How much is a slim Jim? AnswersHow to Use a Slim Jim: 9 Steps ( with Pictures)

If you accidentally locked the keys inside your car, there is a chance that you will have to break into it.A slim jim is a very useful device.This WheelZine post shows you how to use a slim jim to get your car's door open again.

If you accidentally locked the keys inside your car, there is a chance that you will have to break into it.A slim jim is a very useful device.In this WheelZine post, you will learn how to use a slim jim to get your door open again.

Using the slim jim in an unskilled manner can cause the lock rod to be detached, leaving the whole mechanism inoperable even with the car keys.This is a sign that someone tried to break into your car.

Did you lock yourself out of your car?You should not blame your absentmindedness.It can happen to the best of us.We know that it can be very frustrating and embarrassing, but what has been done is done.We will let you call the locksmith, but for the next time, we will teach you how to use a very simple tool, called the slim jim, to get inside your car even if it's locked from the outside.What is a slim jim?

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A slim jim is a thin metal strip made from sheet metal and has a notch cut on one of its sides.The notch is supposed to be hooked onto the door handle rod to allow the user to pull it into the open position.If used correctly, a slim jim can easily open the door without damaging the locking mechanism.

Since it is so easy to use, the slim jim is a very popular tool amongst locksmiths, and unfortunately, even amongst many car thieves.It is found in almost every tool kit for consumers.A lot of hassle can be avoided if you know how to use it.Let's learn how to use a slim jim to open a car door without using the keys.

1.The rubber seal between the door and window is where you need to access the car door's locking mechanism to use the slim jim.The internal space of the car's door is sealed with a rubber seal.Getting underneath the seal will allow instant access to the lock mechanism in a majority of old cars.

2.If you want the slim jim to fit inside the door, you have to make a large gap.You can use a wooden stick or wooden wedge.Push the stick/wedge in between the rubber seal and window until the gap becomes wide enough.Don't apply a lot of pressure on the wedge or stick to avoid damaging the window or seal, and make sure the stick is not too thick.

3.If the gap is wide enough, slide your slim jim inside by holding it on the opposite end of the notch.The door handle is connected to the door lock by a thin rod.You have to use the slim jim to locate the rod and hook it with the notch end.The locking mechanism at the edge of the door is close to the rod in most cars.You might have to twist and turn to find the rod.

4.Pull the slim jim up or push it down to open the door lock mechanism.

If you own a modern car that has a power lock, using a slim jim might not be the best way to open the door.The electrical wiring and mechanical components of the lock are housed in the door of these cars.The risk of damaging or breaking the electrical wires inside can render the locking mechanism non functional if you use a slim jim in one of these cars.

Most locksmiths would discourage you from using the slim jim because of the repair costs.The method below should not be tried unless there is absolutely no other option left.There are instructions for using a slim jim on cars.

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1.There is a wiring diagram of your car door.As per your car's model and date of manufacture, be sure to get the right one.Modern cars have a shielding inside to keep slim jims out of the lock mechanism.It is not possible to use this technique to open these locks in a car.

2.If you want to open a powered lock, you need to find a slim jim.You can open the rubber seal between the window glass and slip the slim jim inside it.

3.Carefully navigate the slim jim until you locate the locking rod.Look at the door's wiring diagram to see if the obstacle is a wire or a screw.If it is a screw.If it is a wire, twist or wiggle it until it comes loose.

4.Pull or push on the locking rod until the door is unlocked.The hard part of the job is yet to be finished, so don't get too excited if you get this far.You have to remove the slim jim without letting the wire get caught in its notch.If that happens, wiggle it until it loosens.

You can open your car's door without the keys if you use the steps highlighted above.Older generation cars with manual locks can be worked on by the slim jim.It is possible to use it on old cars with power locks, but it might not be effective on new ones.Make sure to use it where it is appropriate.