10 replies to this topic

[mgjalopy]

Hi

I have a 1986 Mini Piccadilly and the top black rubber piece on my original ignition key has split. I've tried gluing it but it doesn't take.

Does anyone know if there is a key cover that will fit this particular shape of key; or of a good secure way to repair it?

Thanks

[Ethel]

Do you mean this key?

 

"Waxy" plastics are difficult to glue. You may have more success heating up a thin piece of metal (Stanley knife blade?) to insert in the split to melt the ends. Remove the metal and squeeze the ends together.

 

Getting a key cut would make a lot sense if it's your only key. 

[mgjalopy]

Yes, that's the one. I do have a spare but it's a really tight fit and I struggle to get the steering lock off. It was adjusted a few times but continued to be a bit of a problem, so I gave up on it.

I recently got another one done at a different shop, but have had the same problems. It is slightly better but I would rather keep using the original if possible.

Thanks for your suggestion though.

[Ethel]

Make a note of the key number on the original. There are still companies that produces keys from that - without copying any of the wear on your key. If you've got more than one spare, you have much to lose by having a go yourself on the worst one. You could use some vernier calipers. Lock them with the thumb screw at various points on the original to make a go - no go gauge to assess the copy. It's most likely some sharp edges will  just need rounding to replicate the years of the key & lock wearing together. Jiggling the steering wheel, or jacking up the front end can also help by reducing the forces the key needs to create to overcome the hold of the latch on steering column. Another trick is to put the key in the freezer, so it contracts. That could do enough to help the lock wear it in a bit. Colour the key in with a  marker pen first & it should, at least, show where it's tightest - you won't want to make the key smaller at those  points, but rounding the leading edges should help it turn.

[mgjalopy]

Thanks so much for your very detailed follow-up reply. I will see what I can do.

[bpirie1000]

3 d print something maybe...


I did see someone who may a 1/2" open ended spanner into a key. By cutting the ring end off and having timpsons cut the key barrell the same as ignition.. was kinda cool

Edited by bpirie1000, 28 March 2026 - 05:13 PM.

[68+86auto]

3 d print something maybe...

 

One method to use is to print it without supports. When it is about to start the layer to cover the key, pause the printer and insert the key.

[mgjalopy]

Thanks for the suggestion but I don't have access to a 3D printer

[Spider]

If buying a new blank, just be aware there's the original type and a later 'replacement' pattern, while appearing similar to the original are different enough that they don't fit the original locks.

 

Original type here;-   https://www.minispar...-lock-1976-1996

 

[mgjalopy]

Cheers!

[Ethel]

If buying a new blank, just be aware there's the original type and a later 'replacement' pattern, while appearing similar to the original are different enough that they don't fit the original locks.

 

Original type here;-   https://www.minispar...-lock-1976-1996

 I  did wonder when I read the blurb on Minispares. Cheers for clearing it up. 

 

The key blank is an AA3, or X50 if you need to go looking for one. Though, you could get pretty close to the cost of a new lock pretty quickly.