Vortex Car Locksmith

Category: Lockouts

  • Broke a Key in the Lock or Ignition? Here’s Your Next Move

    It happens quick: one tight turn in either a cheap or worn-out lock and the key breaks apart, with only half left in your hands and the other half jammed in the lock. This may seem devastating, but fortunately, dealing with a broken key is usually quick and easy, provided you don’t worsen the situation any more than what it already is.

    Stop turning the broken key immediately

    While your urge may be to continue using what’s left of your broken key, every turn drives it deeper and damages the internal parts even further, so take the pressure off and assess how much of the blade you still have access to.

    Why keys tend to snap to begin with

    Almost always, the cause of key breakage comes down to a narrow or worn out aftermarket key or a dirty lock, which Phoenix drivers experience during and after their monsoon seasons when sand enters the lock cylinder due to dust storms. Turning in a lock under such conditions is what ultimately causes your key to break off.

    The safe way to extract the blade

    In cases when the key blade is sticking out enough to get a grip, pliers can work wonders, but don’t twist the blade, apply straight pressure and pull in a straight line. In all other instances, forget about creating your own makeshift tool or trying to pull out the fragment by gluing it into another key, that will likely cost you more than ever.

    When it calls for professional help

    If the blade is flush, broken inside the ignition or the whole key snapped while in use, it requires special instruments to be removed safely and efficiently. Our locksmiths retrieve the blade without causing damage to the ignition cylinder, and create a new key for you right on site.

    Prevent key breakage

    To avoid key breakage, always use a high-quality key, which was precisely cut. The same goes for your ignition cylinder, make sure it isn’t too dirty to work properly and is regularly oiled for lubrication and having a spare key won’t hurt either, especially if your cylinder shows early signs of failure.

    Key snapped off right now? Don’t force the rest. Vortex Car Locksmith can extract the piece and cut a new key at your car. Request a quote or call [vortex_phone].

  • Locked Out of Your Car in Phoenix? A Calm Step-by-Step

    The keys are sitting right on the seat inside your closed car and no matter how careful you are, it seems to happen to everyone at some point in Phoenix: you walk around to close your door and find your keys sitting on the seat, out of reach. When it happens, it feels like the world’s worst crisis but rest assured that most cases are easily solved so long as you stay calm and avoid doing anything that might otherwise require repairs. broken key

    First check out all doors and the trunk

    Sounds basic but surprisingly many “lockout” problems are solved here, as the car owner didn’t actually lock all their doors. Walk around the whole car before doing anything else.

    Call 911 if anyone or any pets are inside

    It doesn’t take long for the enclosed cabin of a Phoenix car to become a serious danger when closed. Call 911 and then contact the locksmith, stating clearly that someone or some animal is trapped inside.

    Don’t force your way in

    Coathangers, door wedge tools, and crowbars will warp the frame of the door, damage locks and seals, break glass, and potentially snap key pieces while not even being guaranteed to work. The destruction almost always costs more than the initial problem did.

    Be prepared with all necessary information

    Whether calling us or anyone else, be prepared with the precise address and make/model/year of the vehicle, and proof of authorization to access the vehicle. It’s standard practice and protects both parties.

    Finally getting you back in your car

    Expert locksmiths and professional tools will allow us to get over any kinfd of lockout situation and once we’re done, we absolutely recommend to have a new spare key which is the fastest, safest way to avoid future problems.

    Got stuck outside your car right now? Vortex Car Locksmith technicians can open it cleanly across Phoenix and all its surrounding cities. Request a quote or call
    [vortex_phone]    .