key broke off in my ignition switch

Im so pissed! And like a dope I do not have a spare.

Does anyone have a trick to get the nubbin out with out removing the switch?

It didn't break flush, it sets in there about an 1/8". And no I can't just start it with a screwdriver, it won't turn unless I have the other part of the key in there.

 

Grind down a pick so its got a notch in it . Go in and dig it out.

Brian

 

I have dug out a couple with a bent safety pin. Get a larger one that is easy to hold, bend the very tip to maybe a 60 degree hook, making a real short bent part.

The pins are pretty sharp and can get a bite in the br*** key. Might need 2 pins to get it to pull out straight.

 

That ****s!!!

 

I've done this a few times, I used the head of a straight pin and a small dot of super glue, put the glue on the pinhead and stick it to the key and hold it still for a minute or so and then pull it out, well it worked for me anyway

 

Tweezers?

 

x2

Cyanoacrylate works great on metal, just make sure to use a very small amount.

 

I have used the blow gun/magnet trick before, blow air into the lock cylinder and if the key is near the back, try to stick it to the magnet.

 

a short piece of a scroll saw blade is what I use.

 

Most good keys are br***...not magnetic

 

Key is aluminum. 50s Mopar

 

No, my bad. I used the blow gun/magnet trick on a broken off speedo cable in the back of the gauge. My memory aint what it used to be. My memory aint what it used to be.

 

Superglue and a pin is what most locksmiths will use as well.

 

Grind about 3/4 inch off the top of a hacksaw blade,just leaving the teeth.

 

You said you have no spare. If you get the nub out, then what? If that was your only key, you'd probably be better off removing and replacing the lock cylinder.

 

If the superglue trick doesn't work,I'm with Mike.You will spend less time replacing it and they're not that expensive.Good luck

 

Bingo! Though the scroll saw blade trick does work

 

I've used a piece of piano wire for cutting windshields out bend a short 90 degree on a end and fish out key. The wire has good strength to hold the 90 and is thin and strong. Good Luck!

 

locksmiths don't use superglue unless they don't have the small round pin-shaped "broken key extractor" that has barbs all around it. Sometimes you may have to hold up a wafer or two to allow the broken key to p*** back through that section again, depending on just where it broke. A new key can be made by 'reading' the cuts on the old key.

 

key extraction tool kit.....no superglue

 

How 'bout the scroll saw blade, thin it down as far as you can go so that it will fit along side the key nub, then put a dot or two of quick glue on one side of the blade, and insert (along side the nub) and wait 5 min or so. Then slowly pull the blade with the nub out.

 

i agree, time for that switch to go

 

just call a locksmith, last time i had them fish out a broken key it cost me like 10 bucks, and then they just clamp the broken key and head in the cutting machine and make a new one...

 

I fixed one before, I put a lil super glue on the part of the key you have, stick in in there, let it dry and pull it out.

 

I'd be very surprised if you could get a locksmith to come to your location, and extract a broken key and then make a new key for a total of $10. When did this occur? 1930?

dj

 

Take a real small drill bit and drill the short stub that sticks out, and use a paper clip & vice grips. Fish clip in the hole & pinch the clip with vice grips twist & pull it usually works good. I have done this many times .

 

About 15 years ago I called a locksmith out to make a key for a 33 Plymouth. Took about 10 minutes and charged $30. At the time I thought it was reasonable.

 

That is what I was thinking. Seems like a locksmith would have a 50 to 75 dollar fee just for showing up.

 

All else fails, remove wires from switch, then switch from dash. Then remove the terminal insulator that should be crimped to the metal housing. After that you might be able to see the point of the key and push the stub back out using a small drift pin. Just a thought.

 

at the price for s**** aluminum you need to find a TWEAKER bet one of them could remove it! hahahahaha!