If it is your car key that broke in half, you may be a bit stranded. You may have to call a tow truck, and no one wants that bill. There are a couple of things that you can do when your car key breaks in half. If you have both pieces, check out the information on how to fix them in this section.
Call the Dealership
No one likes calling the dealership. Well, better put, no one likes buying things from the dealership. Let’s face it, things can get pricey. However, you can bet that you will be getting the exact parts you need. You can call the dealership and ask for a replacement key and explain the situation. They may need some info such as the VIN number.
Rest assured that you will be getting a key that works. This may take some time. Try to come up with other accommodations for transportation in the meantime.
Temporary transportation could be:
- A bus
- A taxi
- An Uber
- Family or friends (make sure you give them some gas money for the trip)
Super Glue It
One way to temporarily fix a broken car key is to superglue it together. You have to be really careful when doing so though. You don’t want the key to breaking off in the ignition or door. If you live in a safe neighborhood, you could always leave the key in the ignition and turn it off gently until the replacement comes in.
Call a Locksmith
Locksmiths are not just for homes. You can call a locksmith to get into your car. If you lose a key or your key breaks in half, then you can call a locksmith. They will come to you and make you another key right away. It is important to make sure they have programmable chips for the newer cars.
Keys without chips for newer cars are completely useless. You will not be able to start your car unless the chip is programmed. This can get a bit pricey. It is a quick way to get a replacement though.
What If Your Key Breaks in the Door?
Certainly, besides panicking, there are other ways to fix the situation. It may seem like you now have no point of access with half your key in hand and the other half in the keyhole. There is hope! Some tools are available on the market. Not everyone has those on hand though.
Ways to Remove a Broken Key from a Lock
- Purchase a key extractor tool. These work well. However, it will require some effort. Some people have used a hair clip to remove the broken key. Simply place the bobby pin into the lock and then pull the broken half out.
- You can drill the key out. This is a last resort method. It is not highly recommended because it can ruin the lock.
- Remove the lock. If you can remove the lock, then do so and try to tap the underside. Sometimes the key will fall out just from the use of gravity.
- Super glue. This was listed above as an effective method. You can remove the broken key by putting just a small dab on the end of your key then placing it firmly in the lock. Hold it for 15 seconds or so. Then you should be able to pull the broken key out.
How to Fix a Broken Car Key?
Micro-chipped car keys cost like $50 to replace. Who wants to pay $50 to fix a broken plastic loop? Yet who can stand to see their key suffer away from his friends and family on the key chain?
Suffer no longer, my sad, disconnected key friend. Here’s a 5-minute, 5-cent fix.
- Step 1: Drill a Hole in Your Key. Use a drill bit about the same size as a finishing nail (which you will use in the next step).
- Step 2: Trim a Finishing Nail to the Correct Length. A pair of pliers should cut it (get it? ha? pun?)
- Step 3: Put a Dab of Glue on Each Hole. Put a Dab of Glue on Each Hole
- Step 4: Put the Nail in the Hole.
- Step 5: Re-unite Your Cute Little Key Family. Aren’t they precious?
How to Fix Broken Car Keys Yourself
If you’re handy and comfortable with basic tools and have time to spare for fixing a broken car key yourself, here are a few DIY solutions for how to fix car keys (or some parts of them):
How to fix a snapped car key: Try applying a small amount of superglue to the broken edges if your car key broke in half. Carefully align the broken pieces and press them together. Allow the glue to dry completely before inserting the key into the ignition lock. Turn the key to see if it works.
How to fix a broken car key fob: If it isn’t working because of a dead battery, you can replace the battery yourself. Just remove the key cap or cover and open the fob with a small screwdriver to access the battery. If the key fob has a loose or broken connection, try re-soldering the connections. You’ll need some basic soldering skills.
How to fix a broken car key ring: If the key ring is broken near one of the connectors, use pliers to bend the connectors back together and secure them in place. If it’s broken in multiple places, try wrapping the key ring with a thin wire or fishing line to hold it together.
How to fix a broken car key loop: Use thick wire or finishing nail as a replacement for your broken car key loop. Drill two holes into your key’s broken plastic loop for each end of the wire or nail. Cut the nail or wire to key width with pliers. Place a drop of superglue on each hole. Slide the nail or wire into the hole, closing the broken plastic loop. Let it dry.
How to fix a broken car key plastic top: If the broken plastic top is still attached to the key blade, you can try wrapping it with clear tape to provide support and prevent further breakage. You can also use superglue. Clean the broken plastic top and apply a small amount of superglue. Press the two pieces together as you let the glue dry completely.
DIY methods may seem appealing because they are quick and inexpensive, but they are only a stopgap measure.
Can you repair a car key remote?
Because most keyless remotes, or fobs, must be sold or programmed through a dealership, keyless remotes can be expensive to replace. Fixing you’re keyless remote can be as simple as cleaning the contacts, which is easy to do.
Can you glue a car key back together?
One way to temporarily fix a broken car key is to superglue it together. You have to be really careful when doing so though. You don’t want the key to breaking off in the ignition or door.
Can you duplicate a broken key?
Yes, you can copy a broken key regardless of whether it is a patented key. You will be limited on where you can have this done, just because not every key maker will have access to the needed key blank. The safest bet is always a locksmith, as they will have the keys and equipment to cut any type of new keys.