How to Retrieve Keys Locked Inside a Car

Arriving at your destination you get out of your vehicle close the door and immediatelly think to yourself, "Don't tell me I just did that".

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.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

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 or 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.
• On some 1980s, and before, model vehicles, you can actually take standard house key and insert it half way into the door lock and unlock the door. Note: Applying to much pressure while doing this could damage the lock.

[acanofspam]

on 4/20/2009 Just did this on my '97 Grand Am. I locked my keys in it with the engine running as I went to get the mail. I couldn't get it to unlock either by the lever or the automatic door switch, but after playing with it for about 45 minutes, I got the back window switch to roll it down so I could get in. The "key" to making this work for me was that I had a couple of wooden shims that are used for securing door frames, etc. Available at any Do it Yourself store like Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. I pried the door open from the frame just enough, and put the wooden shims in together. Then I pushed them in to make enough of a gap that I could get the hanger in to hit the switch. Got the idea from when I saw a Cop help a friend open his car with an inflatable air bag just big enough to fit in the gap.

[scavengerdog]

on 4/28/2008 good article. having unlocked cars professionally for about 20 years, i can say you are right on about the newer models. the airbags in the doors of newer cars are also a danger to the amateur. a hidden spare key, or one left with a responsible friend or relative also is a good idea.

[abellynxx]

on 2/2/2008 denisebertholin - When you use a service call through your insurance carrier it adds points to your record because it is treated as a claim. You may think your getting unlimited calls, but actually your paying for it with higher premiums.

[abellynxx]

on 2/2/2008 denisebertholin - When you use a service call through your insurance carrier it adds points to your record because it is treated as a claim. You may think your getting unlimited calls, but actually your paying for it with higher premiums.

[abellynxx]

on 2/2/2008 denisebertholin - When you use a service call through your insurance carrier it adds points to your record because it is treated as a claim. You may think your getting unlimited calls, but actually your paying for it with higher premiums.