How to Repair Car Keys<br /><br />The car keys are small and may not seem important, but they are essential to the functioning of your vehicle. The cost of replacing an old or contemporary transponder car key could be as high as $200.<br /><br />However, there are ways to repair your car keys at home for less than. This article will cover some of the most frequent car keys issues and the DIY solutions.<br /><br />Dead Key Fob Battery<br /><br />Cars come with a remote key fob that makes opening the doors, trunk and tailgate more convenient than ever before. However, the battery inside this device can die. There are a few strategies you can use to solve this issue quickly.<br /><br />First, make sure that the car is in ignition mode. If it is, then the battery of the key fob may be drained instead of dead. To test, press the button on the fob against the ignition button of the vehicle. If it works, the battery is probably in good condition and needs to be replaced.<br /><br />To replace the battery inside the fob, pry open the case using an screwdriver. Don't apply too much force as this may cause the fob's case split. If the fob won't open try prying the tool more than once around the outside of the case.<br /><br />Once the fob is open then remove the mechanical key, and then open the electronic section of the car. Insert the new battery and snap it back into the shell. If the key fob doesn't work after this procedure, it could be a larger issue with the remote start system of your car. This requires a professional to diagnose. If this is the case, a reliable mechanic should be able help you. You can also call roadside assistance to assist with your vehicle, if you require it.<br /><br />Broken Key Ring<br /><br />If your key fob won't work because the ring broke there are a few things you might try. Examine if you can find the broken piece inside the ignition. If it is, remove it without damaging the door lock or ignition lock. Contact a locksmith if have difficulty getting rid of the key. They have specialized tools that allow you to safely remove a damaged key from the ignition.<br /><br />A broken car key can also be the result of corrosion on the plastic frame or circuit board. You can clean the circuit board by using a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. This will remove the corrosion and prevent damage to the contact pads.<br /><br />You can repair a damaged ring using a strong nail or wire to close the hole. Superglue can be used to fix a broken key ring. First, clean the damaged ring with a damp cloth and then apply a small amount of superglue to the ends of the nail or wire. Allow the pieces to dry, and then press them in place. These DIY solutions can appear appealing, but they're only temporary solutions. For long-term repairs, it's recommended to work with an experienced locksmith. They have the tools and knowledge to fix a broken car key quickly and effectively. They can even replace the battery inside your key fob and reprogram it if needed.<br /><br />Broken Key Blade<br /><br /><br /><br />Key blades may break due to a lot of wear and tear. If this happens, it's time to get a new key. Fortunately, the issue isn't as bad as it appears at first glance. The main problem is that the metal blade broke off from the case.<br /><br />One solution is spraying the key hole with a fluid that lubricates the key hole. You can then make use of pliers or tweezers grasp the damaged end of the key and pull it. If the key is magnetic, you can also try using a magnetic tool to pull it out. Just be careful not to use a magnet on an ignition key as it could cause the tumbler of the lock to break.<br /><br />If <a href="http://arcdog.com/architects/voicesnail9/activity/118879/">key repair near me</a> 're not able to remove the broken piece from the key, call a locksmith right away. They have special tools that let them safely remove keys without causing further damage.<br /><br />Super glue can be used to fix an open lock that has snapped. Apply a small amount of the glue to the edges and press them in. Make sure the glue is dry before inserting the key into the lock. This method is not very reliable, and you may have to repeat it a few times before it works. Additionally the super glue might not be enough strong to keep the key in place. This is more of a temporary solution than a permanent one.<br /><br />Broken Plastic Loop<br /><br />If your key fob's plastic loop gets damaged, it can make the key useless. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. You can make use of wire or a finishing nail to replace it. For each end of the nail or wire make two holes in the loop of plastic. Cut the nail or wire to the desired width and then place a drop of superglue on each hole. Put the nail or wire into the holes until it closes them and allow it to dry.<br /><br />Another option is to get a replacement shell from a locksmith that sells them. They can take out the programmable part of your key, move it to the new shell, and cut an entirely new blade for less than the full replacement cost.<br /><br />This isn't the best solution, but it will allow you to travel again if your key broken in half. It's not easy to fix when the blade of the key is in the ignition, however. You can try using a hair clip, a needle or an extractor tool to remove the damaged part out of the ignition, but this is risky if you're not cautious. The best choice is to contact a locksmith with special tools for safely removing damaged keys from the ignition. They can also create a new key with the correct cuts for the ignition of your vehicle and ensure it works properly when it is inserted into the lock.<br /><br />Broken Master Key<br /><br />If a key is broken inside the lock, you'll need to find it before it's completely destroyed. You can use tweezers, lubricants, and needle nose pliers for grabbing the broken fragment of a key.<br /><br />To begin, spray the interior of your lock with a lubricant, such as graphite powder or WD-40. You can also employ the hacksaw blade technique that involves sliding the blade along the sides of a damaged key and then grasping a few of its 'teeth.' If you are successful then you should be in a position to cut the damaged key.<br /><br />Many hardware stores carry a spiral key extraction tool. It is a thin rod that is flexible and has spiral threads that can be inserted into the keyway, and then bent into the broken part of the key. Once it has been snagged onto the serrations, you can turn it in a circular motion, and press it against the broken part of the key to take it out.<br /><br />It's worth attempting to remove a broken master key before calling a professional locksmith. If you are unable to get rid of the broken piece it's time to call in the professionals. Locksmiths can create you a new key that will be programmed with your car transponder.<br /><br />