3 Ways To Retrieve Keys Locked Inside A Car With A Pull Up Lock

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Home and Garden
• Disaster Preparedness
• Home Security
• Locks and Keys

Don’t Panic! What to Do When You’ve Locked Your Keys inside Your Car Download Article Channel your inner MacGyver with these DIY solutions Co-authored by Shawn Fago and Jennifer Mueller, JD

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Getting Help
|
• Trying a Shoelace
|
• Using a Wire Coat Hanger
|
• Using a Blood Pressure Cuff
|
• What Should You Do If You Lock Your Keys In Your Car?
|
• Q&A
|
• Tips
|
• Warnings

|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Shawn Fago and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Shawn Fago is a Master Locksmith and the Founder of Noble Locksmith, a nationwide locksmith company based in San Diego, California. With over seven years of experience, he provides commercial, residential, and automotive locksmith services to customers. Shawn attended California State University, Fullerton. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,840,580 times.

There's no feeling more helpless than locking your car and slamming the door only to see your keys sitting there inside. But you're not helpless—you've got wikiHow! Keep reading for tried-and-true solutions that will get you back in your car and back out on the road. These DIY methods should get the job done and save you a few bucks. But if all else fails, you can always call a local locksmith—just be sure to ask about their rates before you get them to meet you.[1]

Things You Should Know

• Check for unlocked doors or other ways to get into your car before you resort to more complex methods.
• Thread a shoestring with a slip knot through the door to pull up a post lock.
• Straighten a coat hanger and slip it between the window and the weatherstripping to pull up the locking mechanism.
• Inflate a blood pressure cuff to create a gap between the door frame and the car that you can stick your arm or a tool through.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 4:

Getting Help

Download Article

1. 1 Check all the doors to see if any of them are unlocked. It sounds pretty obvious, but it's really easily overlooked—and it's not your fault! The way your brain works, when something tense or suspenseful is going on, the brain narrows and focuses your attention on that one thing.[2] If you just shut the driver's door and locked your keys inside, you probably didn't think about anything else.
   • Taking a walk around the car and checking all the other doors also gives you the opportunity to take a few deep breaths so you can calm down a little.
2. 2 Call the emergency number if a child or pet is trapped inside. If you have your phone, dial 911 or your local emergency number. A first responder will come and open your car door for you—and they'll typically get there pretty quickly if it's an emergency situation. Don't use this option unless it genuinely is an emergency, though (running late is not an emergency).[3]
   • The first responder might not always use the least destructive option to get into your car. If they break a window, for example, you'll be on the hook for replacing it. But if it's truly an emergency, that's a small price to pay.
   Advertisement
3. 3 Contact a friend or family member to get the spare key. If someone else in your family has a key to your car, or if you have a spare at home, call or text whoever's available to help you out. It might take them a few minutes, but they'll likely be quicker than a locksmith (and they'll definitely be cheaper).
   • If you do have a spare key, attach it somewhere on the underside of the car with a magnetic key safe so you'll have it on hand if this happens again.
4. 4 Check your surroundings for possible solutions. When you accidentally lock your keys in your car, you're typically at a residential or commercial location. Take stock of what's around you and make note of what could be beneficial to you. Here are some ideas to help:
   • At home: If you're at home, do you have a spare key inside the house? Even if your house key is on your key ring with your car key, it's usually easier to break into the house.
   • At a school: Go to the office and let them know what's going on. Most schools have a courtesy officer on duty who might be able to help you out. On larger campuses, try an administrative office or the student union, or just look for campus security.
   • At a shopping center: If there's a security guard, they'll likely be able to help you out. If not, look for a grocery store, discount store, hardware store, or pharmacy—they're your best bets to find tools that might help you.
   • In a parking lot: If there are any other drivers around, one of them might have an emergency kit or other tools in their car that would be helpful.
5. 5 Call roadside assistance if it's available to you. If you're a member of AAA or have roadside assistance through your car insurance, you can likely get a professional to come out and unlock your car for free. You already pay to have these services available to you when you need them, so take advantage of it![4]
   • Some manufacturers also have roadside assistance programs available for their vehicles. If there's one available for your car but you don't have it activated, you can typically get it started on the spot.
   • You can always try the DIY options if you find out they're going to take longer than you'd like—and if they don't work, you'll still have someone on the way!
Advertisement

Method 2 Method 2 of 4:

Trying a Shoelace

Download Article

1. 1 Slide the center of a shoelace over the corner of the door. Take one of the shoelaces out of your shoes (you can also use twine or fishing line). Go to the top corner of your door directly over the lock and work the middle of the shoelace behind the door frame. It can take a little doing to get it wedged in there—keeping it flat will help.
   • Work it down into the corner enough that you can just see the shoelace inside the car from the top corner of the window.
2. 2 Make a slip knot on the right-hand side of the shoelace. With the string stuck in the door, make a loop just to the right of the door frame, then make another loop just beside it. Feed the second loop through the first loop and pull to create a slip knot.
   • The loop behind the knot is the part you're going to try to fit over the door lock post to unlock the door.
   • If you don't have a post, you might be able to fit the loop around the handle in the door, but you won't be at the right angle to pull it out and open the door.
3. 3 Pull the left end of the shoelace to get the slip knot past the door seal. Give yourself a generous amount of loop so you won't lose it in the process of trying to get it past the door seal. This can take a little bit of effort, but if you're pretty dexterous it shouldn't be too hard to get the loop and the slip knot inside the car.
   • If you've got something you can use as a wedge, stick that in the corner between your door frame and your car to make the gap between them a little wider. That'll make it easier for you to get the knot through.
   • If you use a wedge, take it out as soon as you get the knot through the door. You actually need the door frame and the car to be relatively tight so you can control the shoelace.
4. 4 Wiggle the shoelace back and forth to move it down the door. Pretend your window is a giant tooth and your shoelace is a piece of dental floss. Move it down diagonally from the corner using a sawing motion.
   • Stop when you get to the point where the slip knot you created is touching or right over the post for your door lock.
5. 5 Position the loop around the lock post and tighten it. Move the shoelace back and forth in that same sawing motion to adjust the specific location of the knot until the loop falls over the post for your door lock. Then, carefully pull both ends of the shoelace to tighten the loop around the post.[5]
   • Go slowly here and make sure the loop is completely around the post so it will tighten around it rather than slip off.
6. 6 Pull the tightened loop upward to unlock the door. With the loop tight around the post, make a short upward flick with your wrists to pull the post up and unlock the door. Immediately open your door and remove the shoelace.[6]
   • Your shoelace might be a little frayed, but it shouldn't be damaged to the point that you can't put it back in your shoe and continue to use it.
Advertisement

Method 3 Method 3 of 4:

Using a Wire Coat Hanger

Download Article

1. 1 Straighten out a wire coat hanger. This is a classic technique to get into a locked car with a manual lock—the only problem is you probably don't have a wire coat hanger on you. If you're in a commercial area, look for a laundromat or dry cleaners. Any other kind of retail store also might be an option.
   • No coat hanger available? Any kind of long, bendy wire will work as long as it's stiff enough to hold its position when you bend it in place.
   • That spiral where the hanger meets the hook can be difficult to bend open. If you happen to find a pair of pliers, they'll make the job a little easier.
2. 2 Bend one end of the coat hanger into a "V" shape. Take the "hook" part of the coat hanger and bend it just a little bit more, so that it's more of a "V" shape than a "U" shape. This will make it easier for you to hook it under the locking mechanism so you can unlock your car.[7]
3. 3 Slide the "V" end between the window and the weatherstripping in the door. Press the long wire part of the straightened coat hanger up against the window right above your car's door lock. Peel the rubber flap of weatherstripping away from the window so it doesn't get pushed down into the gap and make it more difficult for you to move the coathanger. Then, push the "V" down between the rubber weatherstripping and the window itself.[8]
4. 4 Wiggle the coat hanger around until you feel the locking mechanism. This requires close attention because you can't see what you're doing. Move slowly and make tiny movements until you hit something that feels like a pin or a bar—that's likely the locking mechanism.[9]
   • If you have post locks, watch the post as you tap on the pin or bar you've found. If it's the locking mechanism, the post will jiggle a little when you tap it.
   • Be really careful if you have side airbags in your door—it's easy to accidentally deploy them. Stay perpendicular to the lock itself to avoid this.[10]
5. 5 Snag the locking mechanism in the "V" and pull to unlock the car. Generally, you want to pull this mechanism back toward the rear of the car—but for some cars, you'll want to pull up instead. When you've got the pin or rod secure in the "V," you can wiggle it around and see what works.[11]
   • If you've got a post lock, you'll have visual confirmation that you've unlocked your car because the post will come up. Otherwise, listen for that satisfying click.
   • Open the door immediately, then pull out the coat hanger. That way, if you accidentally snag the locking mechanism again, you'll already be in your car.
Advertisement

Method 4 Method 4 of 4:

Using a Blood Pressure Cuff

Download Article

1. 1 Pry open a gap between the door frame and the car. This works easiest if you have something you can use as a wedge, like a rubber door stopper. If you don't have such a thing, you'll have to rely on finger power.[12]
2. 2 Slip the blood pressure cuff through the gap. If you've got someone helping you, one of you can hold the gap apart while the other slides the blood pressure cuff through. It doesn't have to be a lot, just enough that the inflatable part is in between the door frame and the car.[13]
   • Don't have a blood pressure cuff? If you're near a store, they might have one in their emergency kit. Discount stores or pharmacies typically have them too.
   • This is the same method the pros use, and it works for any kind of lock! Car lockout kits have inflatable bladders designed for this purpose if you want to have one handy.
3. 3 Inflate the blood pressure cuff slowly to widen the gap. Keep the gap open just a little while you're first inflating the cuff. After you've got a little air in it, it should hold the gap open on its own. Keep pumping to widen the gap further.[14]
   • Go slowly and be careful not to over-inflate it. If you have a tool you plan to use to reach in the car, test it every couple of pumps to see if it'll fit through the gap.
   • If you don't have a tool, you'll have to inflate the cuff enough that you can get your arm through the gap. It might be easier to reach through if you get on top of the car.
4. 4 Reach in through the gap to unlock the door or retrieve your keys. When you've got enough of a gap, use your tool or your arm to reach into the car. From there, you can either unhook the door latch or grab your keys if they're close enough.[15]
   • If you're reaching in yourself, extract your arm from the gap before you open the door to avoid injury.
Advertisement

What Should You Do If You Lock Your Keys In Your Car?

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question

• Question How can I open the trunk of my car to get my keys out? Community Answer It depends on the type of car. You may need to open the car door first. If you can get in the car, some cars have a remote release button in the glove box. Some may not work without power, though. In this case, go into the back seat and pull down the middle arm rest -- there should be an access panel to your trunk behind that. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 70 Helpful 60
• Question How can I get in the front door of my house if I am locked out? Community Answer Try one of these methods on your door - Pick a Lock With Household Items. Otherwise, calling a locksmith is your best option. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 69 Helpful 64
• Question How do I enter a locked trunk? Community Answer If you don't have a key, try going through the back seat. Many car models have direct truck access through the back seat. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 55 Helpful 50

Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

• Keys in the trunk? As long as you can get into one of the doors using these methods, you can use the lever or button inside your car to pop the trunk, or fold down the seat in the back and get through that way. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 3

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

• Instead of using a magnetic box, try placing a spare key under your car with a wire-tie. This way, it won't accidently come loose when you hit a bump.

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

• Any of these DIY methods can result in damage to your car, so use them with caution. If you really don't want to take the risk of damaging your car, you're better off waiting for a locksmith. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0

Advertisement

You Might Also Like

How toOpen Car Doors How toUnlock Your Car with String How toUse a Coat Hanger to Break Into a Car How toBreak Into a Car How to Unlock a Door Without a Key How toGet Out of a Locked Car The Best Ways to Get a Broken Key Out of a Lock How toBreak Into Your House How toOpen a Trunk How toRemove a Broken Key from a Car Lock How to Use a Slim Jim to Unlock Your Car Door Key Broke off in the Ignition? Here’s How to Get It Out How toOpen a Stuck Car Door How toFix a Jammed Car Lock Advertisement

References

1. ↑ Shawn Fago. Master Locksmith. Expert Interview
2. ↑ https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150727092539.htm
3. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/11/what-to-do-if-you-lock-your-keys-in-the-car/index.htm
4. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/11/what-to-do-if-you-lock-your-keys-in-the-car/index.htm
5. ↑ https://youtu.be/psBY_DvGKvM?t=380
6. ↑ https://youtu.be/psBY_DvGKvM?t=380
7. ↑ https://www.lexusofmelbourne.com/locked-keys-in-car-here-is-how-to-get-them-out-article/
8. ↑ https://www.lexusofmelbourne.com/locked-keys-in-car-here-is-how-to-get-them-out-article/
9. ↑ https://youtu.be/F1KPJ2wl3cY?t=73

More References (6)

10. ↑ https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/2-wants-to-know/keys-locked-in-your-car-use-air-to-open-the-door/83-119629274
11. ↑ https://youtu.be/F1KPJ2wl3cY?t=87
12. ↑ https://www.whsv.com/2021/12/01/richmond-firefighters-rescue-baby-locked-car/
13. ↑ https://www.ems1.com/rescue/articles/mich-paramedic-saves-child-locked-in-car-with-blood-pressure-cuff-P56LYlMDQtOu9TED/
14. ↑ https://www.ems1.com/rescue/articles/mich-paramedic-saves-child-locked-in-car-with-blood-pressure-cuff-P56LYlMDQtOu9TED/
15. ↑ https://www.sjvc.edu/blog/saving-baby-confirmed-career-direction-vocational-nursing-program-student/

About This Article

Co-authored by: Shawn Fago Master Locksmith This article was co-authored by Shawn Fago and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Shawn Fago is a Master Locksmith and the Founder of Noble Locksmith, a nationwide locksmith company based in San Diego, California. With over seven years of experience, he provides commercial, residential, and automotive locksmith services to customers. Shawn attended California State University, Fullerton. This article has been viewed 2,840,580 times. 25 votes - 71% Co-authors: 27 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 2,840,580 Categories: Locks and Keys Article SummaryX

To get your keys out of a locked car with pull-up locks, start by taking one of your shoelaces or a long piece of string and making a slip knot in the center of it. Then, slide the string around the corner of the car door so the knot is inside the car. Next, lower the slip knot loop until it's wrapped around the pull-up lock on the door. Once the loop is in place, pull one end of the shoelace or string to tighten the knot around the lock. Finally, pull up on the string to unlock the door. To learn how to unlock a door with a pull-up lock using a wire coat hanger, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Portuguese Italian Russian German Chinese French Indonesian Arabic Thai Japanese

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,840,580 times.

Reader Success Stories

• 

  Redd Moey

  Apr 13, 2017

  "Well, to earn extra for my kids' toys (they really want a specific one so bad), I worked overtime. I went to..." more Rated this article:

More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Shawn Fago Master Locksmith 25 votes - 71% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 27 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 2,840,580

Redd Moey

Apr 13, 2017

"Well, to earn extra for my kids' toys (they really want a specific one so bad), I worked overtime. I went to..." more Rated this article:

Anonymous

Sep 21, 2016

"A friend knew about the hanger tip and it worked like a charm on the driver's door of my old Ford station..." more

Christine T.

Jun 6, 2016

"This article had great tips. I would have never thought to use a blood pressure cuff to help get the hanger in the..." more

Francella

Jul 6, 2017

"I love the step-by-step instructions. I haven't had the opportunity to try any of these, only the instructions..." more

Anonymous

Aug 4, 2016

"The fact that I could open the lock with just a shoe lace was amazing and something I'd never heard of before." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

How Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizAm I Selfish QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizWould I Survive a Horror Movie QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Do QuizTake QuizHow Lucky Am I QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

How toOpen Car DoorsHow toUnlock Your Car with StringHow toUse a Coat Hanger to Break Into a CarHow toBreak Into a Car

Trending Articles

Do I Have Brainrot QuizWhat Emojis Mean Sex?What Pokémon Am I Quiz151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to AskSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouDo You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?

Watch Articles

How toGrow Out Your BangsHow toDress PunkHow toEnd a Long Distance RelationshipHow toDo E Girl EyelinerHow toRespond to the Fire EmojiHow to Stop Your Glasses from Making Your Eyes Look Small

Trending Articles

Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Am I More Hannah Montana or Miley Stewart?The Most Attractive Zodiac Signs & What Makes Each Sign Beautiful24 Different Types of Bras ExplainedWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?

Quizzes & Games

The Paperclip Challenge: Can You Outsmart the Detective?PlayAm I Smart QuizTake QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizTake QuizAm I Book Smart or Street Smart QuizTake QuizHow Hard Has My Life Been QuizTake QuizHow Will I Die QuizTake Quiz

• Categories
• Home and Garden
• Disaster Preparedness
• Home Security
• Locks and Keys

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --759