How to Unlock a Door With a Slim Jim

You don't have to worry about locking your keys in a car again if you learn to use the Slim Jim.

Getting locked out of the car can be a frequent and frustrating situation, especially if you have left your keys inside. There are tools to remedy this, though, such as the Slim Jim, a thin metal strip about 2 feet long that is designed to unlock car doors. Slim Jims are inserted through the window and work through levers and rods to unlock the lock mechanism. Unskilled manipulation of the tool may ruin the lock, so cautious use is suggested.

Things You'll Need

• Slim Jim

Instructions

1. Turn the Slim Jim so the hooked end is pointing downward. Hold it flat against the window on the driver's side and slide it between the window and the outside rubber strip to get the tool inside the door.

2. Slide the Slim Jim into the door, feeling for the locking bar. The Slim Jim won't be able to reach down farther once it hits this bar.

3. Jiggle the Slim Jim up and down when the tool has hit the locking mechanism inside. You will hit parts as you jiggle, and you should keep an eye on the lock button inside near the window or by the door handle. If the lock button moves, you know you're hitting the right parts, since you're trying to get the lock button to pop up and unlock.

4. Maneuver the unlocking strap left to right and back. If the Slim Jim has caught the locking mechanism inside, an upward pull of the strap should unlock the door.

5. Turn the Slim Jim upside-down and use the V-shaped end if you have a door that requires a downward push to unlock. Remember to watch the lock button to see if you're moving the right parts.

References

• LockPickShop: How to Use a Slim Jim

Resources

• The Locksmith Store: Slim Jim