15 Shocking Facts About Key Repairs That You Never Knew
How to Fix Faulty Key Repairs
A damaged key fob could cause you to lose your day. Luckily, repairing the issue is simple with the right tools and steps.
Always ensure that you ground yourself prior to beginning any repairs to remove static electricity. It's only a matter of seconds and is a good practice when working with electronics in general.
Look for any debris caught under the key that is damaged. Breadcrumbs and other pieces of debris often become stuck beneath keys, which prevents them from being pushed in properly.
Broken Car Keys
It's easy to take your car keys for granted until they stop working or break at the most inconvenient time. When your car keys don't work, it could be a nightmare to open your trunk to buy groceries, unlock your doors to get somewhere, or start your engine to get to work.
Over time, keys to cars can be subjected to a lot of wear and wear and tear. Dropping or knocking them could cause damage and the internal components can get worn out to the point where they are no longer functional. This is a serious issue and you'll be unable to use your vehicle unless you have an extra key or your mechanic can fix the issue.
Fortunately, the majority of broken car keys can be replaced or repaired easily. If the key has broken inside the lock or ignition you can remove the remaining piece of the key with pliers or coated wire. Additionally, a locksmith could offer you an assortment of specially designed tools for removal that are designed to slide into the key and apply a pincer-like grip on the broken pieces to securely pull them out.
If the car key has been broken in half, a simple and affordable fix is to super glue the two pieces back together. This can be a bit tricky because you need to ensure that the pieces are aligned, but the end result can be very efficient. It's a good idea keep a pair of scissors and a roll of tape on hand in case you have to adjust the alignment to a degree.
Replace the battery in the car key fob to temporarily repair a damaged key. If your car's key fob isn't working and you don't yet have a replacement, this is the best solution. Depending on the type of vehicle, you could sometimes do this by removing the key fob and opening it up using a screwdriver, or a small tool.
If the issue is more serious like if your key fob is totally inactive or does not start at all, you will need to get it replaced. This is something you can do at a dealer however, it's generally cheaper to hire an auto locksmith to come to your home and make the necessary repairs or replace the key fob entirely.
Broken Key Fobs
Like all electronic devices keys for cars can malfunction. Fortunately, they're not all that difficult to fix if they cease to function. The first thing you'll need to determine is the cause of the issue.
The battery is usually the reason why a keyfob stops working. The most simple and cost-effective solution is to replace the battery. It's possible to do this at your home.
If cleaning the fob is not working, you can disassemble it. Your fob is equipped with an internal circuit board that houses a variety of "contact pads" for each button you can press on the fob (lock buttons or trunk buttons, etc.). The contact pads have a rubbery feel and are coated with an electricity-conducting film that wears off with time. With a cotton swab, and some rubbing alcohol, you can wash the contacts on your key fob to remove any corrosion that could be stopping them from functioning.
You could also try a pair or tweezers to replace the contacts on your key fob in case you suspect that they are damaged or loose. If you do this, however, it is an excellent idea to put some silicone on the back of your key fob before inserting the new contacts. Silicone will help to seal the contacts and keep water out.
Another possibility for a non-functioning key fob is that it is no longer linked with the vehicle. When you press the key fob button it transmits a code to the car, which tells it what it is trying to accomplish. If the key fob has been disconnected, it won't be able to recognize the car and will not allow you to start the engine.
It's time to call a locksmith or a dealership technician if you are unable to get the key fob that you want to pair with your vehicle. They will have the equipment required to reprogram the fob to make it work again. You'll likely be charged an amount for the service, but it's much less expensive than buying an entirely new key fob.
Keys are not responsive
When the keyboard key stops working, it can be a complete nightmare. The first step is to ensure that the key isn't being blocked by something physical. Over time dust, hair and other debris can build up and cause interference to the circuitry of a key. Try gently getting rid of your key and then clean it up by using a rag soaked with rubbing alcohol. This may be all that's needed to get your key working again.
If the key still doesn't work, it's possible it's an issue with your software. If key repairs using isn't doing what you expect, check the settings of your game to ensure that it's properly and properly mapped.
You might also try reinstalling your keyboard drivers to resolve the problem. key repair that are outdated or damaged can cause your keyboard to stop functioning, so it is important to always keep them updated whenever possible.
Another possibility is that the key is simply broken. Every key switch is comprised of two circuits, and they can wear out over time until the point that they cannot longer register the press. If this is the situation, it is best to replace the keyboard since the keyboard will no longer perform as it should.
If you've tried all of these fixes and the keyboard still doesn't respond, it's probably time to have your laptop or external keyboard examined by a professional. It could be that the membrane that covers the keyboard is damaged or that one of the keys is damaged.
To find out, you'll need to test the keys using a keyboard tester site. The website will tell you whether the keys are registered correctly during an examination, and if they do, it's most likely due to a software problem. The other solutions can be applied to restore full functionality. You could also use an external keyboard as a temporary solution until the internal keyboard can be repaired or replaced.
Keys That Don't Work
Keys that don't function are an enormous pain, but fortunately, they are usually relatively simple to fix. A malfunctioning key can be caused by a small piece of dirt under the button, or it may simply not be connected properly to your keyboard or laptop. If you're not sure then clean the keys using canned air and blow out any dirt or dust.
It's also possible that the key has become out of alignment with the lock. This is a different issue that can be solved by an expert, but it is more likely to require replacement of the key. If you have an electronic key that cannot be turned using an iron key the transponder chip might have stopped functioning. It is necessary to have a new key that is programmed.
If your external keyboard or laptop keys seem to not be recording any actions at all, you can try using the key test site. This will help you determine if the keyboard is malfunctioning or if software is causing interference.
A switch that isn't functioning correctly can also be the reason for a key not performing as is. If you own a mechanical keyboard it is easy to check this by looking under the keycap and seeing if there is any debris that has accumulated on it. If you find anything, use canned air to clean it, then take off the cap. This will allow you replace the hooks that connect the retainer and switch, and hopefully restore functionality to your key.
If you have a keyboard key that does not perform the desired function in only one program, it is likely that the keyboard settings of the game have mapped the key to perform a different action. Check the settings for your keyboard and then press the key again to verify if it's working. If you're still experiencing issues, it is best to purchase an entirely new keyboard. It can be installed by an expert. This is particularly true in case you play a game that requires a lot of typing.