One of those things that don’t seem like a big deal until you need it is a spare key. You know how difficult and embarrassing it can be trying to get your door open if you’ve ever lost your keys, had them stolen, or locked yourself out of your house or car.
If you didn’t have a key, how would you open your car door when your car is smoking under the hood? What if you are locked outside of your home? Here are a few solutions to help you regain entry if you’ve been locked out.
Nine Effective Ways To Open Car Door Without Key
Use String
Here’s a hint for the subsequent time you have to send the dreaded text message, “locked keys in car”: Never again will you need to pay for a locksmith; just keep a roll of string on hand. Watch the video down below to learn how to open a car door without your keys.
Simply tie a slip knot in the string as shown in the video, making the final loop the size of your index finger. In the driver’s window’s upper right corner, wiggle the string with the loop. Now gently move the string back and forth while holding it in both hands, as if flossing a huge tooth. By doing this, the string will move down the window and toward the interior lock.
It can get complicated at this point. Move the loop over the lock with caution while simultaneously tightening it by pulling the ends of the string. To unlock the car door, gently pull up on the lock once you believe you have a firm grip on it. You’re back in action and back on the road in no time at all.
Use A Rod & Screwdriver
All you need is a steel rod, a Phillips head screwdriver, and thirty seconds. Any long, sturdy pole-type instrument will do, so depending on how much junk you have lying around, you might be able to find a suitable replacement. Pry the door open a little with the screwdriver, insert the rod, and then depress the unlock button.
The exterior and interior of your vehicle may be damaged if you use any metal object to pry the door open.
If you’re fortunate enough to be stuck close to a hardware store, it will still be much less expensive to purchase the necessary tools than it will be to wait for a tow truck.
Use A Coat Hanger
One technique that I’m reasonably familiar with is the coat hanger trick; I recall watching my father use one a few years ago to unlock his car. I will admit that it took him a while, but he eventually managed to get it, saving himself a trip to the neighborhood locksmith and perhaps a hundred dollars or so.
You will require a wire hanger so that you can untwist it and create a hook that fits inside the window’s weather stripping. You have to move it around from here until you locate the locking mechanism. When you’re in a pinch, it might take some time, but it’s worth the trouble. To determine where to aim the hanger, if you have access to a phone, try searching for your car’s door locking mechanism.
Since you’re working on the locking mechanism inside the door and not trying to pull up or push down the button inside the car, this method also works with horizontal locks.
Consider trying some other options if you prefer plastic to metal clothes hangers…
Use A Slim Jim
No, not Slim Jim as in beef jerky. You’ve probably seen thieves using a car-style slim jim for impromptu car break-ins in dozens, if not hundreds, of movies, but it’s not just a Hollywood gimmick—it actually works.
Once more, this method calls for an outdated lock. Similar to how a coat hanger’s wire would be inserted into the interior of a car door to operate the locking mechanism, a slim jim is used in this situation.
Use A Strip Of Plastic
Donnie suggests using a straightforward piece of plastic in addition to the inflatable wedge to complete the task. It essentially consists of a long plastic strap that has been bent in half and slid through the door’s crack. A set of plastic wedges would also be effective.
Any internal locking mechanism that can be activated with a stick, rod, or access tool, such as pull-up type locks, can be unlocked using this technique.
You might be able to get by with items you already have in your toolbox or around the house for many of these methods. Additionally, you ought to call around and see if any of your friends and relations have any of these tools.
If you frequently lock yourself out of your car, you might want to consider purchasing a complete lockout tool kit or a long-reach tool kit. Or purchase a long-reach tool, a set of wedges, or an inflatable wedge. Make sure to compare the methods above with the type of locks your car has before making any purchases to determine what tools and techniques will work for you. Additionally, be sure not to keep it in your trunk!
You could also spend money on some magnetic key holders if you don’t want to get locked out again. Under your bumper, tuck a spare car key in there.
Use An Inflatable Wedge
Instead of using a metal object like the screwdriver method above, use an inflatable wedge like Donnie Smith to force the door open. This will prevent damage to the paint on your car. All you need is patience and a steady hand to push or pull the unlock button after the wedge has created enough room to insert an access tool, a stick or rod, or some sort of coat hanger device.
The Hail Mary (aka Tennis Ball)
A straightforward tennis ball could work in one of the coolest (and most contentious) ways to unlock a car door.
A heated electric drill or screwdriver would work well to make the hole you’ll need in the ball. Push the tennis ball into the keyhole while positioning the tennis ball with the hole on top. Your car will have to unlock due to the pressure inside the ball…or so they say.
More than a million people have viewed this tennis ball technique on YouTube, but does it actually work? MythBusters decided to put it to the test on their own.
As you can see, there are lots of arguments for and against this method on both sides of the debate. The best way to determine whether something works or not is to give it a try. If you succeed, please let us know in the remarks.
Call Aaa Or A Locksmith
It’s time to channel Robin Hood and call the locksmith if your shoestring, wire hanger, or wedges aren’t working. Service providers like AAA are also good choices; they have unique lockout tool kits for this specific situation. The drawback is that you’ll have to pay someone to unlock your vehicle.
Use Police Assistance
Call 911 right away in a high-risk situation, such as when a child or animal is trapped inside the vehicle, and be sure to let them know where you are and the make and model of your car. More quickly than a locksmith or roadside assistance, emergency services like the police and fire department will show up. According to Moody, the police frequently use force to enter a building by breaking a window or opening a door using a thin metal device. They won’t charge you for the service, but you should only contact them in an emergency because you will be responsible for paying to have the damaged window repaired. Here’s how to prepare for every typical roadside emergency so you can avoid calling the police in those circumstances as well.
Conclusion
A few precautions can be taken by drivers who frequently lock their keys in their vehicles in order to avoid the future time, expense, and inconvenience. Get a roadside assistance plan by downloading the manufacturer’s app for your vehicle. A small magnetic safe underneath the car is a good option for keeping a spare key. While some people affix spare keys to places on their cars that are easily accessible, this could make your car a simple target for auto thieves. On the other hand, a magnetic key vault secures your key with a code so that only you can access it. Watch out: If you make these errors, thieves may target your vehicle as well.