Need help fixing a car key fob. Plastic case broke right where

[Democrat 4 Ever]

it hold the key ring for the keys (I know, duh but I couldn't think of another way to explain it!). The key fob works just fine and I hate to buy a new one when all I need is a way to repair that small plastic section back together again.

Any ideas?

[Warpy]

1. I can think of no fix that would be strong enough to keep

your key attached to a key ring. If you are fond of calling a locksmith from a parking lot to have your lock drilled out and a new one put in, by all means try to fix that key with a drill, wire and epoxy. Just be aware that it's a temporary fix.

What you really need to do is go to a dealership with the broken key and have them give you a couple of new ones.

[Democrat 4 Ever]

2. Thanks. The dealership wanted $100.00 to replace the entire

unit. Right now I'm bidding on a whole new unit on Ebay. My top bid is $8.00 plus postage - got my fingers crossed. Just hate to toss something that still works for such a small problem.

[lumberjack_jeff]

3. Paperclip and gorilla glue

I assume this is one of those remote lock dealies.

Mine snaps open to replace the batteries in such a way that the hole which accepts the actual key ring passes through both halves.

Given the design of mine, if it were to break, I'd find a piece of strong malleable steel (a small dia nail or a very stout paperclip) and bend it into an shallow "U" with exaggerated serif.

Drill two holes (if necessary) and glue the repair part into the lower half of the fob shell. Reassemble after it dries or (and this may be better) cover the newly glued section with waxed paper and reassemble. The upper shell will be protected from glue, but will force the glued part to take the appropriate shape.

[luvscritrs]

4. Leather auto remote covers; a fix for broken key fobs

You can find leather car remote covers on the web into which you can simply insert the broken car remote casing and then reattach the unit to your key chain. If you use one from the start you don't need to worry about the key fob breaking to begin with. The remote is protected but still works while in the pouch. Most people don't realize how expensive keyless entry remotes can be to replace!

[KitchenWitch]

5. Great idea, and welcome to DU!

:hi:

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

6. Super glue and some liquid plastic for repairs

would have to look at it.

[ChromeFoundry]

7. if you have the broken piece of plastic....

Option one:
align the fractured plastic as best you can.
use a small screwdriver and a propane torch.
heat the screwdriver up until it is red hot.
slowly melt the plastic within the fracture in a "V" shape.
you will need to heat the small screwdriver several times.
finally smooth out the upper pieces of the "V" into the valley.
this will be as strong as the initial form.

Option two:
Pick up a used one on Ebay and exchange the inner circuit board and buttons.