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How do I start a car with scissors?

My purse was stolen and my keys were inside. I really need to get to work. I’ve read that you can start your car with scissors. How do I use a pair of scissors to start my car?

Eric Schad · Updated on Nov 25, 2021

Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.

Sorry to hear about your purse! Hopefully, you can get your car keys back within a few days or so. If not, starting your car with a pair of scissors is possible with a bit of luck.

To start your car with scissors:

Put one blade into the ignition.

Move the scissors around in the ignition until you find the sweet spot.

Try to turn the ignition by twisting the scissors forward.

Note that starting your car with scissors can damage the ignition, aggravate your anti-theft device, and require you to replace the entire ignition cylinder. Do so at your own risk.

Alternatively, call a locksmith using your roadside assistance policy or

towing and labor coverage

.

If you don’t have this type of coverage, check out the roadside assistance program with

.

The Jerry app’s leading roadside assistance connects you with their nationwide network of over 55,000 service providers. A membership includes services like towing, jumpstarts, key replacements, and lockouts and costs as little as $4.16 a month!

MORE:

I locked my keys in the car. Now what?

View full answer

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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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