Facing a key emergency? A broken key can leave you stranded and frustrated. But you don’t need to panic! There are often solutions you can try on the spot to regain access. In this article, we’ll explore quick and easy fixes for different types of broken keys, better than trying to put the pieces together. We'll also cover how solutions might differ for car keys versus regular house keys.
But, before we delve into how to repair broken keys, understanding how a key break is essential because different types of key breaks require a specific kind of repair. When it comes to finding key repair solutions, there are different concerns for common house keys and car keys. Generally, it’s more difficult to fix broken car keys than house kets. Thus, it’s important to differentiate between how to fix broken automotive keys and residential keys.
Below are some of the ways that different types of keys can be broken along with how to repair them.
Key Breaking in the Lock
Even though keys are now made from stronger nickel silver compared to older brass keys, they're still susceptible to breaking under pressure. Over time, repeated rotations in a lock weaken both the key and the lock itself. Metal rubs against metal, causing gradual wear. Key repair can address minor issues, but even the strongest keys have a lifespan.
Moreover, forcing a key that's not inserted correctly puts immense stress on the metal. This is especially common during stressful situations when you might not be paying close attention. This also increases the chances of needing a locksmith, especially if different types of keys break into the lock.
1. How to Repair Broken House Keys
Many people want to repair broken keys that snap in half. They think that after you remove the broken key from the lock, there will be a way to put the two pieces back together.
Unfortunately, that’s not possible, and ideally, it’s not the correct way to fix a broken key. Because they often don’t work properly, plus there is the possibility that after a few uses the key is going to break again.
So the question arises, exactly how to repair broken keys or broken house keys? It’s best to take the broken key to a professional locksmith. With both halves of the key, they will fix the issue by making a new key. In general, key replacement is the best way you can fix a broken key that has snapped into pieces.
How to Fix Broken Car Keys
To fix a broken car key that has snapped into pieces inside a lock, and you’re trying the same process as mentioned earlier, trying to put the two pieces back together, it simply won't work for modern car keys. In this situation, a full car key replacement is the best and safest course of action.
While this may not be the quick fix you hoped for, it's crucial for your safety. Car keys, especially transponder keys, require specific programming to function correctly. Repairing a broken key by forcing the pieces back together can lead to serious problems.
If your key breaks while you’re driving, this could create incredibly dangerous circumstances such as your steering wheel locking in place, or the engine shutting off.
2. Broken Bow Cover
The bow of a key, the part you grip to turn it, sometimes has a protective cover made of plastic. This cover is more common on car keys than on house keys because it often houses a transponder chip. Unfortunately, these bow covers are prone to breaking, creating security and functionality concerns.
The hard plastic covers of the key break due to pressure. Carrying your keys in a pocket or bag can put pressure on the bow cover, especially if it's next to another key or keyring attachment. Even the keyring itself can twist and cause cracks in hard plastic covers.
Dropping your keys can cause the hard plastic covers to crack or break, while softer covers might tear. Excessive wear and tear from repeatedly attaching and detaching the key from a keyring can weaken and eventually tear softer rubberized covers.
Also, exposure to extreme heat can make soft plastic covers more susceptible to tearing.
How to Fix Broken Bow Cover of House Keys
It’s unlikely for your home keys to have a bow cover. Even if yours breaks, it likely won't impact the key itself. House keys typically have a hole punched directly into the metal body.
However, if that metal breaks around the hole, you could try attaching a replacement bow cover to prevent the key from slipping out of the keyhole.
How to Fix Broken Bow Cover of Car Keys
To repair broken automobile keys with a broken hard shell, you can cannibalize the shell of an old key or a new key blank and just replace the transponder chip. You will need to either cut the blade of the car key or use an old key that still works in the car.
The hard shells, unlike the soft plastic bow covers, may be easily opened and closed again, allowing you to pop the broken one open and take the internals. Then open the replacement shell and replace the internals. Broken soft plastic bow coverings can be repaired by drilling new holes. You can either drill a single hole and use it to secure your key to your keychain, or you can drill two holes and utilize a metal insert. In either case, you will be drilling holes to repair broken car keys.
However, during this type of car key repair, be careful of where your transponder key is so that you do not drill through it. If you damage your transponder chip, you will need to replace your car keys.
Create a basin with masking tape along the broken part of the bow cover. Build a bridge between the ripped space by adding glue and powder one after the other. When the glue has dried properly, remove the tape and continue to strengthen the connection.
If desired, sand off extra material and paint the glue. This method of repairing broken car keys reduces the possibility of further damage.
3. Dead Battery
When it comes to how to repair broken keys, a dead battery is mainly a concern to fix broken car keys. Although these batteries typically have a long lifespan due to the minimal power consumption of car keys, they will eventually run out. This can catch you off guard, especially with keyless start remotes.
When the battery fails, your car won't start, even if you can manually unlock the doors with the physical key on the fob. It's important to remember that the battery gradually drains over time, even when the keys are not in use. So, every time you use your keys, you're also depleting the battery.
To avoid getting stuck with a dead battery, it's essential to use your fob as needed and anticipate the need for battery replacement.
Similarly, with smart locks where your smartphone serves as your key, keeping the battery charged is vital. However, if there are dead batteries within the smart lock, it might mistakenly appear as an issue with your key.
In the case of smart locks, it's advisable to minimize the use of keys and locks to conserve battery life. Ensure your phone is always charged if you're relying on it as your house key. This proactive approach can help prevent inconvenience and ensure the smooth operation of your keys as well as different types of key locks.
How to Fix Dead Battery of House Keys
If your house key is broken because the batteries have run out, the solution is likely extremely easy. Most likely, the key is a smartphone. You will only need an outlet and a charger. These are commonly available for purchase and borrowing. Most homes will additionally have an outlet (or outlets) outside the house. All you'll need to do is charge your phone until you can operate the lock.
If the outlet is close to the lock or the smart lock is WiFi enabled, you may be able to do this without unplugging the phone.
How to Fix Dead Battery of Car Keys
When your battery dies, replace it to repair your broken car key. The only difficulty in repairing broken car keys in this manner is that you will need a new battery. Because your automobile key is no longer functional, you are unlikely to be able to travel anyplace to obtain a replacement key fob battery.
It's also unlikely that you'll have replacement batteries unless you've planned ahead of time to get them. The batteries used in key fobs are non-standard disk variety.
The brand and model of your auto key will most likely determine the specific type you will want. Open your remote and note the battery type. When you go to the trouble of getting replacement batteries, get a spare set and keep it in your wallet.
If you ever need to use your emergency batteries, make sure to buy another spare, as the one you've been keeping will have lost its charge from sitting about without being used.
4. Water Damage
Car keys are particularly susceptible to water damage since they contain electronic components. The most common cause of water damage to keys is frequent outside excursions.
It could be a trip to the beach, river rafting, a water activity, etc. A key that is submerged in water is likely to have its electrical components damaged. Protecting against water damage boils down to waterproof storage. This includes taking keys with you and storing them in specific containers, or leaving keys in a vehicle and retrieving a physical key that will not be water-damaged but can open your car door.
If you take your key anyplace near water, keep it as far away as possible. Consider things like beach bag security when looking for ways to protect your keys.
How to Fix Water-Damaged House Keys
Water exposure has a minimal probability of damaging any sort of house key. This only applies to the same type of house key indicated in the dead battery section above. In the scenario of smartphone keys, most smartphones are now extremely water-resistant. Cover older phones with loose rice or silica packets. These will help to remove moisture from the phone's interior components. It is important not to utilize heat to try and evaporate the liquid.
If this does not resolve the problem, you will most likely need to replace the key (your phone). However, in the meantime, you may be able to access your account with another device. This is a good temporary solution, but you must check out before returning the phone to the person you borrowed it from, otherwise you will be giving away your keys.
How to Fix Water-Damaged Car Keys
You can fix water-damaged car keys in the same way you would a phone. This comes down to not trying to use it before putting it overnight in rice or silica packets. If this does not get your key to work again, you will need to replace the vehicle key fob or another electronic key.
It's critical to remember that during the replacement process, you understand how dangerous aftermarket keys are. When it comes to how to repair broken keys, understand that you can't always fix broken car keys, therefore you should know what the final solution is.
The final solution to the problem of broken car keys is to replace what isn't working. To find out what you need to know, contact your local car key maker.
Conclusion
Facing a broken key situation can be daunting, but there are solutions available. Whether dealing with house keys or car keys, it's important to first understand the problem and seek appropriate remedies. While some how to repair broken keys may be straightforward, others may require professional key-maker assistance.
There is often a solution for key issues, ensuring access is restored quickly and effectively. But, if you’re facing more complex problems, it’s best to visit or hire a locksmith or key repair professional. By understanding the issue and exploring solutions, these experts can help you navigate key emergencies with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is there a way to fix a broken key?
Ans. Yes, there are a few ways to fix a broken key, depending on the type of key and how badly it’s broken. But, if your key is broken, it’s generally not recommended to try to fix it yourself because the keys are specially designed to work with certain types of locks, and any attempt to repair it could damage the key or the lock. In this case, your best course of action is to take the broken key to a locksmith that cuts keys. They should be able to do key duplication and copy the remaining part of the key onto a new blank key.
Q. Can you glue a house key back together?
Ans. While gluing a house key back together can provide a temporary fix, it is generally not recommended because the glue can seep into the lock mechanism, jamming it and making it unusable. Also, the glued surface might not fit smoothly into the lock, causing further problems. It’s ideal to contact a local reliable key maker in this scenario.
Q. What to do if the key breaks in the lock?
Ans. A broken key in the lock can be frustrating, but there are a few things you can try to remove yourself.
- First, avoid rushing the process it might damage the lock further.
- See how much of the key is protruding from the lock to determine the best removal method.
- Apply a little lubricant, like WD-40 or graphite powder, around the broken key and into the keyhole. This can help loosen any debris and make it easier to extract the piece.
- If a significant portion of the key is sticking out, use needle-nose pliers or tweezers to grasp it firmly and pull it straight out.
Q. Can you replace a snapped key?
Ans. Yes, with the help of a professional locksmith, you can replace a snapped key to get a new key that works with your lock even if your old key is broken.