Broken Off Key in Ignition

[gdrew]

I picked up a 2014 Branson 2400h recently and finely got it delivered yesterday.

The previous owner busted off the key in the ignition but it would still start/stop if you stuck the remaining part of the key into the switch. I wasn't happy with the broken key setup and because the tractor came with another whole key, I though I would try fix it.

I was thinking this might be a 30-60 minute job if I removed the ignition from the machine and brought it inside to my bench where it was warm and I have better lighting and a magnifier.

I though my dental picks and a pair of hemostat forceps would do the trick nicely.

After picking away at it unsuccessfully for about 90 minutes I was getting frustrated and looking for other options. A quick google search revealed that some have had success using a modified hacksaw or reciprocating saw blade. I grabbed a blade and ground it several times trying to get it to fit just right. After another half hour without success I had to give up on this idea.

I was getting bored and tired and feeling like I was going to have to quit and stick the ignition back in and without being able to make the repair, except I discovered I had another problem. While trying to pick out the broken piece I ended up pushing it deeper into the ignition. When I tried to cycle the ignition with the remaining part of the key would no longer turn. I can't reinstall the switch so I need to find a new plan.

My next google trick said to drill a tiny hole in the top edge of the key that was stuck deep inside the switch. I thought if I could drill a small shallow hole I would then mix a wee bit of JB weld and apply it onto the drill bit and set it back into the hole to setup overnight.

I gathered up the necessary supplies and carefully drilled the hole on the slightest angle. The hole was only about 2 or 3 mm deep and because it was not straight I was able to apply enough binding pressure between the bit end the key to pull it out without using JB weld.

The ignition is back in the tractor and working like a charm with the backup key. :cool2:

 

[Alan W.]

Ifn you had access to a lock pick set they usually contain a broken key removal tool.
I still have mine from when I did repo home inspections for a while.
But the good news is ya got it out. Never thought about using a small drill bit.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Great idea, will have to remember that

Ron

 

[oosik]

I have a small bottle of dry graphite powder. Every fall I "puff" a small amount of this powder into the key hole. Seems to help keep things working smoothly.

 

[gdrew]

I guess I forgot to mention the reason for the key getting broken in the first place was the PO hit it with his boot entering or exiting the tractor...according to him.

Good advice about the graphite.

I was wishing I had a lock pick set when I was getting nowhere but just ended up using what I had on hand. Now that you mention it, I think my son has or had a lock pick set. I'll ask him next time we're talking just for giggles.

 

[oosik]

Another bit of advice. Watch out for the "keyhole wasps". They like to lay their eggs and a couple dead spiders in tight places. This is then plugged off with a big 'ol yellow wad of sticky gunk. Makes inserting the key next to impossible. I finally gave up on my ATV and just left the key inserted in the ignition. They can't "do" this to the tractor. It has a gate that slides shut and seals off the keyhole.

 

[shovelmike]

I'm glad to see that you solved the problem, gdrew, good work.

 

[David88]

Hahahah, I'm loving this thread only cuz of the starters... let discussion be alone
hatsoff @gdrew

 

[CADplans]

I bent the key on my tractor several times by bumping it with my knee,,
so, before it finally broke, I ordered a replacement off of eBay,, this is what came,,

Rather than use it like that, I reshaped the key, so it would be less likely to hit my knee,,

In two years, I have not bent the key once,,

 

[Texasmark]

Another bit of advice. Watch out for the "keyhole wasps". They like to lay their eggs and a couple dead spiders in tight places. This is then plugged off with a big 'ol yellow wad of sticky gunk. Makes inserting the key next to impossible. I finally gave up on my ATV and just left the key inserted in the ignition. They can't "do" this to the tractor. It has a gate that slides shut and seals off the keyhole.

They are a real problem here, not a regular sized dirt dobber but a little guy that has a wing so fast that you can hear it looking for a hole to close...makes a humming noise. I usually take my keys out of my equipment for obvious reasons, but with this guy I trim to fit and stick popsickle sticks (readily avaiable at hoppy shop,crafts type retailers) in the hole. Have had to replace at least one switch or a riding mower and have a second that is halffast recovered so that it still works.

But on the subject, they are a total nuisance in anything into which they can squeeze. On electric motors in the shop they are deadly. I have started wrapping screen wire around my motors and small hand held tools, putting them in a bag if their air slots weren't small enough to keep them out.....I also have started keeping my shop doors closed in the summer. Helps but they figure how to get around the obstacle and come in anyway.