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How do you use a slim jim tool?
I’m buying a used car, and it comes with upright locks, so I should probably get acquainted with a slim jim tool in case I ever get locked out. How do you use a slim jim tool?
Claire Beaney · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
It’s definitely great to stay prepared in case anything goes wrong! However, there is a chance that using a slim jim tool could damage your door. So, rather than use a slim jim as your Plan A in the event of a lockout, make sure that you have an extra set of keys either with a trusted friend or family member, or kept in a safe place - or both!
Generally, slim jims are pretty straightforward to use. Here’s how it’s done:
- Use the passenger’s side door—if you make a mistake and damage your door, you don’t want it to be your most-used one.
- Insert a wedge (ideally rubber to prevent scratches) between the car window and weather stripping.
- Slowly slide the slim jim in the space made by the wedge, aiming towards the keyhole located at the rear side of the door
- Watch the lock for subtle movement, as that’s the sign you’ve latched onto the locking mechanism.
- Slowly pull the slim jim up until the door unlocks.
If you can’t get the door unlocked after a few tries, stop before you damage it. Unlocking a locked door is a technical skill; don’t be discouraged if you can’t do it! Call a locksmith to open your car door in a safe and efficient manner if you are concerned about doing it yourself.
While using a slim jim can be pretty straightforward, finding the right
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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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