DIY Slim Jim

Open locked doors with a Slim Jim.

A commercial Slim Jim is a long thin piece of metal used to manipulate the opening mechanism of a car door lock. It slides between the window and the door and has a small notch or two near the bottom of that catches and releases the lock to pull it open. Homemade Slim Jims can range from coat hangers to modified rulers. However, a coat hanger is harder to use so try to find a long slim piece of metal at least 60-cm long and about 5-cm wide.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler or other thin strip of metal
• Tin snips or other metal cutting tool

Instructions

1. Measure the length of your future Slim Jim and trim it at about 60 cm. Unnecessary length will make it more likely to buckle under pressure, ruining the tool.

2. Make an inch cut at an 80-degree downward angle one side of the metal strip near the bottom. Make another cut at about 10 degrees that meets at the end of the previous cut and remove the scrap of metal.

3. Using your cutting tool again, cut a notch of about a half inch deep and an inch tall on the other side near the bottom of the Slim Jim. You can use one side or the other depending on the make and model of your car.

4. Sand the rough edges to prevent scratching the window when you insert it. This step is optional.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use force when attempting to open the locked door as this can damage the door and the Slim Jim.

• If your Slim Jim breaks, you can buy another at an auto supply store.

References

• Lockpick Shop.com: How to Use a Slim Jim
• True Swords: Slim Jim Lock Pick Tool