Have you ever locked yourself out of your car? If you have, you know how frustrating and time-consuming it can be to get back in. You might have to call a locksmith, wait for hours, and pay a hefty fee. Or you might have to break a window, damage your car, and risk injury. But what if you could avoid all that hassle and expense by having a simple car lockout kit in your trunk? A car lockout kit is a set of tools that can help you unlock your car door without damaging it. It can save you time, money, and stress in case of an emergency. However, you should always use them with caution and follow the instructions carefully. Also, you should only use them on your own car and not on someone else’s. Otherwise, you might be accused of theft or vandalism.
In this article, we will show you the 5 tools you must have in your car lockout kit and how to use them safely and effectively. These tools are easy to use, effective, and safe. We will also mention the name of a reliable and professional locksmith service that can provide you with car lockout kits and other locksmith solutions.
Tool 1: Pump Wedge
A pump wedge, also known as an inflatable bag, is a tool designed for car lockout scenarios. It consists of a thin, flat inflatable bag component and a mechanism for manual inflation, typically a hand pump. The wedge is inserted deflated into the door’s jamb, between the car body and the vehicle door. The pump wedge is a crucial item to keep in your car lockout kit. The pump wedge works by creating a small gap between the car door and the frame, which allows you to insert other tools to reach the lock mechanism.
The benefits of using a pump wedge are:
- It is easy to use. You just need to slide the wedge into the door, pump it up, and insert the tool.
- It is versatile. You can use it on most types of cars, regardless of the door design or the lock type.
- It is safe. It does not damage the paint or the rubber seal of the door.
Some tips on how to use a pump wedge properly are:
- Inflate it gradually. Do not overinflate it, as it may damage the door or the wedge.
- Position it near the lock. This will make it easier for you to reach the lock with the tool.
- Deflate it after use. Do not leave it inflated, as it may cause the door to bend or warp.
Tool 2: Long-Reach Tool
A long-reach tool, also known as a slim Jim, is a tool designed for car lockout situations. It consists of a long, thin metal rod with a hook or loop on one end. The tool is used to reach inside the car through a small gap between the window and the door frame. The long-reach tool is an essential item to keep in your car lockout kit. The long-reach tool works by grabbing and pulling on the inside door handle or pressing the unlock button from the outside. The tool is easy to use and does not require any special skills or experience.
The benefits of using a long-reach tool are:
- It is effective. It can unlock most types of cars, especially those with manual locks or buttons.
- It is flexible. It can be bent or shaped to fit different situations.Â
- It is durable. It is made of strong and sturdy materials that can withstand repeated use and pressure.
Some tips on how to use a long-reach tool properly are:
- Choose the right length, angle, and tip. Depending on the car model and the lock type, you may need a longer or shorter tool, a straight or curved tool, or a hook, a loop, or a magnet tool.
- Use a plastic wedge or a protector to prevent scratches. To avoid damaging the paint or the glass of the car, you can use a plastic wedge or a protector to cover the edge of the tool or the gap.
- Practice before attempting a real lockout. To familiarize yourself with the tool and the technique, you can practice on a spare car or a friend’s car before trying it on your car.
Tool 3: Plastic Wedge
A plastic wedge, also known as a locksmith wedge, is a tool designed for car lockout emergencies. It consists of a small, flat plastic piece that can be inserted between the car door and the window frame, creating a slight gap that allows access to the interior of the car. The plastic wedge is a vital item to keep in your car lockout kit. The plastic wedge works by using leverage to create a small opening between the door and the frame, which can be used to slide a slim Jim or another lockout tool into the car’s interior. This tool is easy to use and does not require any special skills or experience.
The benefits of using a plastic wedge are:
- It is simple. You do not need any distinct expertise or understanding to use it.Â
- It is affordable. You can easily find it in any hardware store, and it does not cost much.
- It is available. Moreover, you can use any plastic object that has a wedge shape, such as a credit card, a spatula, or a ruler.
Some tips on how to use a plastic wedge properly are:
- Choose the right size, shape, and material. Depending on the car model and the door or window type, you may need a larger or smaller wedge, a flat or curved wedge, or a hard or soft wedge.
- Apply gentle pressure. Do not force the wedge, as it may break the glass or the seal. Use a steady and smooth motion to create a gap.
- Avoid breaking the glass or the seal. Do not insert the wedge too deep, as it may crack the glass or damage the seal. Use a protector or a cloth to cushion the wedge.
Tool 4: Pin Popper
A pin popper or key extractor is a car lockout tool. It has a thin, bendable metal wire with a hook or barb at one end. You can use it to enter the lock’s keyhole and snag the broken key part inside. You should have a pin popper in your car lockout kit. To use the pin popper, you need to hook or barb the broken key and pull it out of the lock. The pin popper is simple to use and does not need any special skills or experience. But you need to be gentle and avoid harming the lock or the key by applying too much force or twisting the tool.
The benefits of using a pin popper are:
- It is fast. It can unlock the car in seconds, as it bypasses the lock pins and springs.
- It is accurate. It can target the exact spot where the lock cylinder is attached to the door.
- It is secure. It does not damage the lock or the door, as it only removes the lock cylinder.
Some tips on how to use a pin popper properly are:
- Locate the pinhole. The pinhole is usually located on the side or the bottom of the lock cylinder. It may be covered by a sticker or a cap, which you need to remove first.
- Insert the pin popper. The pin popper has a sharp tip that can pierce the pinhole. Push the pin popper until it reaches the end of the hole.
- Pull the lock cylinder out. You can use the pin popper’s handle to pull the lock cylinder out. Use a firm and steady motion to detach the lock cylinder from the door.
Tool 5: Key Extractor
A Key Extractor tool is a specialized device that is designed to remove broken keys from locks without causing any harm. It works by using a special adhesive to attach the puller to the broken key, allowing you to pull it out without any further damage. This tool is especially helpful when a key breaks off inside the lock, as it can reach the key fragments that are lodged inside the lock mechanism. With a Key Extractor tool, you can solve the problem yourself in minutes, and get back on the road. A Key Extractor tool is not only useful for car lockouts, but also for other situations where you might break a key inside a lock.Â
The benefits of using a key extractor are:
- It is convenient. It can save you the hassle of replacing the whole lock or the ignition, which can be costly and time-consuming.
- It is precise. It can grip the broken key firmly and pull it out without leaving any fragments behind.
- It is compatible. It can work on most types of keys, such as standard, double-sided, or laser-cut keys.
Some tips on how to use a key extractor properly are:
- Lubricate the keyway. To make the extraction easier and smoother, you can spray some lubricant, such as WD-40, into the keyway. This will also prevent rust and corrosion.
- Insert the key extractor. The key extractor has a serrated or spiral tip that can hook the broken key. Insert the key extractor into the keyway, along the same path as the broken key.
- Twist and pull the broken key out. To remove the broken key, you can turn and pull it with the key extractor’s handle. Use a gentle and careful motion to avoid breaking the key extractor or the keyway.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are the five tools that you must have in your car lockout kit: pump wedge, long-reach tool, plastic wedge, pin popper, and key extractor. These tools can help you unlock your car in case of an emergency, and they are easy to use, effective, and safe. Having a car lockout kit can save you a lot of trouble and expense, and it can also give you peace of mind.
However, if you are not confident or comfortable with using these tools, you can always call Patriot Locksmiths, a reliable and professional locksmith service that can provide you with car lockout kits and other locksmith solutions. They have the experience, the equipment, and the expertise to handle any car lockout situation, and they offer fast, friendly, and affordable service. Contact them today and get your car lockout kit ready.