How to Make an Automobile Slim Jim
Known around the world as the best way to get into a vehicle without keys, a 'Slim Jim' is able to slide between the door frame and window pane of any vehicle to gain access to the mechanisms that unlock the door. Knowing where the moving parts are is only half the battle. Using a Slim Jim correctly takes the right moves and a couple of different grabbing edges to connect and activate a vehicle's door lock. Making a Slim Jim is easy and having one around to get you inside a locked car might save you from calling a locksmith one day.
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Things You'll Need
- Sheet metal (30"LX 4"WX 1/16"H)
- Measuring tape
- Marker
- Tin snips
- Wheel grinder
- File
Instructions
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1
Measure and mark the outline of the Slim Jim on a piece of sheet metal that is the right length, width and thickness. Mark an outline that is 28 inches in length and 2-1/2 inches wide.
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2
Looking at the diagram pictured with this article. Make the appropriate angles at each end of the Slim Jim to reproduce the design of the Slim Jim pictured. Mark the layout with one grip edge on each end and a shoulder angle to push with on the end of the tool. Some cars require a push of the Slim Jim to unlock the door instead of a pulling action to manipulate the locking arms inside the door frame.
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3
Cut out the outline using a pair of tin snips or pneumatic cutting tool. Cut outside the lines by a 1/16th of an inch so you can work the edges of the tool down to the correct size. If the angle is too hard to get around, leave more material outside of the lines to be worked down after the initial cuts are made.
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4
Take the new cut tool to an electric grinding wheel. Use the wheel to grind down the cut piece to the marked outline of the Slim Jim. Make an automobile Slim Jim that works on nearly every car by grinding away the extra metal until a perfect piece remains.
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5
Smooth sharp edges and use a metal file to cut away any remaining pieces of metal in the tight corners. A good Slim Jim has sharp corners and remains flexible during use. After grinding the Slim Jim down to size, you will have to use a file to flatten any sharp edges and clear away the small bits of sheet metal that will remain inside the 90-degree angles that make up the gripping and pushing edges of the tool. Remember to keep this tool in a shed or garage to be used when needed.
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Tips & Warnings
Make two tools instead of one. Make one pulling tool and one pushing tool by altering the angles of the cuts on each end of the metal straps. Keep the metal to a gauge that will be flexible enough to enter the small gaps in between the windows and door frame for the tools to work as desired.
Do not carry these tools around in a moving vehicle. They will do you no good if you lock the keys in the car along with the Slim Jim. Many law enforcement agencies look at the Slim Jim as a tool for illegal activities rather than a life-saving piece of equipment. Keep the Slim Jim at home to avoid an awkward conversation with police.
