Whether you use a key fob or a traditional car key, it suffers from extensive wear and tear. The weakest part of the car key is the broken handle or the broken head.
The question is, what should you do when the car key suffers from a broken handle.
I will today share with you multiple ways to tackle this problem.
Of course, replacement is the easier solution. However, it is the most expensive solution as well.
That is why, before going into the details of that solution, I will share with you the other solutions which are affordable and focus on only the broken car key handle rather than replacing everything.
How to fix a broken car key handle?
The ways to fix a broken car key handle include:
• Changing the housing.
• Opting for a key pouch.
• Using the fob cover.
• Using a remote tote.
Confused between these options?
Worry not!
I will go into the details of all the solutions below. Once you go through the solutions, choosing one among them is easy.
1. Change the housing:
The most obvious thing you can do is change the housing if it is a key fob or even the traditional key.
Wondering from where you can buy it?
There are essentially two places from where you can buy it.
You can order the housing online. You have to look at the compatibility and then ordered the housing.
If you want to take a more direct approach, you can contact the local locksmith as well. Again, the local locksmith will readily have the housing.
If you have experience in replacing the housing, you can do that on your own.
Otherwise, you can ask the locksmith to replace the housing for you.
As you can see, replacing the housing can certainly help you fix the problem. First, however, you need to determine whether you want to order the housing online or contact a local locksmith.
2. Opt for key pouch:
The solution which I am highlighting now is a temporary one. However, if you do not want to spend a lot of money, it is the perfect solution.
You can put the key directly into the key pouch.
There are a few advantages of taking this approach which are:
• The key will have additional protection.
• Even if the key handle comes off completely, the pouch will protect it.
• You can hang the pouch from your jeans quite easily. That is why accessing the key is not going to be a problem.
The only disadvantage is that if the handle has completely come off, using the key will require more force since it is not easy to turn the key in its slot.
Nevertheless, if you’re looking for the most affordable solution to fix the broken car key handle, this is the one.
3. Use a new FOB cover:
The solution which I am highlighting now is specifically for car key fobs.
Car key fobs have sensitive circuitry inside. Not only that, the casing of the car key fob is not that sturdy either. The reason for the same is because it consists of various buttons. As a result, buttons are not that sturdy as compared to the normal frame.
That is why, when using it for years together, it is very likely that the handle might get broken.
When you’re dealing with a broken car key fob handle rather than the traditional key, there is a solution.
You can replace the fob cover.
You can easily find fob covers online. You have to just look at the compatibility of the fob covers and then take a call.
Another temporary solution to this problem is using an outside frame to fix the broken car key fob. In that case, it will hold the housing together. However, this is not a permanent solution. It is a temporary one.
Nevertheless, only the outside frame of the car key fob is much more affordable. The solution will only work when there is a crack or small defect within the car key fob.
4. Use a remote tote:
There are remote totes available online. You can buy them in case the metal part of the key is entirely removed from the handle of the car key fob.
To install it on your own, you will have to drill a hole at the starting of the metal part key and screw it along with the remote tote.
Once you screw it in, after that, only you can use it easily.
If you do not want to drill a hole or use a screw, you will have to contact the locksmith.
It is the last solution which you have when you want to fix a broken car key handle.
In certain cases, one of the solutions might work out.
The question is, what should you do in such a case?
I will provide you with additional alternatives below.
What if you can’t opt for any of these solutions?
If you aren’t able to replace the broken car key yourself, you have only two options.
1. Contact a locksmith:
The 1st one is to contact the locksmith. If you have a traditional key, the locksmith will make you a new key.
If you have a key fob, the locksmith can program a new key fob for you. However, the cost of programming a new car key fob is on the higher side.
Nevertheless, if you want to solve this problem at the earliest, contacting the locksmith is your best bet.
2. Contact the car dealership:
If you aren’t in a hurry, you can contact the car dealership. The car dealership will just ask you to fill a form to get a new car key fob or a new car key in most cases. However, if you live in the countryside or if the dealership near you is small, they might have to procure one for you. In that case, it might take a couple of days to get a new car key fob or a new car key.
Nevertheless, if you want to go through the official channels and have time on your hand, you can go with the solution.
As you can see, there are numerous ways to fix a broken car key handle. With my guide above, doing so is certainly possible and easy.
To avoid this problem in the future, you can use a magnetic key holder for car. It will allow you to store your car key in perfect shape. I have covered these accessories here.
Additionally, I have covered accessories like a 12 volt car vacuum (covered here) and a unique car seat cover (covered here). You can go through these respective posts to buy these accessories as well.