Car Key Broke in Half

[Skyhi]

This morning I got in the car to take my son to school and the key broke in half while inside of the ignition. I've had no luck getting it out with tweezers, so I broke down and called AAA. They cover up to $50 in locksmith services.

Has this ever happened to any of you? I'm curious to know how big of a check I'll be writing when the locksmith shows up...

 

[Smith P.]

I recall $70 for that.

 

[Skyhi]

That's reassuring....i can deal with that.

 

[Rey]

sorry to hear that sky. i've seen locksmiths charge up to $100 for this service. it's good you have AAA

 

[Smith P.]

When it happened on nearby driveway, I used Dremel, tiny drill-bit and steel wire to extract it ... On weekend actually.

 

[Skyhi]

$125 for 5 minutes of work. Ouch! At least its out, though.

 

[Paul Wozniak]

$125 for 5 minutes of work. Ouch! At least its out, though.

I'm in the wrong line of work.

 

[Skyhi]

I'm in the wrong line of work.

You and me both.

 

[Paul Wozniak]

How do they even justify that?

 

[HD MM]

How do they even justify that?

A lot of places are actually charging more now to make up the lack of work they otherwise get.

In a way it's a form of gouging.

 

[starman345]

What are these keys made of nowadays- recycled pop cans? Is breaking a key common? I've never broken one and I can't say I've even heard of someone breaking one....until now.

 

[hometheaterman]

I have a guy that lives across the street that is a locksmith so if this ever happens I'm hoping I can walk across the street and get the neighbor discount. I'm not sure it he would charge me or not.

 

[malacoma]

$125 bucks. Wow. That is a bummer.

 

[Skyhi]

I have a guy that lives across the street that is a locksmith so if this ever happens I'm hoping I can walk across the street and get the neighbor discount. I'm not sure it he would charge me or not.

I wouldn't charge my neighbor for a FIVE minute job.....I gotta stop thinking about this....

 

[JrC]

$125 for 5 minutes of work. Ouch! At least its out, though.

5 minutes on site. What was the travel time and distance to get to the site?

 

[navychop]

Be thankful it wasn't one of those $300 electronic keys.

Anyway, this problem may fade away, as automakers are supposed to be moving to electronic key fobs.

Probably happen right after they (don't) complete the shift over to 42 volt electrical systems.

 

[Smith P.]

You mean follow some military specs ? But safety rules does not allow the switch. Will see what standard will be accepted for electromobiles en mass.

 

[Paul Wozniak]

5 minutes on site. What was the travel time and distance to get to the site?

That guy must have come from out of state.

 

[Skyhi]

5 minutes on site. What was the travel time and distance to get to the site?

He was about 30min/20miles away....