this, press the button on the key fob right up against the vehicle's ignition button. If this is successful, the battery is probably fine and will only need to be replaced. To replace the battery in the fob, the case open using a screwdriver. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the fob because this could cause the fob to split in two. If the fob doesn't open, try using your pry tool more than once around the outside of case. Open the electronic part of your vehicle after you have removed the mechanical key. Insert the new battery and snap it back into the shell. If the key fob won't work after this, there could be a more serious issue with your car's remote start system that requires a professional to diagnose. If this is the case, a reputable mechanic should be able assist you. If you need help with your vehicle and you need help, you can call roadside assistance. Broken Key Ring If your key fob won't work because the ring is broken there are a few things you could try. First, you should check to see if your broken piece is still inside the ignition. If it's still inside it, remove it without damaging the ignition lock or the door lock. If you have trouble taking it off, call a locksmith for help. They have tools that allow you to safely remove keys that are damaged from the ignition. A broken car key could also be the result of corrosion on the plastic frame or circuit board. Clean the board with the help of rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. This will remove corrosion and ensure that the contact pads don't get damaged. If your key isn't working because of a broken ring it, you might be able to fix it by using a thick wire or nail to seal the hole. You can also use superglue to fix a broken ring. First, clean the damaged ring with a damp cloth and then apply a small amount of superglue to the ends of the wire or nail. Allow the pieces to dry, and then press them into place. These DIY solutions may appear appealing, but they're really just a stopgap measure. It is best to employ an experienced locksmith for long-term repairs. They have the knowledge and tools to repair damaged keys quickly and efficiently. They can replace the battery and reprogram your key fob, if needed. Broken Key Blade Some key blades may break due to wear and tear. If this happens, it's time to get a new key. The issue isn't as serious as you believe at first. The main problem is that the metal blade snapped off the case. One solution is spraying the key hole with a oil-based lubricant. Then, you can use pliers pins, or tweezers to grasp the end of the broken key and remove it. You could also employ a magnet in the event that the key is magnetic. Use a magnet to help you remove the key, but be cautious to not break the lock tumbler. If you're not able to get the broken piece from the key, call an expert locksmith immediately. They have special tools to safely remove keys without causing any further damage. You can also apply super glue to fix a broken key. Apply a small amount of glue to the edges and press them in. Wait until the glue is dry before inserting the key into the lock. This method isn't extremely reliable, and you might need to repeat the process several times before it is successful. Super glue might not be able to hold the key in place. This is more of a temporary solution than a permanent one. Broken Plastic Loop If the plastic loop breaks off, it can make the key ineffective. This is a relatively easy fix. You can make use of wire or a nail for finishing to replace it. Drill car key fob repair near me into the plastic loop that is broken for each end of the nail or wire. Cut the wire or nail to the desired width, then place tiny drops of superglue in each hole. Press the wire or nail into the holes to seal them, and then let it dry. Another option is to purchase the replacement shell from a locksmith that sells them. They can transfer the programmable section of your key into the new shell, and then cut an entirely new blade at only a fraction of the price. It's not the best solution, but it will bring you back on the road if your key snapped in half. However, it can be difficult to repair the key blade if it's in the ignition. You can try using a hair clip or a needle extractor tool to remove the damaged piece of the ignition, however this can be risky if not cautious. Contact a locksmith who has special tools to safely remove damaged keys from ignitions. They can also create new keys that have the appropriate cuts for the ignition of your vehicle and ensure it works correctly when inserted into the lock. Broken Master Key You'll need to try to retrieve the key before it is completely destroyed. You can employ tweezers, lubricants, and needle nose pliers to grasp the fragment of a broken key. To begin, spray the inside of your lock with a lubricant such as graphite powder or WD-40. You may also try the hacksaw blade method, which involves carefully sliding the blade down along the edge of the broken key, and connecting to a few of the 'teeth' – if you are able to do this you will be able to pull out the broken key from the lock. Many hardware stores carry tools for key extraction that spiral. It's a thin and flexible bar with spiral threads, that can be inserted into the keyway, and then bent to get into the damaged section of the key. Once it is hooked to the serrations, it is possible to twist it in a circular motion and press it against the broken section of the key to pull it out. It's worth attempting to remove a master key that's broken prior to calling an expert locksmith. If you are unable to remove the broken piece, you'll need to call in the professionals. A locksmith can make you a new key that can be programmed with your car transponder.