How to Open a Locked Car

You locked your keys in the car? No sweat. A wire hanger should do the trick.

You've done it again. You've locked your keys in the car. You have to pick up your daughter from soccer practice and go to the grocery store before dinner, so you don't have time to call a locksmith. Don't sweat it. You can safely use a simple household instrument to unlock your car and get moving. All you need is a wire coat hanger and a little bit of ingenuity to either locate the pin in the passenger door or press the locking mechanism directly.

Things You'll Need

• Wire coat hanger
• 2 screwdrivers (optional)

Instructions

The Pin Lock Method

1. Unravel and straighten the hanger. Be sure to leave the hook end intact. You will need this hook end to pull on the lock mechanism inside the door. The unraveled hanger should be approximately two feet in length.

2. Insert the hanger into the left side of the passenger window. You will want to wedge the hook end of the hanger into the rubber siding, sliding it underneath. Use the longer end of the hanger as leverage as you pull on the hanger.

3. Locate the pin-lock mechanism. Most modern cars employ pin locks in the door. In most models, the pin will be located approximately six inches in from where you inserted the hook end of the coat hanger, usually directly above or underneath the interior locking mechanism. The pin will usually be a small metallic cylinder that locks and unlocks when rotated horizontally.

4. Pull or yank on the pin until it releases. Your goal here is to exert leverage on the pin until it rotates and the car unlocks. Be careful not to rely exclusively on sheer physical force. Otherwise, you will just damage the hanger. Try to finesse the pin by using the leverage of the long end of the hanger. Once you hear the familiar "click" sound, you car door is open.

The Direct Method

1. Unravel and straighten the hanger. Whether you straighten the hook end depends on the type of lock your car uses. Push-button locks on newer models will require a completely straightened hanger. Older cars may have traditional handle locks, and you will need the hook end to pull it.

2. Wedge the door open at the top. You can do this on either the driver or passenger door. Use two screwdrivers or objects of similar size. Use one screwdriver to pry or crack the door slightly open. Use the other screwdriver as a lever to create a wider space in which to insert the hanger. You can alternatively pry the window open at the top using a pair of smaller knives.

3. Insert the hanger through the opening. It may be tricky to navigate the hanger. Find the unlocking mechanism and either push or pull the button or handle. The car door should open.

Tips & Warnings

• These methods are generally only effective on cars with traditional analog lock systems. For cars with power locks, you will have to contact your dealer or locksmith.

• Never attempt to use these methods to open someone else's car without permission.

References

• FunAdvice.com: How do you get into a locked car?
• Xomba: How to Properly Unlock Your Car With a Coat Hanger

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Dummies.com: Tips for Getting into Your Car without Your Keys