How to Pick a Car Lock With a Hanger
Car lock picking can be tricky, but with time and effort, almost everyone can pick a lock with a sturdy household coat hanger. The next time a set of keys is locked in a vehicle, don't call on an expensive locksmith. You can learn a reliable method for unlocking a car without the keys.
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Instructions
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1
Straighten out a wire coat hanger.
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2
Bend the end of the hanger to create a small hook.
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3
Search for a lever along the inside lining of the car door with the straight end of the hanger. To do so, work the hanger through the top of the door and into the interior of the vehicle. It is easier to search with the straight end because the hook can get snagged on the inner workings of the door. The lever will be at the bottom of the window, lower in the door, toward the back of the frame (older vehicles have levers closer to the window).
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4
Remove the coat hanger from the car once the lever has been found. Now, flip the hanger over and reinsert it with the hook end pointed down.
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5
Grip the lever with the hanger's hook and pull up to unlock the door.
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Tips & Warnings
Steps 3 through 5 can be avoided if the vehicle has automatic locks. If this is the case, maneuver the hanger (it has to be at least an arm's length when straightened) through the top of the window and down to the door's arm rest. Then, activate the "Unlock" button on the driver's control panel with the end of the coat hanger.
Picking a car lock is illegal in many places, so be aware of local law when attempting this.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit interior panel of car door image by JoLin from Fotolia.com
