Ways to Remove Ignition Cylinder Without a Key?
If you are looking for methods to remove an ignition cylinder without the key, then there are some methods. In general, it depends upon the Vehicle, access to tools, skill set, etc. Locksmith Alpharetta provides you best methods to remove the ignition cylinder without the help of a key. Here are some of the methods which will help you to remove the ignition cylinder without the help of a key.
Drilling the Drill:
If you are thinking of drilling out an ignition cylinder the way you drilled a standard door lock, you are in big trouble. Drilling out an ignition cylinder is way too different from drilling a lock; it requires more steps before drilling. The first step includes drilling into the keyway and finding the back of the cylinder. In the next step, we tape the portion of the bit protruding from the lock. This tape becomes the flag indicating not to drill more profound than that point to prevent any damage to the housing of the cylinder. Professionals may avoid this step, but newbies are instructed to add tape to avoid over-drilling. The size of the drill bit and keyway should have almost the same diameter. For the safe side, it can be a little thicker. We can use progressively more significant drill bits to drill the lock to widen the keyway fully. We need to drill until the wafers or sliders inside the cylinder break. When these internal components are broken, the lock can be easily rotated with a flat head screwdriver. The damage leaves no scope for ignition repairing of the car except for replacing the cylinder.
i) We need to find a drill bit comparable to our keyway’s diameter.
ii) We have to insert the drill bit into the back of the keyway and mark the depth.
iii) We must stop drilling when the marked depth is reached or nearer.
iv) After drilling the lock thoroughly, we got to turn the cylinder with a flathead screwdriver.
Hammering the Keyway:
In classic cars, a slide hammer can remove the ignition cylinder without the help of a key. However, it is the riskier choice, and the hammer may damage your car also. An essential requirement for working this method is a suitable size screwdriver. Sometimes, it will be tempting to use tools around you to save money on car ignition replacement. Always remember the less precise the tool, the higher the chances of replacing or repairing more elements of your car.
- Find the chisel that fits the keyway.
- Hammer the tool deeper into the cylinder.
- Torque your tool that will force to rotate the cylinder
- Cylinder rotates because of the destruction of internal components. Ensure that all these works are done under the supervision of any professional like Locksmith Alpharetta.
Punching the Pin:
The retention pin is an essential item of a vehicle. It keeps the cylinder firmly by preventing it from freely sliding out of the housing. It is not visible
on the dashboard and even the steering wheel covers are installed. But when the covers are removed, one can locate the pin. It is usually placed at the cylinder housing’s sides, top, or bottom. It is a small cylinder in a circular hole. Generally, putting the car key in the accessory position allows depress the pin and remove the cylinder. To remove the ignition cylinder without a key, one must force the pin down or destroy it. Once when the car key broke off in the ignition, or the whole key got stuck in the ignition, one will need a metal punch and a hammer. The punch tool should be smaller than the pinhole; otherwise, the hole would be widened. And when the pin is broken, one would be able to use a screwdriver to turn and remove the ignition cylinder properly. To carry out all the processes, it is instructed to take advice or hire some professional like Locksmith Alpharetta for smooth removal of the ignition cylinder.
- Locate the retention pin on the ignition cylinder housing.
- Find a metal punch that is the small size of a pinhole.
- Hammer the punch into the retention pin.
- Continue hammering until the pin has broken or depressed.
- With the pin removed, the cylinder should slide free.
Conclusion:
Before you follow these methods, remember that if these procedures are done incorrectly, they may harm your Vehicle. That’s why it is wisely advised to recommend professionals like Locksmith Alpharetta rather than increase your cost of repairs.
