What to Do When You Break Your Keys
Broken car keys can be a frustrating experience, but don't panic. Learn the best ways to handle a broken key and why an automotive locksmith is your best bet for a quick solution.
Superglue to the Rescue?
You’ve finished work for the week, eager to head out and enjoy the weekend. But then, disaster strikes – your key snaps off in your hand with the remaining part stuck in the car door lock. You think, "I can fix this!" and a colleague offers superglue to help fuse the two pieces together. But hold on!
Don’t try using superglue to fix a broken key. It might sound like a quick fix, but it could end up ruining the lock. The glue could leak into the mechanism, making things worse. Your best bet is to call an automotive locksmith who can remove the broken key quickly and repair it on the spot.
Tiny Pliers
Imagine this: You’re out with your brother-in-law, and your car key breaks. He suggests using tiny pliers to pry the broken key out of the ignition. You might think this will work, but it’s a bad idea.
Using tiny pliers can easily damage the inside of the lock. You risk breaking the key further or damaging the barrel of the lock itself, leading to even more expensive repairs. Leave the pliers behind and call an automotive locksmith who has the proper tools to extract the key without damaging the lock.
Magnets
You might think a strong magnet could pull your broken key from the lock. However, car keys are typically made of stainless steel, which isn’t magnetic. So trying to use a magnet to retrieve the broken key is unlikely to work.
Rather than waste time experimenting with DIY solutions, call an automotive locksmith. A skilled locksmith will have the necessary tools to extract the key and make a replacement on the spot, saving you time and frustration.
Why Call an Automotive Locksmith?
An automotive locksmith is a professional who comes prepared with specialty tools to solve the problem without causing damage to the lock or the vehicle. A locksmith can extract the broken key while preserving the integrity of the lock, preventing the need for costly repairs like replacing the lock barrel.
Additionally, a qualified locksmith offers 24-hour service, so you don’t have to worry about being stuck. Whether you're at home, work, or stranded somewhere, a locksmith can come to you and solve the issue. This means you get back on your way quickly, without the hassle of waiting at a dealership or dealing with more damage to your vehicle.
Next time you break a key, remember: don’t panic and avoid DIY fixes like superglue, pliers, or magnets. A professional automotive locksmith is always your best solution for quick, efficient, and safe key extraction and repair.