Download Article
Plus, how to tell if a slim jim will work with your make and model
Download Article
You don’t know how it happened, but you’re stuck staring at your locked car door, keys nowhere to be found. This can be a costly mistake, especially if you need to call a professional locksmith. However, depending on your car’s make, model and year, you might be able to use a slim jim to open it. A slim jim is a strip of metal with a notched end that can pop open older, upright locks on car doors. In this article, we’ll show you how to determine whether your car has the right locks for a slim jim and use it to get back on the road in a flash.
How do you use a slim jim?
Insert a rubber wedge between the car door window and its weather stripping on the passenger side near the lock. Slide the notched end of the slim jim into the gap slowly until you notice the upright lock start to move subtly (this means you’ve hooked it). Slowly pull the slim jim straight up to unlock the car.
Steps
-
Make sure your car doesn’t have electric locks. Trying to use a slim jim on electric or power locks will do nothing but possibly scratch your window and damage the electronics in your car door. There might be other ways to unlock the door , but don’t try using a slim jim. -
Ensure your car has upright locks. These locks look like small cylinders and are found near the bottom of the car window, where it meets the door. Note that these mechanical locks are usually found on cars manufactured in 1992 or before. If your car was made afterwards, it might still have these locks, but the car door may have electronics, wires or even airbags that make using a slim jim more difficult. [1] X Research source- If you’re unsure what locks are on your car, you should consult the user’s manual, or try researching your car model online.
- Newer cars have complex electric power locks and lock shields or shrouding that block slim jims and other break-in tools, making them ineffective. [2] X Research source
Advertisement -
Call a locksmith if you’re still unsure. If it’s not obvious whether your car has the right locks for a slim jim, you should strongly consider calling a locksmith. Using a slim jim on the wrong type of locks could seriously damage your car. A locksmith might seem expensive, but the repairs on your car could be moreso.- Professional locksmith Robert Vallelunga recommends calling a pro. “You can go it alone, but you risk damaging the car lock, car door, or door seal, which will ultimately cost you more than hiring a professional to begin with. Every car model has a preferred way of opening, and they can be very different.”
- He adds, “For older cars, with proof of ownership, a locksmith shop can just make you a key that will unlock the door by using the car’s VIN . Even if the key isn’t programmed to the car, it will unlock the door so you can get your working keys out.”
Advertisement
-
Approach the car’s passenger side door. It seems natural to want to open the driver’s side door; after all, this is where you typically enter the car. However, professional locksmiths typically try opening the passenger side door. [3] X Research source That way, if you make a mistake and damage the door’s mechanism, it won’t be the door you use most. -
Insert a wedge between the car window and weather stripping. The weatherstrip is the rubber strip running between the car door and window. [4] X Research source This will create the space you need to insert the slim jim. You can get a wedge specifically designed for opening car locks , but they’re typically not much different than a door wedge. Ideally, use a rubber wedge, as a wooden wedge could leave splinters and shards in your car door. -
Slide the slim jim in the space made by the wedge. Slide the notched end first, in towards the car lock. Align the slim jim with the lock, pushing down towards the keyhole, which is usually located at the rear of the door. Insert the slim jim slowly, making sure not to catch on anything on the way down. [5] X Research source -
Watch the lock for subtle movement. You’ll know the slim jim has caught on the locking mechanism if the lock starts moving slightly. Make sure to keep the slim jim completely vertical, to avoid catching on any other mechanisms. [6] X Research source -
Pull the slim jim upwards slowly until the door unlocks. If you’ve latched onto the locking mechanism, the lock should move upwards as you move the slim jim. Keep your motion slow and smooth to avoid causing any undue damage. [7] X Research source Remove the slim jim and you’ll be able to open the car door. -
Avoid making multiple attempts to open the door. If you can’t get the door unlocked after one or two attempts, it’s best to stop before you cause any damage to it. Unlocking a locked door is a very technical skill; don’t feel bad if you’re not able to get it open. Get a professional to open your car door and call a locksmith. [8] X Research source
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search
-
QuestionHow do you pick a car door lock?Community AnswerWith an automotive lock pick. Normal picks will damage either the pick or the wafers.
-
QuestionCan I use a Slim Jim if the locks are electronic but the lock is upright?Community AnswerThe security system might prevent you from doing so. Try a long reach tool instead and go for the unlock.
-
QuestionCan you use a slim jim on a 1990 Nissan Santra? The door locks aren't upright, but turn to unlock.Community AnswerSlim Jims work on upright car locks. For the locks in this car, you may need to look at alternate options.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
- Slim Jims come with notches in a variety of shapes. You can ask an employee at your auto parts store to suggest which shape would work best for your particular vehicle.Thanks
- Consider calling a locksmith to unlock your car door. They are trained professionals who will be able to open your car with little risk of damage.Thanks
- If a slim jim won’t work on your car, opt for a professional opening kit with a long reach tool . Vallelunga says, “Professional opening kits are available online and can be purchased by anyone, but most require training to be effective. The most valuable tool in one of those kits is a long reach tool. Long reach tools are slid in the crack between where the door and the roof of the car meet. You grab the door handle on the opposite side of the car, and pull it to release the door.”Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- This article is intended for informational purposes. It is highly illegal to break into someone’s vehicle. A sign of carjacking is a detached lock rod.Thanks
- Be very careful when attempting to use a slim jim to open your car. You could damage the weather stripping, the rods of the door mechanism, wires inside the door, or even scratch or break the window glass.Thanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://wheelzine.com/how-to-use-slim-jim-to-unlock-car-door-if-you-lose-your-keys
- ↑ https://unitedlocksmith.net/blog/what-is-a-slim-jim-tool-and-do-they-work
- ↑ https://youtu.be/cJuOyEoZQYg?t=114
- ↑ https://youtu.be/cJuOyEoZQYg?t=158
- ↑ https://youtu.be/cJuOyEoZQYg?t=164
- ↑ https://youtu.be/cJuOyEoZQYg?t=191
- ↑ https://youtu.be/cJuOyEoZQYg?t=201
- ↑ https://www.frontrangelocksmith.com/blog/how-to-unlock-your-car-a-complete-step-by-step-guide/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
You may be able to use a slim jim to open your car if your car locks are small, upright cylinders near the bottom of the car window, and your car does not have electronic locks. If this is the case, insert a wedge between the car window and the weather stripping, then slide the slim jim in the space made by the wedge, notched end first. Align the slim jim with the lock and push it down toward the keyhole. When you see the lock start to move, pull the slim jim upward slowly until the door unlocks. Keep reading to learn when you should call a locksmith!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 900,647 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "Clear and concise. Could use more visuals, like examples of a few types of mechanisms described."
Advertisement
"Clear and concise. Could use more visuals, like examples of a few types of mechanisms described."
"Thank you so much, you helped me."
