Key broke off into ignition

[Farmall50m]

My key for my JD broke off half way from being worn.. If I slip whats left of the key in and out of the ignition, it still starts and shuts off. Could anyone tell me what the easiests way would be to get that small piece out without dealing alot with the electrical stuff. After I get this out, do you think JD can find a key that would fit my already existing ignition or should I order a new one a while.

Thanks
Jon
JD 790, 5205

 

[AndyMA]

The last time I had to remove a broken half of a key I used a small bit in an battery operated drill and drilled a shallow hole in the key. If you go slowly this is easier than it sounds. I then screwed a tap barely into the key and pulled it out easily.

As far as getting a new key, just ask your dealer. Most tractors use the same key for many of their models.

Andy

 

[normde2001]

Can't say for sure without seeing it, but I removed dozens of broken cash register keys over the years with a couple of sharpened paper clips, (also hardened with a torch if necessary). prying on opposing sides of the key should lift it out.

 

[JDgreen227]

I used to work on locks at least once a day and the best key removal tools I ever found was those tools your dental assistant uses while cleaning teeth, they are very strong but brittle so wear safety glasses. The next best items would be a small set of picks that can be found in the hardware section of Home Depot, Lowes, etc. They are about four inches long with plastic handles and curved or hooked tips.

 

[DocHeb]

Ive had good luck taking a piece of broken hacksaw blade, grinding the back edge off until only 1/8" of tooth/blade is left. The tooth at the end will really "grab" onto metal and may let you pull the fragment out.

 

[44trxfun]

I see tractor keys for sale on E-bay every once in a while. I didn't realize "one size fits all" but I guess with some makes & models that's the case. Good luck!

 

[RoyJackson]

"I didn't realize "one size fits all" but I guess with some makes & models that's the case"

When I went to the local Deere dealer for a spare key for my 670, they just went in the back and brought a small package out. There wasn't any copying done.
That kind of surprised me, I suppose. However, it also made me less likely to leave the tractor outside while I'm at work since anyone with a 670 key (no idea what other models it may fit...but the 770 was it's big bretheren and the 790 is a direct descendent) could start it.

 

[yellowsocks93]

The keys for our 70/90 series JDs will not fit any other models besides the ones in our series. It's not like the other keys for JD that will work for tractors large and small.

 

[5030]

That sounds like a snowmobile scenario.

With Arctic Cats, one key fits them all. All years, all models with the exception of the "key code" models.

Bet that makes Arctic Cat owners feel secure??

 

[Deerlope]

I broke the key on my 332JD and there was a number on the switch face that I took to JD dealer. The guy went in the back and presto came out with 2 new ones.

 

[RichNJKubota]

I used crazy glue once to get the piece out. Put the tiniest drop of glue on the piece in my hand and then put the key in the lock. Waited 10 minutes and pulled the entire key out.

Rich

 

[TheKid]

I was told the best way was to use a thin fish hook. You straighten it out and when when you slide it in the key slot the barb will hook the rest of the key.

 

[pennwalk]

Have you ever been to a tractor auction? I noticed several guys who had big rings of keys. I guessed they were dealers. They could start any tractor on the lot. I guess one size fits all is pretty common in the tractor world. I got the spare keys for my Yanmar at the John Deere dealer. No cutting involved.

Chris

 

[frank_f15]

same thing for my kubota, seems like the key is only there to open and close the electrical connection to the engine.

 

[JerryG]

When I worked at a dealer, I just carried 2 keys. Those two would fit at least 90% of the tractors on the lot at any one time.