How to Pick Manual Car Door Locks

If you find that you have locked yourself out of your car, then you may need a way to open the car door locks without the key. This is an annoying situation for many car owners, particularly in self-locking cars. You may also find that, during cold weather, the key breaks in the lock, or a similar situation in which you find yourself with no means of getting into your car. Rather than call a professional to open the door, you could try opening the door yourself by picking the lock, or by opening the door using a slim jim.

Step 1 - Using the Bobby Pin

If you have the traditional type of car door locks, then you should be able to open this by using a paperclip or a bobby pin. If you are using a paperclip, open it up so that you have two prongs to the clip, similar to the bobby pin. Insert your lock picking tool into the car lock, and move it up and down. You are trying to simulate the turning of the keys in the car door locks, so you may need to work for a while on moving both barrels at the same time. When you find the right combination, you should be able to turn the lock, and then open up the door, just as you would if you had your keys. You may decide to give up before you hit that magic combination.

Step 2 - Using a Slim Jim

If you find that you can't get into the door by trying to open the lock in this manner, then you may need a more efficient way of opening the lock. You need a slim jim, or a small length of metal with a slight hook on the side. Take this to your car, and press it against the back door panel and the light rubber strip on the side of the front door that meets the window. Push the slim jim through, squeezing it so that it is moved forward. You should then try to hook the slim jim onto the side of the lock, and pull it towards you. This may take a lot of effort, and you may not have much luck, but if you keep trying, then you should be able to pick the lock in the end. With the lock forced, you can then get into the car, and drive away.

Step 3 - Use a Screwdriver

You may also be able to use a screwdriver to pop open the lock on your car. You will need to have a fairly old car, and a small, sharp, flat-headed screwdriver. Push the head of the screwdriver into the gap between the lock, and the car door. Push the lock forwards until it is forced out of the hole, and this will allow you to remove the lock, and open the door of your car. You would then need to get the locks replaced.