How to Pick a Car Lock – Complete Guide

Our exhaustive list of techniques for discovering how to pick a car lock is now complete!

Although picking a lock isn’t the most exciting thing ever, it is a skill that can be useful in a variety of circumstances. Perhaps you want to become a locksmith (or at the very least, impress your friends) or you are locked out of your car and don’t have a spare key. In either case, making the effort to learn how to pick a pin tumbler lock is worthwhile.

Here are some of the best tools for picking a car lock, so you’ll be prepared for anything:

1. Paperclip
2. Bobby pin
3. Screwdriver
4. Knife
5. Credit card
6. Hanger
7. Slim jim
8. Lock pick set
9. Auto jigglers
10. TOY 43 (2-in-1 lock pick)
11. Hook Picks

How to pick a car lock using these tools is explained in this article. In addition, I’ll offer some pointers for simplifying the procedure.

Tools to Pick a Car Lock

Each of us has experienced a situation where we are outside our cars banging on the window while looking for our backup key. To help you regain access to your car, we’ll demonstrate how to pick a car lock in this tutorial. The moment you realize you have indeed locked your keys in the car, the need for an easily accessible spare key becomes apparent. Because they are too modern and have more sophisticated security, there are times when you can’t break into your own car. If so, you’ll need to contact a company like Bobcat Locksmith to gain entry. But first, let’s learn how to break into your car if it isn’t one of the newest models.

Okay, so you usually need specific tools to learn how to unlock a car door. Different types of keys are used for different car makes, and as technology has advanced, picking has only gotten harder. The various techniques for opening your car door with a key will be covered in this How To Guide. Let’s now learn how to open a locked car. After all, you’ll save a ton of money and dazzle your friends. Because, let’s face it, you just want to get in that dang car and look cool.

1. Paperclip

Although a paperclip is one of the most widely used lock-picking tools, it is also one of the trickiest ways to open a car lock. A paperclip can break if you bend it too far, so you must be very careful when using one.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a paperclip to pick a car lock:

1. Straighten out a paperclip by using it.
2. The paperclip should have one end bent at a 90-degree angle.
3. Put the paperclip’s bent end through the keyhole.
4. Try to feel the lock’s tumblers.
5. Use the paperclip to push the tumblers up or down after you’ve located them.
6. Till the lock releases, turn the paperclip.

On paper, this might appear simple, but in practice, especially under time constraints, it can be challenging. But if you’re having trouble, don’t give up. You will eventually become proficient if you just keep trying.

Additionally, keep in mind that newer car locks won’t be compatible with this technique. They have anti-picking features like spool pins that make it nearly impossible to pick the lock with a paperclip.

Although this is the oldest method in the book, modern car locks may make it difficult to use.

2. Bobby Pin

Another common tool for picking car locks is a bobby pin. If you don’t have a paper clip available, you could try this one since it has a similar degree of difficulty.

On the other hand, the paper clip method and this one are remarkably similar. The only variation is that you employ a bobby pin rather than a paper clip.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Straighten it out with a bobby pin.
2. The bobby pin’s one end should be bent in a 90-degree angle.
3. Put the bobby pin’s bent end through the keyhole.
4. Try to feel inside the lock for the tumblers.
5. Use the bobby pin to push the tumblers up once you’ve located them.
6. Till the lock unlocks, turn the bobby pin.

This is an antiquated lock-picking technique that, like the paperclip technique, might be too difficult for a novice.

3. Screwdriver

Because it is sturdy and simple to use, a screwdriver makes an excellent tool for picking a car lock. The fact that it is harder to conceal than a paperclip or bobby pin is the only drawback.

Here is a step by step guide on how to use a screwdriver to pick a car lock:

1. Enter the keyhole with a screwdriver that you have in hand.
2. Look inside the lock for the tumblers by feeling.
3. The tumblers can be raised using the screwdriver after being located.
4. To unlock the lock, turn the screwdriver.

This method is very similar to the paperclip and bobby pin methods, but it’s a little simpler because you don’t have to worry about breaking the tool.

Various degrees of success have been had using it. It works flawlessly on occasion and completely on other occasions. The type of lock used makes a big difference in whether an attempt is successful or unsuccessful.

4. Knife

Knives are strong and make great tools for picking car locks. Use caution when choosing this option because it is also the most risky.

Here is a step by step guide on how to use a knife to pick a car lock:

1. Incorporate the knife into the keyhole.
2. Move the knife around until you feel the lock’s tumblers start to move.
3. Once the tumblers have moved, turn the knife to the left or right (depending on which way the lock opens) and exert pressure.
4. Now the lock ought to release.

The real difficulty here is finding a knife that fits into the keyhole, so you might have to experiment with a few different blades before finding one that does. If you apply too much force, you run the risk of damaging the lock as well.

Of course, there are knives specifically designed for picking locks, but any sturdy knife will do in a pinch. Keep caution in mind, though.

5. Hanger

Who would have imagined that a common hanger could be used to pick a car lock and that it would work quite well?

Here is how to use a hanger to pick a car lock:

1. Take a hanger, and make it as straight as you can.
2. At the hanger’s one end, create a small hook.
3. Place the hanger in the gap between the door and the window.
4. Try to wrap the hanger’s end around the locking device.
5. The door can be opened by pulling up on the hanger.

This straightforward method makes it simple and damage-free to unlock a car door. This only works in a residential setting or if you are in a position to buy one because a hanger isn’t always accessible when you need it. It is still a useful emergency technique to know, though.

6. Credit Card

Two credit cards will help you pick the lock if you’re in a bind and need to quickly get into your car. To avoid damaging the cards, you must take care.

Here is a step by step guide on how to use credit cards to pick a car lock:

1. In the space between the door and the frame, insert a credit card.
2. Put as much pressure on the card as you can.
3. The slot next to the first credit card should be filled with a second credit card.
4. Once more, make as much room as you can for this card.
5. Push on the locking mechanism with your two credit cards.
6. As the mechanism begins to give way, you should feel it.
7. The door should open after you have sufficiently pushed the mechanism.

The best thing about this technique is that it won’t harm your car door. However, it might be difficult if you don’t have two credit cards close at hand.

7. Slim Jim

Similar to the credit card method, this one requires the use of a special tool called a Slim Jim. In order to fit between the door and the frame, this is a long, thin piece of metal.

It will take some wiggling to locate the locking mechanism once you’ve inserted the Slim Jim into the space between the door and the frame. After you’ve noticed it, push down and slide the Slim Jim until the door opens.

It is best to practice on an old car door before attempting this method on your vehicle because it can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with it. It’s a quick and simple method to pick a lock, though, once you get the hang of it.

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8. Lock Pick Set

You require a high-quality lock pick set if you are serious about learning how to pick locks. Do your research and find a set that suits your needs and budget from among the many different brands and varieties of lock pick sets that are offered on the market.

The Southord Lock Pick Set is my preferred brand of lock pick set. Along with a thorough instruction manual, this set includes a variety of different picks and tension tools.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Start by lightly pressing the tension wrench into the keyway’s lower portion.
2. After that, place your preferred pick into the keyway and begin feeling for the pins. Hold the tension wrench firmly while applying a little pressure with the pick to any pins you feel.
3. Next, push the pin with the aid of the pick until it reaches the shear line. When you hear or feel the pin click into place, you’ll know it’s in the right place.
4. In order to turn the plug and unlock the lock, repeat this procedure for every pin.

You can pick almost any lock you encounter with a little practice. When using your lock-picking equipment, just be sure to follow the law.

9. Auto Jigglers

This particular lock pick is a variety especially made for automobile locks. Long, slender metal objects with teeth on one end are called auto jigglers. When all the tumblers have moved to the open position, they are removed from the keyhole and jiggered around.

Even for a complete novice, using an auto jiggler is fairly simple. Auto jigglers can be tricky to control, which is the only thing I don’t like about them. If you’re not careful, it’s simple to harm the locking mechanism.

Auto jigglers are an excellent tool for picking car locks, though, in general.

10. Toy 43 (2-in-1 Lock Pick)

Any lock picker, whether experienced or beginning, needs to have this specialized tool. A lock pick and tension wrench can both be used with the TOY 43. High-grade stainless steel was used in its construction, and a thorough instruction manual was included.

For picking car locks, I always reach for the TOY 43. It’s compact enough to fit in your pocket but sturdy enough to finish the job. The best part is that it is reasonably priced.

To use this device, just lightly press the tension wrench into the keyway’s bottom. After removing the cover to reveal the two lock picks, feel around for the pins. Continue holding the tension wrench while applying a little pressure to it with the pick.

When the pin reaches the shear line, use the pick to push it there. When the pin clicks into place, you’ll know it’s in the right place. When you can turn the plug and open the lock, repeat this procedure for each pin.

The TOY 43 works well to pick car locks, but it also works on other kinds of locks. From padlocks to car locks, I’ve picked everything with it.

11. Hook Picks

The shaft and handle of this tool are identical to those of a screwdriver, but the end has a small hook rather than a metal bit. By raising or lowering the pins, the hook prys the lock open.

Put the shaft of this tool into the keyway and press down with the handle to operate it. Put the hook pick back into the keyway and feel around for the pins. Once you locate a pin, use the hook to raise it or lower it until it touches the shear line.

When the pin clicks into place, you’ll know it’s in the right place. In order to turn the plug and unlock the lock, repeat this procedure for every pin.

Also read: How to Pick a Bedroom Door Lock?

Final Thoughts: Pick a Car Lock

It’s time to put your new lock picking knowledge to the test now that you are familiar with the fundamentals. I advise beginning with a basic lock, such as a door lock or padlock. You can progress to more complicated locks, like those on cars, once you feel comfortable using those.

As they say, practice makes perfect. You’ll get better at picking locks as you do it more frequently.

Therefore, why are you still waiting? Get outside and begin picking!

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