How Key Repairs Can Be Your Next Big Obsession

· 6 min read
How Key Repairs Can Be Your Next Big Obsession

How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs

A damaged key fob could cause you to lose your day. Fortunately, fixing the issue is simple with the right tools and procedures.



Always ground yourself before attempting any repairs to remove static electricity. It takes only a few seconds and is a good way to practice to work with electronic devices.

Look for any debris under the bad key. Breadcrumbs and other bits often get stuck underneath keys, preventing them from being pushed in properly.

Broken Car Keys

It's easy to take car keys for granted until they stop working or break at the most inconvenient time. When you're trying to open the trunk of your car for groceries, or unlocking your doors to go to a place, or starting your engine and heading to work, car keys can be a nightmare when they don't work.

Over time, keys to automobiles may wear out.  car key repair near me  of knocking or dropping them could cause damage, and the internal parts could get worn out to the point where they no longer work. This is a major issue because it means that you can't use your car without an extra key or your mechanic fix the problem.

Fortunately, the majority of broken keys to cars can be repaired or replaced easily. If the key has been damaged inside the lock or ignition you can remove the remaining portion of the key by using pliers or coated wire. A locksmith may provide you with the necessary removal tools that are designed to slide into the key and then apply a pincer-like grip on the broken pieces to securely pull them out.

If the car key has been broken in half, an easy and cost-effective solution is to super glue the two pieces back together. This is difficult as you must ensure that the pieces are correctly aligned, but the end result can be very efficient. It is a good idea to keep a pair of scissors and a roll tape in case you have to alter the alignment just to a degree.

Another method to fix temporarily the car key that is damaged is to replace the battery on the key fob. If your car's key fob isn't working and you don't have a replacement, this is the best solution. Based on the model of vehicle, you could often do this by removing the key fob and then opening it using a screwdriver, or a small tool.

If the problem is serious or if the keyfob is not working or isn't responding it is necessary to replace it. This can be done at the dealer, but an auto locksmith is likely to be cheaper. They will visit you and make the needed repairs or even replace the key fob.

Broken Key Fobs

Like all electronic devices keys for cars can malfunction. When they stop working they're not difficult to fix. You'll first have to determine the problem.

Most of the time when the key fob ceases to function, it's because the battery is dead. The most simple and economical option is to replace the battery. It's possible to do this at your home.

If cleaning the fob is not working, you can remove it. The fob is equipped with a circuit board within it that houses a variety of "contact pads" for every button you can press on the fob (lock buttons or trunk buttons, etc.). The contact pads are made of rubber and are coated with an electrically conducting film that begins to wear off over time. With a cotton swab, and some rubbing alcohol, you can clean the contacts of your key fob to remove any corrosion stopping them from functioning.

If you suspect that the contacts are broken or loose If you suspect that the contacts are damaged or loose, you can use a pair of tweezers. If you do this it is a good idea to use some silicone on the back of your key fob prior inserting the new contacts. Silicone will make the contacts more secure and keep out water.

Another reason for a malfunctioning key fob is that it is no longer linked with the vehicle. When you press a key fob, it sends the car a message that communicates to it what you're trying to do. If the key fob is not connected, it will no longer recognize the vehicle, and it will no longer allow you to start your engine.

It's time to contact a locksmith or a dealership technician if it's impossible to get the key fob that you want to pair with your vehicle. They will have the equipment necessary to reprogram the fob and make it work. You'll likely be charged an amount for the service, but it's much less expensive than buying the new key fob.

Unresponsive Keys

If the keyboard key stops working, it can be an absolute nightmare. First, ensure that the key isn't blocked by anything. Dust, hair and other particles can build up over time and obstruct the key's movement or disrupt its circuitry. Try gently removing the key and clean the area beneath it with a rag and ruby alcohol. Sometimes, it's all it takes to get your key working again.

If the key still doesn't work, it's a problem with your software. Certain keys are mapped to specific actions in games, so if your key isn't doing what you'd like it to, make sure you check your game settings to make sure that the key is correctly mapped.

You may also try reinstalling the drivers for your keyboard to resolve the problem. Drivers that are outdated or damaged can cause your keyboard to stop functioning, so it is important to always keep them up to date whenever you can.

Another possibility is that the key may be broken. Key switches are comprised of two circuits, and they could wear out over time until the point that they no longer register a press. If this happens the best choice is to replace the entire keyboard as it will likely no longer perform as it should.

If you've tried these solutions but the keyboard isn't responding you're in need of an expert look over your laptop or external computer keyboard. It could be that the membrane covering the keyboard is damaged or that one of the keys is damaged.

To determine this you'll need to test the keys on a keyboard tester website. The website will tell you whether keys work correctly during an examination If they do, it's likely due to a software issue. The other fixes can be applied to restore full functionality. You could also try using an external keyboard for a temporary solution until the internal keyboard is repaired or replaced.

Keys that aren't working

Keys that aren't working can be an enormous problem, but fortunately, they are usually relatively simple to repair. Most times, a malfunctioning key is caused by a piece or dirt under the key or it's simply not properly connected to the laptop or keyboard. If you are unsure, clean the keys with canned air and blow out any dirt or dust.

The key could have become misaligned. This is another issue that can be solved by an expert, however it is more likely to require replacement of the key. If your car key is electronic and cannot be turned by pressing a metal manual key into the ignition, it's likely that the transponder chip inside has stopped working and you'll need to get a new one programmed.

If your laptop keyboard or external keyboard keys aren't not registering any action at all, you can try using a key test website. This will allow you to determine if your keyboard is malfunctioning or if software is interfering.

A switch that's not functioning correctly can also be the cause for keys not working as is. If you have a mechanical keyboard you can check this by looking under the keycap and seeing if there is any debris stuck to it. If you spot something that is not there, use canned air to clear it, then take off the keycap. This will let you replace the hooks that connect the retainer to the switch, and hopefully bring back functionality to the key.

If the key on your keyboard fails to perform the expected function in just one program, then it is likely that the settings for the game's keyboard have assigned the key to perform a different action. Check the keyboard settings and press the key again to check if it is working. If not, it's probably best to buy a new keyboard and have it installed by an experienced. This is especially true in case you play a game that requires a lot of typing.