REFURBISH BROKEN KEY SHELLS
Do you have any signs of a broken Shell Key remote? Or, worse, do you have a damaged remote shell key? This happens regularly for Honda and Lexus key cartridges, among others. Buying a new one or replacing it with a dealer is very expensive.
At Chicago Land Car Keys, we have the tools, inventory, and experience to repair/replace broken/cracked remote key housing competitively.
Car Key Shells And Why They Break
Main housings break more often from normal wear and tear, but they also break if dropped or exposed to the elements. As most people have already learned, plastic becomes brittle over time and with exposure to direct sunlight, which is why car keys can be broken or cracked.
Each time the vehicle is ignited, turning the key in the ignition also puts pressure on the section where the key blade meets the plastic housing. Even in specially formulated plastics, cracks will appear, and the repeated action of turning the key in the lock or ignition will cause the key compartment to rupture.
Key shells that seem to break in a queue may seem like a scheme to give the manufacturer more money. After decades of using steel keys that last relatively indefinitely, the use of plastic for key handles seems a step backward in terms of durability. But the cases of broken or cracked keys are the least worry of a car owner when it comes to high-tech security in the key and the immobilizer system installed. Because of these characteristics, we may have to live with compensations.
If you go to a dealership to replace a broken key fob, its price will make you think it was a significant machine component that needed CNC machining and a gloss finish. It is usual for dealers to charge hundreds of dollars for a replacement key.
Risks Associated With Using A Broken Key Shell
One of the main reasons for cracks and breaks in the car key case is its design and functionality. Previously, the car key’s plastic handle was only used to hold the key blade in place. So the plastic part of the car key can be thick and durable. But today’s car keys contain a printed circuit board (PCB), battery, transponder chips, and alarm circuits and buttons. Placing all of these components in the most compact space requires a slim plastic case. Do you see the problem now? No wonder broke or cracked keys can be a problem.
But what would you do with a broken plastic box? Using cyanoacrylate to seal a crack or join pieces of the hull is a risky proposition. This may work if you are sure that the glue will not get into any of the electronics when it is time to replace the box permanently so that it will depend on your skill level and experience using superglue.
Some homeowners try to prevent further damage by applying super glue with a toothpick while the cracks are small and holding the wrench handle near the metal blade whenever they need to turn the wrench.
If the super adhesive reaches the components and sticks them to a plastic section, there is a high risk of damage when transferring the electronic components to new housing.
Repair and Replacement
There’s still the dealership, but it comes with the high-quality price tag we mentioned above. The keys provided by the dealer are fresh cut and guarantee effortless operation on your part.
The field between the dealer and the DIY works with a professional locksmith. A car locksmith has the right space and equipment to laser cut a car key and make sure the transponder is working. And it would have the correct configuration, design, and several buttons to replace the cracked or broken car key housing.
Since they only do daily key work (car and other), their level of experience with keys usually exceeds what you would get from a dealership. If you have a broken car key, there may be a reputable locksmith in your area to help you.
Need a professional locksmith within Chicago? Contact us today, and we’ll be glad to discuss your key shell needs.