How to Retrieve Keys Locked Inside a Car

Locking yourself out of a car can really put a dent in your day. If you left a window slightly ajar or if your car is an older model, try these tips to break in and retrieve your keys.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Putty Knife
• Wire Hanger

1. Straighten out a wire hanger. Then bend one end of the hanger to form either a hook or a triangular handle.
2. If the car is an older model, pry open a window by slipping a putty knife between the window and the door.
3. Slip the bent wire hanger through the window opening.
4. Maneuver the hanger down along the window. Attempt to either pull up the door lock or push the lock button, depending on your car's lock style.
5. If your car is a newer model, you'll have to call a locksmith or tow truck. Your attempts to break into it could cause permanent damage.

Tips & Warnings

• For security reasons, most cars built after the mid-1980s are impervious to wire hangers and even the common slim jim, a long piece of metal used to jimmy car locks.