Key broke in ignition

[Cruiserhead05]

Anyone have any tips for removing a key that snapped off in the ignition?


I'm getting a new one cut tomorrow based on the vin so atleast now i can get into the vehicle and have the capability of locking it but i do eventually need to fix the overall issue.

 

[REZARF]

STINK!

That sounds like a real pain. Sorry no sugguestions other than thin needle nose pliers...

 

[D'Animal]

PM MrLocksmith here on MUD.

He really is a locksmith and may have a few secrets to help you out.

Is your tumbler in-dash or in-column?

 

[grant5127]

I assume the key/switch is in the correct position to be removed? if so... Get a small sheet metal screw and insert it next to the key and try screwing it in... in most cases it'll grab the key and kinda pull it out.... sometimes it takes 2, one on both sides....

 

[Cruiserhead05]

Tumbler is in-dash.

I went to the dealer today but unfortunately '91 was when they started entering key codes in.

I have to pull the pass. side key cylinder and get a code off there if i want a new key cut. I'll try to get a sheet metal screw but im curious as to whether it will fit down next to the key without screwing something else up in there. The piece that's left in the tumbler is deep in there and cannot be seen whatsoever.

 

[grant5127]

That sounds too deep for my trick.... so, how did this key fatigue failure come about anyway?..

 

[Cruiserhead05]

I pulled the key out of the ignition one day and set them on a kitchen table. Came back a few hours later and it was then that i realized the key had snapped. I never even noticed it when removing it from the ignition.

 

[vtcruiser60]

When you break a rusty bolt, sometimes welding a nut to the top will let you back the bolt out.

Why don't you try something a little less invasive, like using glue. Can you see any of the key sticking out? Anything to glue to?

You could try something more stout like JB weld too.

 

[Cruiserhead05]

I thought about the glue thing immediately after it happened. If someone could verify that it would cause a problem within the tubler, or cause the piece i stick in to be permanently stick then i'd give it a try.
I guess i need to use a very small amount. I'd like to try doing this before tearing the pass. side door apart for the key code.

Thanks

 

[vtcruiser60]

If you cannot see any portion of the broken key hanging out...then, no, I would not recommend the glue. You'll just gum up the interior of the lock cylinder.

If you can see a portion of the key, even an 1/8 of an inch or so you could glue anything to it---a toothpick, a pencil....let it dry and pull it out slowly.

I wonder if you could solder something as easily. Or your wife's hot glue gun????

 

[Cruiserhead05]

I like the toothpick idea.

That will be my first attempt, when i get time.

As for a wife, I'm 21......i dont need one of those just yet. I want a few more years.

 

[D'Animal]

Try tweezers.

 

[Mace]

small needle nosed pliers..

 

[cruiser88]

Dentist picks

 

[Cruiserhead05]

The closest portion of the key is still about 1/4 of an inch down in there. I'll see what tools i can find that look like they can get the far in and still get a hold on it.

 

[vtcruiser60]

Oh.....that sucks. I'd call a local locksmith and get their ideas over the phone.

 

[grant5127]

Your gonna have to remove the key cylinder and take to a locksmith...

 

[ducktapeguy]

Depending on how much they're gona charge you, might wanna give the superglue a try. I'd try and use a key extractor first, but if you don't have one, you could probably make one pretty easily.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=116719

 

[crawlin40]

Try this

Try using a jigsaw blade to grab the key.

Old trick.

M. Reed
'97 fj80

 

[Cruiserhead05]

Tried glue the other day. no luck. I then went and tried to get the code off the pass side door cylinder, lets just say i'm back to different methods of removing the key, or calling a locksmith.

I've been a few weeks now with no door locks, and lucky nothing has been stolen.