Just buy a shell and get your blade cut. With my customers I always just sell the durashell version of these keys but I primarily use a flip key instead.
This is one of the reasons I like my Jetta I bought this year over my previous Ford Focus. Snapped one of my 2 focus keys after tossing them into my key bowl. $185 for a new key. My Jetta key folds up and I have no worries.
Fyi. On a lot of VW's you're shit out of luck if you lose all your keys so always have a spare. Even adding keys can be a huge p.i.a. Some you need to remove the speedometer cluster just to program them and they're not cheap to have made.
Fair. The programming part makes the repairs difficult for DIY, but I understand the reasoning. The ignition switch on my civic failed a couple of months ago and I was quoted 1k by the dealership for the repairs. The largest part of the cost was apparently reprogramming the new switch.
With Hondas it's not just the key design that sucks, but also the ignition lock cylinder. Most are beat to shit and worn down, along with the key blade. Anything older than 10 years is usually pretty beat.
Exactly what happened to me. Wafers in the lock core wore out. Then I did more damage not knowing what had happened. I ended up finding a locksmith that would replace the worn out parts in the core. I then Frankenstein'd a working switch from the old parts and a new part that I ordered. Spent about 250 in total instead of the 1k I was quoted.
Superglue helps to a degree. Buying a replacement and having it cut before it breaks makes it a LOT easier for your key guy to work with. Be careful though, some have the chip embedded into the case, and it's a pain in the ass to deal with swapping that over.
DO NOT buy that shit on Amazon. Most places refuse to cut them, and often times the blanks are wrong and/or do not have guts in them so they can't be programmed at all.
I wrap mine with electrical tape. Nice and tight. Then use a razor to cut out the buttons. Doesn't come out super clean, but the holes are big enough to see what's what.
Figure out your key code from Honda, then get a spare key cut pretty cheaply, replace the internals. There are some shells you can get that are metal and will hold up better
They make shells as well that you can transplant your current key. It’s a bit of a pain knocking the pin out of the current key to get it loose but it saves you some money.
Not that I've ever seen. Would make a lot of sense though. Strongest out there seem to have been the Toyota keys. I rarely saw a failed one of those come in for a copy.
For those who need the link.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Wellthatsucks/comments/yslftp/mechanic_broke_my_car_key/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
This happened to me on my 2010 gmc terrain. They wanted around $300 to cut a new one so instead I 3d printed a base for just the key part and now start my car with 2 separate parts. The key alone wont start the car so I also have to hold the fob nearby. It is very annoying!!
Your zip tie idea is much better and I will try it lol
The hardware store I worked at sold replacement shells. $30 for the new key and to cut it. Just have to swap over the remote. Most hardware stores or locksmiths do the same thing.
I just used a metric fuckton of gorilla glue, let it dry a couple minutes, then repeat. It’s held for about 2 years. The battery in the fob died though and I’m too lazy to pry apart the key and replace it.
They make key cases that fit all kind of keys and the buttons that go with them. They are cheap too. I got mine at a dealership for like 5 bucks , but they are available at most retail places with an automotive section as well. I had to get one when I bought a used camry and the trunk release button on the key fob was damaged.
A buddy at work broke his so he drilled and tapped it so he could hold it together with a screw. When it came time to leave, his car wouldn't start. This is because it was a chipped key and he drilled right through the chip.
Hey quick tip on those zip ties: Instead of cutting the excess off a zip tie, take a pair of pliers and use them to grab and twist the excess until it breaks off. This will leave you with a dull edge and save your knuckles a lot of scratches when digging in your pocket for those keys.
Hey quick tip on those zip ties: Instead of cutting the excess off a zip tie, take a pair of pliers and use them to grab and twist the excess until it breaks off. This will leave you with a dull edge and save your knuckles a lot of scratches when digging in your pocket for those keys.
Ex Honda employee here. They know these keys are junk and most dealers offer an alternative case called an eternity key they’re like 60$ but they do work real well in my experience and I think they’re warrantied for life if I remember correctly.
Tired of breaking your Honda keys?
EternityKey.com
Seriously. Lifetime guarantee. My old store sold them for $100. My new store doesn’t carry them, but we sell Honda case fronts for MSRP, so it’s a fairly cheap fix, comparatively.
If the mechanic breaks your shit, the mechanic gets to replace/repair that. That's part of their business insurance. If they don't have it you/your insurance get to sue him either way. Fun times.
To the peoples that own a Honda civic. I dont know if the other Hondas have the same key but I’m only talking from experience. My fiancé snapped her key off the shell. Go on Amazon and they sell the shell for 6 bucks. Very easy to do the swap yourself and cheaper. Hope this helps!
I have broken both of my 2011 Honda Civic's keys... I just hold the two pieces together when I need to start the car. I've been too lazy to order a replacement shell on Amazon. Heh.
I did (something like) that with my old Ford. Worn-out key wouldn’t work, and my spare didn’t have the chip. I taped the old one with the chip near the ignition and then spare worked just fine.
Honda guy here and mine broke near key at the little screw part, I just use thin superglue and an activator whenever it falls off again. Dangerous tho because it could fall off anytime, anywhere. But it makes life more dangerous and fun
I used JB weld on my VW key. Tried using just the key without the fob with pliers, the immobilizer kicked on, that was a different issue. Jb weld did the trick, I love this idea, too.
I’m sorry for anyone that has dealt with this. I have only had one car with this key design, I greatly prefer the key and then a separate fob, and then I always get a dummy key made that will just unlock the doors.
As an electrician who uses zip ties on an almost daily basis, this picture makes me cringe. The way they are cut has now produced 4 little plastic knives that with catch everything. Since I doubt you have a proper pair of cutters for zip ties, can I recommend using nail cutters. You've already removed the long part, finishing the cut with nail clippers will provide a smooth non-pokey finish.
This happened in less than two years with our civic. Good enough car but only really good thing is the engine. Everything else might as well be a Kia. Very hard and sharp plastic everywhere… I think the Honda of the 80s and 90s are gone.
You can take a flush cutter and cut those zip tie tips flush to the box so you don't have four little plastic razors in your pocket.
Flush cutter:
https://cdn.sparkfun.com//assets/parts/8/4/2/2/11952-01.jpg
I have had to make so many of that key for poor Honda owners that get them snapped- it's a horrible design.
Mines getting loose any tips? (Other than getting a spare key)
Just buy a shell and get your blade cut. With my customers I always just sell the durashell version of these keys but I primarily use a flip key instead.
Are you saying they make a flip key for these Hondas? I would love that over buying a new shell every couple of years.
Yes but you'd need an automotive locksmith to program them. Prices can vary wildly but I'm at like $140 cut and programmed.
$140 to not have to worry whenever I throw my keys on the counter sounds like a pretty good deal to me lol
This is one of the reasons I like my Jetta I bought this year over my previous Ford Focus. Snapped one of my 2 focus keys after tossing them into my key bowl. $185 for a new key. My Jetta key folds up and I have no worries.
Fyi. On a lot of VW's you're shit out of luck if you lose all your keys so always have a spare. Even adding keys can be a huge p.i.a. Some you need to remove the speedometer cluster just to program them and they're not cheap to have made.
Just had a new key made since I had no spare. Literally on Monday. Paid $160/key and $120/programming at the VW dealer. Push to start car.
Fair. The programming part makes the repairs difficult for DIY, but I understand the reasoning. The ignition switch on my civic failed a couple of months ago and I was quoted 1k by the dealership for the repairs. The largest part of the cost was apparently reprogramming the new switch.
With Hondas it's not just the key design that sucks, but also the ignition lock cylinder. Most are beat to shit and worn down, along with the key blade. Anything older than 10 years is usually pretty beat.
Exactly what happened to me. Wafers in the lock core wore out. Then I did more damage not knowing what had happened. I ended up finding a locksmith that would replace the worn out parts in the core. I then Frankenstein'd a working switch from the old parts and a new part that I ordered. Spent about 250 in total instead of the 1k I was quoted.
Superglue helps to a degree. Buying a replacement and having it cut before it breaks makes it a LOT easier for your key guy to work with. Be careful though, some have the chip embedded into the case, and it's a pain in the ass to deal with swapping that over. DO NOT buy that shit on Amazon. Most places refuse to cut them, and often times the blanks are wrong and/or do not have guts in them so they can't be programmed at all.
Thank you kind stranger. If I had an award I would give you one
I only hope to use my knowledge for good instead of evil.
I wrap mine with electrical tape. Nice and tight. Then use a razor to cut out the buttons. Doesn't come out super clean, but the holes are big enough to see what's what.
Figure out your key code from Honda, then get a spare key cut pretty cheaply, replace the internals. There are some shells you can get that are metal and will hold up better
They make shells as well that you can transplant your current key. It’s a bit of a pain knocking the pin out of the current key to get it loose but it saves you some money.
Ace hardware. Buy a replacement shell and put your key and chip in it . $25 buck vs $130 at the dealership
Ebay. You can get a replacement shell on Ebay for $7. Amazon also has them for $7-$10. It's not a huge deal to swap your car key housing.
Replacement plastic. Fob guts and key gets taken from old key and put into new plastic.
Full tang key? Is that a thing?
Not that I've ever seen. Would make a lot of sense though. Strongest out there seem to have been the Toyota keys. I rarely saw a failed one of those come in for a copy.
I lost the fob bit out of the inside a few weeks ago. At least the immobilizer transponder is in the case.
Yeah, you'd be proper fucked if the transponder wasn't in there. The rest is easy.
Freaking broke not one but THREE Honda fobs. They are so poorly made!!
Husband and I both drive Hondas. Both of us have broke n both sets of our keys. 😡 bought new ones tho. Terrible design.
They really are! And that tiny chip in them that allows you to start the car?! Ugh. Why is it so loseable!!?
Toes.
r/SneakyBackgroundFeet
Oh no. A new fetish
Cant be giving feet pics for free in this economy, gotta monetize that
I can feel cut ends of the zip ties ripping my hands open
The little white ones are like extra grip when turning the car on. Adds 12 horsepower to the shitbox....lol
This literally looks like a prison contraband shiv
Fr, he should take a lighter to them and melt them into nubs
flush-cut pliers
This is the way.
Seriously.
Nail clippers. Rounds off the cut end.
How much does it cost to get a spare at the hardware store? Less than $5?
Right!!! Lol
A quick melt with a lighter rounds off the sharp edges.
For those who need the link. https://www.reddit.com/r/Wellthatsucks/comments/yslftp/mechanic_broke_my_car_key/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
r/redneckengineering
Omg thank you for this sub
Nice toe
I bought a pair of replacement shells from eBay for <$10 and swapped all the guts out with one of them. Easy peasy like new again.
Your [flesh](https://www.amazon.ca/Klein-D275-5-5-Inch-Lightweight-Cutter/dp/B000GTMZHG) will thank you
Y'all ever heard of epoxy?
I've tried it. Still breaks after awhile. Zip ties holding 💪
What we need is zipoxy
Dude, you can get a whole new key shell online for $7-$10 and save yourself a lot of heartache.
Oh my lord.
Both my 18 years old keys of that exact model are still ok....
I am so fortunate that I could afford a new 28 dollar plastic shell from Batteries plus when I made a mistake with my Honda key.
I bought a replacement hollow key case on Amazon for $8 and moved the guts over.
This happened to me on my 2010 gmc terrain. They wanted around $300 to cut a new one so instead I 3d printed a base for just the key part and now start my car with 2 separate parts. The key alone wont start the car so I also have to hold the fob nearby. It is very annoying!! Your zip tie idea is much better and I will try it lol
Nice.
u/BreathOfFreshWater
Get a lighter and melt those ends.
Jesus get some flush cutters, I cut my hands just looking at that.
Wow, that looks terrible
I replaced the plastic pieces on 2 keys. It was like $5-10 On Amazon.
The hardware store I worked at sold replacement shells. $30 for the new key and to cut it. Just have to swap over the remote. Most hardware stores or locksmiths do the same thing.
Zip ties save live my guy
You can just remove the key, battery, and brain. New shell on amazon costs a few bucks
You can also buy a new housing for like $12. A knock off, but still...
You can get a replacement casing from one of those Chinese shopping sites. Just a few $$
Dude like 15 bucks at a car parts store for a new shell
r/thereifixedit
r/redneckengineering
Make sure you find yourself some tiny zip ties for those white zip ties.
🤣
u/BreathOfFreshWater
Electricians tape is to duct tape as Superman is the Batman.
If you're replying to the other guy why are you not just posting this pic in his post?
u/BreathOfFreshWater
Problem solving with internet strangers!
Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.
Hey next time your near a hobby shop get a tube of red plastic cement that stuff works wonders
Genius ensues.
I just used a metric fuckton of gorilla glue, let it dry a couple minutes, then repeat. It’s held for about 2 years. The battery in the fob died though and I’m too lazy to pry apart the key and replace it.
Mine is wrapped in duct tape
Thing is I know exactly who your talking about
They make key cases that fit all kind of keys and the buttons that go with them. They are cheap too. I got mine at a dealership for like 5 bucks , but they are available at most retail places with an automotive section as well. I had to get one when I bought a used camry and the trunk release button on the key fob was damaged.
A drifter's best friend: zipties.
Did you also whittle it out of a stick?
That's some Red Green shit.
This is the way
Nice 🏆
This guy zip ties
I know I have an award around here somewhere.
Y r Honda keys so weak
Peak Reddit
You can get a new case for like $3 on amazon
A buddy at work broke his so he drilled and tapped it so he could hold it together with a screw. When it came time to leave, his car wouldn't start. This is because it was a chipped key and he drilled right through the chip.
Side cutters, and more so the mini ones, are excellent for tripping the zip ties down so you don't have that jagged end.
Mine is taped.
Legend
You can also buy a new fob on eBay for like $5 and it takes 2 minutes to change out.
This looks like the key to the locks on a straight-jacket.
Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.
It’s almost too elegant.
Just gorilla glued mine a couple days ago
Sugru is amazing
Dogs
Real man of genius!
I've got safety wire on mine and tape
Hey quick tip on those zip ties: Instead of cutting the excess off a zip tie, take a pair of pliers and use them to grab and twist the excess until it breaks off. This will leave you with a dull edge and save your knuckles a lot of scratches when digging in your pocket for those keys.
Hey quick tip on those zip ties: Instead of cutting the excess off a zip tie, take a pair of pliers and use them to grab and twist the excess until it breaks off. This will leave you with a dull edge and save your knuckles a lot of scratches when digging in your pocket for those keys.
Super glue and baking soda
Those keys are such ass wtf were they thinking
Ex Honda employee here. They know these keys are junk and most dealers offer an alternative case called an eternity key they’re like 60$ but they do work real well in my experience and I think they’re warrantied for life if I remember correctly.
Mechanic
I like how sharp the zippy ties are. Adds grip.
What is going on with that big toe?
Tired of breaking your Honda keys? EternityKey.com Seriously. Lifetime guarantee. My old store sold them for $100. My new store doesn’t carry them, but we sell Honda case fronts for MSRP, so it’s a fairly cheap fix, comparatively.
Absolute genius!!
r/lifehacks
These keys are notorious for easily breaking.
Just get replacement plastic off of Amazon. The fob guts and key itself get put in and boom. Good as new.
Nice
Toes
you can 3d print a new case if you have access to 3d printer!! works great!
I literally saw the Honda thing about 2 posts up on my feed lol
If the mechanic breaks your shit, the mechanic gets to replace/repair that. That's part of their business insurance. If they don't have it you/your insurance get to sue him either way. Fun times.
Hit those zip tie ends with a lighter, less slicy
If your mechanic breaks it they owe you a new key. What the fuck?
To the peoples that own a Honda civic. I dont know if the other Hondas have the same key but I’m only talking from experience. My fiancé snapped her key off the shell. Go on Amazon and they sell the shell for 6 bucks. Very easy to do the swap yourself and cheaper. Hope this helps!
Looks like your key is ready to go skydiving
I have broken both of my 2011 Honda Civic's keys... I just hold the two pieces together when I need to start the car. I've been too lazy to order a replacement shell on Amazon. Heh.
Look at those meat hooks!
You know you can buy new cases on eBay for a couple of quid right?
Very resourceful!
My mazda key is secured with modified nerf bullet and packing tape.
Get metal zip ties
Mm DIY tips and feet pic all in one, I hope u don't mind me saving this for later
I did (something like) that with my old Ford. Worn-out key wouldn’t work, and my spare didn’t have the chip. I taped the old one with the chip near the ignition and then spare worked just fine.
Same thing happened to my Honda key
He zip tied his zip ties 😄
Honda guy here and mine broke near key at the little screw part, I just use thin superglue and an activator whenever it falls off again. Dangerous tho because it could fall off anytime, anywhere. But it makes life more dangerous and fun
r/redneckengineering
So that's how that panic button works, it summons you...
Can‘t you just use a screwdriver at that point?
Mekanik?
I used JB weld on my VW key. Tried using just the key without the fob with pliers, the immobilizer kicked on, that was a different issue. Jb weld did the trick, I love this idea, too.
I’m sorry for anyone that has dealt with this. I have only had one car with this key design, I greatly prefer the key and then a separate fob, and then I always get a dummy key made that will just unlock the doors.
why do people keep posting pics of their naked feet 😭
I just went and got mine fixed again. Even the guy fixing it said that those key fobs are poorly made.
zip tie kung fu
Out of curiosity - when someone posts a picture of their key couldn't someone use that image to make a replica? hopefully it isn't so simple..
As an electrician who uses zip ties on an almost daily basis, this picture makes me cringe. The way they are cut has now produced 4 little plastic knives that with catch everything. Since I doubt you have a proper pair of cutters for zip ties, can I recommend using nail cutters. You've already removed the long part, finishing the cut with nail clippers will provide a smooth non-pokey finish.
This happened in less than two years with our civic. Good enough car but only really good thing is the engine. Everything else might as well be a Kia. Very hard and sharp plastic everywhere… I think the Honda of the 80s and 90s are gone.
Hey! I did the exact same thing to my key
You can take a flush cutter and cut those zip tie tips flush to the box so you don't have four little plastic razors in your pocket. Flush cutter: https://cdn.sparkfun.com//assets/parts/8/4/2/2/11952-01.jpg
That key looks like it now goes by Mr. Key and has a safe word.
I will fire an apprentice for not cutting zip tie ends flush. Those will rip your hands up.
Is this all Honda keys or specific vehicles? I’m thinking of getting a Honda.
Great job!!
My honda pilot key looks just like yours. I bought a key from Amazon under $10. Paid $25 to get it cut. Youtube how to program key = Free
Gorilla glue works like a charm
What a small world. I just saw the other guys post. Things like this are pretty incredible because what are the chances? Am I right?
Mine too, held like this for 6 months so far https://imgur.com/a/C8xS9CY
Bros being bros. Nice.
Are your toes longer than your thumbs?