How to Unlock a Car With a Clothes Hanger

You may be able to use a clothes hanger to unlock your car door.

Not many things are worse than locking your keys in your car. First, there's that initial feeling of panic. Then, there's the hopeless feeling that nothing can be done short of calling a locksmith, which can cost hundreds of dollars and take several hours of your time. Depending on your situation and your vehicle, you may be able to unlock your car door yourself. All you need is an ordinary clothes hanger and a little patience.

Instructions

1. Straighten out your clothes hanger, but leave the end in the shape of a hook.

2. Move around to the passenger side of the car. On the left side of the door, you'll see rubber molding or weather stripping. This is where you should insert your clothes hanger. You might have to pull back on this material to get the hanger in. Insert it hook side first.

3. Push the metal hanger into the door frame. Inside, toward the middle of the frame, is a small pin. Move the hanger around until you find the pin. You should be able to hook onto it. Pull the hanger upward. This will pull the pin up and unlock the door.

4. Remove the hanger carefully and open your car door.

Tips & Warnings

• You need to have the right kind of vehicle for this to work. Do not try to open newer cars that have pressurized air bags with a clothes hanger. Usually, older cars from the 1980s and 1990s work best.

References

• Locksmith In: Opening a Car Door with a Coat Hanger