What Should You Do If Your Car Key Is Bent?

The key is one of the most important vehicle accessories/components. After all, you can’t get in and out of the car without it, let alone start the engine. These keys are more fragile than you think, as even the slightest of bends may render a key useless. Luckily, there are ways to remedy the issue.

Can You Still Use a Bent Car Key?

Before you attempt to fix your car key, it’s best to test it first. If the bend isn’t too severe, you may be able to use it until you get a new one or have it repaired. However, avoid putting the key inside the ignition if the bend looks severe.

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Pro Tip: The key may be brittle to the point of breaking if it has been too severely bent, and you don’t want a broken off key in a lock cylinder.

But regardless of the severity of the bending damage, it’s best to have a bent key replaced or repaired.

How to Fix a Bent Car Key

Before you straighten your bent car key, ensure you have a vise, a pair of pliers, and a workbench/table. Afterward, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Place the key in the vise with the twisted end pointing upward for better control and visibility. If it’s just a flat metal key, you can just place the key between the jaws of the vise wrapped in a cloth and apply pressure so that the vise does all the work. This is usually the best way unless the key has a fat plastic head and/or contains a chip.
• Step 2: Use the pliers to grip the twisted part and carefully straighten it to its original shape. Go slow and frequently check the shape to avoid causing additional damage.
• Step 3: Once the key is straightened, remove it from the vise and test it on the car door. Keep making adjustments if it doesn’t fit or turn.

If the key breaks inside the lock, it’s better to leave it to a professional locksmith. They’ll have the tools and expertise to safely remove the key and deal with the lock if it’s damaged. If you decide to buy a replacement lock, it will typically take a different key.

The worst-case scenario is they’ll remove the key and create a duplicate if the original is too damaged. A locksmith may charge between $25 and $100 for traditional car keys, $100 and $250 for transponder keys, and $200 and $500 for smart keys.

Things to Keep In Mind if Your Car Key Is Bent

Avoid straightening the key if it shows resistance, as this may lead to cracks and potential breakage.

 A twisted key will likely break in the future. You should always get a replacement key, even if you managed to straighten the bent one, just in case it breaks.

Straightening a bent key is only a temporary solution, and having spare keys around is always convenient.

What Causes a Bent Car Key?

Some causes of a bent car key are misuse, the key’s material/design, and sticky/worn locks. There are also uncommon reasons why your key may bend, such as prolonged exposure to heat.

Misuse

Misuse is arguably the most common way to bend a car key. Using keys as makeshift tools to open containers, screwdrivers, etc., applies excessive force on the key that leads to bending. Similarly, forcing the key on a different lock may even cause it to break in half.

Material and Design

Car keys come in different materials and sizes. While they’re built to withstand force, some of the keys are long and thin and made from softer metals more prone to bending under stress.

This circles back to misuse and understanding how much force your key can withstand before bending. As much as possible, avoid applying excess force to any key type, especially long and thin ones.

Sticky/Worn Locks

Your door lock was lubricated with graphite during the manufacturing process. Over time, this lubrication dries out and could cause the lock to become sticky or faulty, making it difficult to turn the keys.

This resistance may lead to breakage, making it crucial to lubricate the lock every now and then. One way to do this is to use a screwdriver to open the door lock and spray lubricant inside.

How to Keep Your Car Key From Bending or Breaking

Properly using a car key is the easiest way to prevent it from bending. Only use it to lock or unlock your car doors or start the vehicle. Avoid forcing the key to turn, especially if met with resistance, as it could break inside the lock.

You should also inspect the keys and locks for wear to prevent excessive force caused by worn keys or sticky/faulty door locks. Clean any debris you see on your key and apply lubrication to the door locks to reduce friction.

Get Repair Tools and Parts Without Leaving Your Home

If your car key’s all bent out of shape, you’ll need the right tools to fix it. Unfortunately, it can get complicated if you need to drive to the store for the tools while your key is out of commission. That’s where CarParts.com comes in.

CarParts.com’s website is easy to use and navigate. Our checkout is secure, and placing an order only takes a few quick clicks. You can browse the tools we have on offer to your heart’s content, and pick whatever you need without leaving the comfort of home. If you order within the continental US before 12 PM ET, you can get your order in as fast as two business days.

Get your car keys back in shape in no time. Order some pliers and other tools today at CarParts.com.