Locking yourself out of your car can be very very frustrating. If this happens to you, why not consider some alternative methods of gaining access to the car if the key is not with you. So in this article, we are going to consider how to pick a car door lock. But before that, let’s consider the common types of car locks.
What Are The Different Types Of Car Locks?
Most of us don’t give much thought to the several types of car door locks we have in our vehicles. The type of lock you choose is determined by a number of criteria, including the features available for your car’s make and model, its age, and your personal preferences.
More complex security systems are available on newer car models, which are meant to provide better security. When selecting a lock for your car, you must examine the benefits and downsides of each type of lock.
Standard Key Entry
The most basic automobile door lock systems are standard key entry locks, which are still available in older car models. A typical lock that is opened and closed with a key is used in this sort of lock. Standard key entry locks are still good options, but they don’t always include the most up-to-date security features. When compared to alternative solutions, they are, however, less expensive to change or repair. You’ll also have a better chance of finding a backup key.
On the interior, this type of lock usually has a knob that may be pulled up or pushed down. The door is unlocked by pulling the knob up, while the door is locked by pressing it down.
Electronic Locks
Electronic locks are standard on many contemporary car models. These locks come with an electronic key fob that you may use to operate the locks with a single button press. They’re regarded to be more efficient than ordinary key entry locks and make breaking into your car more difficult. Replacement keys for electronic keys and locks, on the other hand, are substantially more expensive because they must be coded for your specific vehicle.
Keyless Entry
There is no need for a key with keyless entry locks. They work with a key fob or a keypad attached to the door that detects the lock. The keypad is a little older than the key fob, which is more common in recent automobile models. It’s incredibly tough to break into a car with a keyless entry lock, therefore these keys and locks are quite safe.
If the key fob is not within a few feet of the vehicle, some keyless entry systems will not allow the engine to start. The most significant disadvantage of a keyless entry lock is the high expense of replacement. The increased security is beneficial in keeping you and your belongings secure.
Child Safety Locks
The back door of most autos has kid safety latches built in. These sorts of locks are designed to prevent a child from opening the back door.
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How To Pick a Car Door Lock
Using Auto Jiggler
This is by far the simplest method of picking a car lock, but you’ll need a set of bump keys to unlock your vehicle. All you have to do is insert a bump key into the lock and experiment with different types of movements until you can open it.
A double wafer is the most popular type of automobile bump key, and it will fit most vehicles built before 2005. You must, however, ensure that the bump key you intend to use is compatible with the lock on your vehicle.
It’s difficult to predict whether this method will work because it depends on the bump keys you have, but with a little luck, you should be able to unlock your vehicle.
Using a Coat Hanger
If you decide to pick your automobile lock with a coat hanger, be prepared to be patient because your first few attempts are unlikely to be successful.
Untangle a wire coat hanger before beginning, then construct a hook at one of the ends. Insert the wire component that you used to make a hook between the car window and the door.
Use the wire to reach the locking mechanism, but be aware that you will most likely strike other sections of the car’s door. You must use extreme caution because the electronics in the door can easily be damaged.
Using Slim Jim
You’ve probably seen this way of picking a car lock in a movie because it’s been utilized in so many auto heist movies.
A slim jim is a flat sheet of metal that is 1.5 to 2 feet long and functions similarly to a wire coat hanger hook. To reach the locking mechanism, simply slip a slim jim between the glass and the weather stripping. Once you feel the lock shifting, pull the piece of metal up and the car door will unlock.
Using a Screw Driver and a Rod
This method of picking a car lock is fairly straightforward, yet if you are not careful, you may cause damage to your vehicle. A screwdriver and a metal rod with a little hook at the end are all you’ll need. Place the screwdriver between the door and the body of the car, attempting to separate them as much as possible.
Simply reach into your car with the metal rod and hit the unlock button. Although this method of unlocking a car may not be as effective on all types of car locks, it will take less than one minute to unlock your car using this method.
Using a Shoe String
Although it may seem unusual, opening a car with a shoestring is not impossible. A shoestring, on the other hand, can only be used to open a car with an upright locking system.
Furthermore, you must be able to tie a slip knot. If you still wish to try this method, tie a slip knot in the middle of the shoestring without tightening it.
While holding both ends of the shoestring, slide the bent shoestring inside your car from the upper corner of the door. Pull the shoestring up and tighten the slip knot around the lock. Don’t give up if you require more than one attempt to pull this done.
Using a Wedge
This is the best approach if you don’t want to risk harming your automobile while picking the lock. The only disadvantage is that you won’t have access to an inflatable wedge in most cases when you’re locked out of your automobile.
To pick a car lock using a wedge, just position an inflatable wedge between the door and the car’s body and inflate it until it creates a space through which you can slip a metal rod or any other object long enough to reach the unlock button through. To unlock your car, use the object to push the unlock button. Be patient, as it may take more than one attempt to succeed.
Using a Piece Of Plastic
To unlock an automobile, all you need is a folding piece of plastic. You’ll need to fold a thin sheet of plastic and slide it into your car in the same way you did with the shoestring method.
You should try to access the lock once the bent end of the plastic strip is inside your vehicle. Pull the lock up by wrapping the plastic strip around it. Whether or not you can utilize this method of picking a car lock depends on the locking mechanism in your vehicle.
You can watch below to learn how to pick a car door lock:
Can you pick a car door lock with a bobby pin?
Yes, you can use a bobby pin. Spin the pin until it reaches the internal locking mechanism on the doorknob, then turn it to unlock the door. This can also be accomplished with a little flathead screwdriver.
How do you pick a car door with a knife?
Insert your knife between the crack of the door and the doorframe at the exact height of the doorknob. Examine the door until you find a lump of metal protruding from it—this is the latch, and it should be springy! Using your knife as leverage, press the lock into the door.
How do police unlock cars?
Unless there is an absolute emergency, such as a baby trapped inside the car, the police will not open your car for free. Because the police do not have the required tools to unlock locked cars, they will most likely have to break the glass open when they get on the scene.
How do you unlock a car door without a coat anger?
If you don’t have the keys, you can try to unlock your car door with a screwdriver and a metal rod if you have them. Open some space with the screwdriver, then put the metal rod into the lock to test whether it unlocks. Just be cautious, since these tools have the potential to do damage to the vehicle.