Car Keys Longboat Key

WHAT TO DO IF YOU BREAK YOUR KEY OFF IN THE CAR LOCK OR IGNITION?

Phone: 941-348-2455

It can happen to the best of us. You are running late for work and your hands are full, so you quickly insert your key in the car door lock or ignition and twist to open or start the car but instead of the lock opening or the car starting, you hear a snap and look down to see half of a key in your hand. What a terrible way to start your day!

Don’t panic. A broken key inside of a lock is quite common. It can happen when you are in a hurry, but it can also happen when a key has endured too much wear or if there is a problem with the lock or ignition. Regardless of what cause the key to break, you are now stuck with a broken key inside the lock, which has to be taken care of immediately so you can get to work.
When you accidentally broke your key when you inserted it into your car door lock or ignition switch, the remaining key fragment or stub could be left visible or it could be stuck deep in the lock or ignition.
When the key fragment is sticking out of the lock, you may be able to extract the key yourself. If you can see the end of the key stub, find a pair of tweezers or needle nose pliers and use them to grab a hold of the stub and pull on the key stub until it loosens from the car lock or the ignition switch and comes out smoothly. Be careful in inserting the tweezers or pliers and pulling out the key so that you don’t accidentally damage your car lock or ignition switch. A new car lock or a new ignition switch would be more costly than having a new key made. If you are successful and you have a spare key available, you can be on your way in no time.
When the key fragment is not sticking out of the lock, in most cases, you may not be able to remove the fragment yourself. When the key breaks off in the car door or the ignition, it does so in such a way that you cannot see a key stub. At this point, it is best to call an Automotive locksmith.

An Automotive locksmith will have the experience and the correct tools to get deep into the lock or ignition and push the pins out of the way in order to get the remaining key fragment and pull it out. If they are not able to pull the key fragment out, they can mechanically turn the lock and release the lock from its housing and then retrieve the fragment of the key out of the lock.
Since your key is broken, you will need to have a new key made and also a spare key that you can keep in your wallet or somewhere safe. If your key cannot be duplicated, you can have a new one made using your car’s VIN. An auto locksmith will be able to produce a new key using the serial codes, which tells an experienced locksmith how to cut a key that will fit your car.

You can prevent broken keys by doing a little key and lock maintenance.

Lubricate the lock. Many times a key will break inside of a lock because the lock has not received the proper maintenance. Use a silicone based lubricant spray and apply it to the keyhole every six months or so to prevent grinding or friction when you are locking your car door.
Get a replacement key made. When you notice that you key is starting to wear or has some minor damage, you should get a replacement key made and throw that one away.
Use a de-icer on the lock. In winter months, car locks can freeze over. Don’t jam your key in the lock through the ice. Use a de-icer to melt the ice around the lock or you can even try heating your key with a lighter before putting it in the lock.

Our Automotive Locksmiths in Longboat key specialize in solving problems with automotive keys, locks and ignition lock cylinders for all makes and models of automobiles. We are mobile and can come to your home or office to remove a broken key and provide a replacement key.call us toady 941-348-2455 best car keys made in Longboat key and Anna Maria Island FL.