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MG MGB Technical - Broken Key

My ignition key broke in half while starting the car. I'm trying to get the broken half out of the switch and am having absolutely no luck.Does any body have any tips or suggestions on removing the key?

If not, what is the procedure for removing and replacing the entire switch?

The car is a '79 B.

Thanks.
Ken
K Tarves

Locksmiths do have special tools to remove broken keys.
It may be worthwhile to have a Locksmith take a look at it. You may find a local locksmith who will only charge if he is successful. There's nothing worse than hearing, "Sorry, couldn't get it out. That will be $75.00"!
They will be able to lubricate the lock and cut you some new keys while they are there.

Good luck!
Rich
Rich McKIe

Underneath the shear bolt closest to the lock on the steering lock is a set screw. Loosen the set screw and the tumbler will come out. If you take out the tumbler, use care, there are small springs.

To save costs if you decide to take it to a locksmith, remove the steering lock from the car.
Kimberly

This just happened to me and I was able to remove the broken half using a small needle nose plyer. My car was actually running when it broke. I stuck the needle nose plyer on the end that was broken and was able to turn the ignition switch off and remove the broken peice.
FJE Frank

It may help to spray some WD40 in there before you use a hemostat or something similar to grab whatever's left to grab. Maybe a dental pick to work it out a bit?
Tom

I wouldn't advise WD40 or any liquid lubricant if you want to keep the lock as it will gum it up, use powdered graphite to lubricate locks.
Paul Hunt 2

Hemostats are the way! Get the switch into the 'off' position by any means necessary (probably by using the remaining stub), then use small, straight hemostats to get the remaining piece out. It requires a steady hand and some ability to visualize where the broken bit is, but given those two things you've a very good chance of success.

Hemos are common and don't cost much. Most tool stores have 'em. They're great whenever you have a really tight soldering job to do, for example. Or if you're, say, performing surgery. Or if you need a roach clip. Or both. They're very handy.

Worst case scenario, you can remove the entire lock assembly (minus switch). It's not hard - put a slot in the top of the breakoff bolts with your Dremel (use the cutoff wheel) and then the bolts simply unscrew with a flathead screwdriver. Then, your locksmith can put the lock on the bench and have it completely apart in minutes more - just like as if he were re-keying it. All will be done cheaply, while you wait, no problem. So not to worry. The lock is not a goner.

That said, a $6 hemostat will have that thing working in minutes, no disassembly required, about 90% of the time.

Sam

Paul I have to disagree,I've found spray penatrateing oil to be the best way to loosen old "barn car" locks,
having disassembled more then a few so cloged with "graphite Mud"that they would not turn without flexing the key, heavy spraying cleaned out the mud and allowed the 30 year old lock to turn freely. A little may be good but years of build up with a little
lock deicer here and there and you have mud, best cleaned with spray peatrent. RIC
RIC LLOYD

This thread was discussed between 09/09/2007 and 22/09/2007

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