There are different ways that you can open a glove box that has a broken or stuck latch. Car manufacturers use different latch and locking mechanisms to ensure that the glove box stays locked and secure when you need to store important documents. In today’s guide, we’ll teach you how to open a glove box with a broken handle.
The first and most important step is to first study the type of glove box latch that’s in your car. If your broken glove box handle doesn’t allow you to do this, study a similar car to get the idea. This will allow you to figure out how to open your glove box without the handle. Below are some of the ways you can go about this.
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How to Open a Broken Glove Box
1. Pull the latch using a hooked steel wire
One of the best and quickest ways to open a glove compartment latch that’s broken is to use a hooked steel wire. This solution works for handles that have an easily accessible latch mechanism. The latch is the part that ensures the glove box stays closed or locked by securing itself to a catch.
Whenever you lift or pull the handle, the latch releases from the catch and allows the glove box to open. To open your broken glove box without the handle, you’ll need to insert the hooked steel wire underneath the handle and pull on the latch to release it from the catch.
2. Pry off the glove box cover
In some situations, you may not be able to gain access to the glove box latch mechanism through the handle. This is especially common where there’s a keyhole. You’ll need to find another way to get to it. This solution works where there’s adequate clearance between the glove box door and dashboard.
Start by prying off the glove box cover from the dash pad right where the latch is. You can use a flathead screwdriver or plastic pry tool. You don’t need to pry the entire cover off. Once the latch is visible to you, pick your flathead screwdriver and gently push the latch to release it from the catch.
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3. Access the latch from the back
If your car has a glove box that is accessible from underneath the dashboard, you can lay on the flow and try reaching your arm from the back. This requires some patience especially if you’re not familiar with how the latch looks like.
The idea is to figure the mechanism out and release the latch to open the glove box. You may use a hooked steel wire to pull the latch or a flathead screwdriver to push it. If the back is too dark for you to see, get your hands on a flashlight for better visibility.
4. Drill through the handle
If your glove box latch mechanism isn’t easy to figure out and you can’t get through it, you can drill through the handle or lock. This will most likely damage your glove box cover and you’ll need to replace it.
You can start by making holes that will allow you to insert a hooked steel wire or flathead screwdriver. This will give you room to pull on the latch or push it to release from the catch. You can opt for a new glove box cover as a replacement or get a second-hand option from a junkyard.
How to fix a broken glove box hinge
The glove box hinge can break if you store heavy items or overload your glove box. This will cause the glove box door to fall off and you will not be able to keep anything in there. The process of fixing the broken glove box hinge involves installing a new one by screwing it in. Here’s how.
- Buy a glovebox hinge repair kit that’s specific to your car from your nearest auto store or from Amazon.
- Remove the glove box door out of the way and locate the broken hinge.
- Use the a ratchet and socket set of the right size to unscrew the broken hinge.
- Screw the new hinge to the glove box door before installing it onto the dashboard. You can use some epoxy glue to reinforce the bond between the door and hinge.
- Reinstall the glove box door and screw the hinge onto the car.
- Test the glove box to see if it can open and close securely.
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If you’re not familiar with the latch mechanism, consult your user manual on how to open a glove box. Each car may have a different glove box latch, whether you have a Honda, Tesla, Jeep Grand Cherokee, or Chevy Sonic. Remember to buy any replacement parts if you have a broken glove compartment.
How hard is it to break into a glove box?
A glove box with a broken handle can be opened in less than 5 minutes. This is if you know how to gain access to the broken glove box latch. Some glove boxes are quite secure and would require some cutting to break into. However, most glove box latch mechanisms are easy to get through.
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How do you unlock a glove box without a key?
Here are ways you can break into a glove box without a key.
- Try using another key that’s similar to your glove box key.
- Use a paper clip or hooked steel wire to break the lock.
- Unscrew the hinge at the bottom to remove the glove box door.
- Remove the air filter and access the glove box from the back.
- Visit a mechanic or locksmith.
How much does it cost to replace a glove box?
If you’re wondering how much does it cost to fix a glove box, the price varies depending on the type of car you own. A glove box latch costs between $15 and $40 while a glove box hinge costs between $5 and $15. Buying the entire glove box costs between $30 and $350. This varies depending on the model you own, shipping costs, fees, and taxes.
How do you lock a glove box?
Modern vehicles now come with a glove box that can be locked. All you need to do is insert the key into the lock, turn it 90 degrees in the clockwise direction, and remove the key. You’ll have securely locked your glove box. You can check online how to lock a glove box for your specific model or consult your user manual.
Conclusion
If you experience any difficulties trying to open a glove box with a broken handle, consult your user manual to find out what locking mechanism has been used to keep it secure. You’ll then need to figure out how you can gain access to it. Consult a mechanic or professional if you experience major challenges.
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