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Cars & Other Vehicles
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Car Maintenance and Repair
How to Use a Slim Jim to Unlock Your Car Door Download Article Plus, how to tell if a slim jim will work with your make and model Co-authored by Robert Vallelunga and Dan Hickey
Last Updated: March 9, 2026 Fact Checked
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How to Tell if a Slim Jim Will Work on Your Car
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Using the Slim Jim
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This article was co-authored by Robert Vallelunga and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Robert Vallelunga is a Locksmith and the Owner of ACME Locksmith in the Phoenix Metro Area. Robert has over 15 years of experience in the industry and specializes in working with automotive ignitions, locks, keys, and master key systems. Robert and the team at ACME are the #1 Rated Phoenix Locksmith Service and the Winner of the Better Business Bureau Ethics Award. Robert has his Residential & Commercial Contractor’s License and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University. There are 9 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 924,228 times.
You don’t know how it happened, but you’re stuck staring at your locked car door, keys nowhere to be found. This can be a costly mistake, especially if you need to call a professional locksmith. However, depending on your car’s make, model and year, you might be able to use a slim jim to open it. A slim jim is a strip of metal with a notched end that can pop open older, upright locks on car doors. In this article, we’ll show you how to determine whether your car has the right locks for a slim jim and use it to get back on the road in a flash.
How do you use a slim jim?
Insert a rubber wedge between the car door window and its weather stripping on the passenger side near the lock. Slide the notched end of the slim jim into the gap slowly until you notice the upright lock start to move subtly (this means you’ve hooked it). Slowly pull the slim jim straight up to unlock the car.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 2:
How to Tell if a Slim Jim Will Work on Your Car
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1 Make sure your car doesn’t have electric locks. Trying to use a slim jim on electric or power locks will do nothing but possibly scratch your window and damage the electronics in your car door. There might be other ways to unlock the door, but don’t try using a slim jim.
2 Ensure your car has upright locks. These locks look like small cylinders and are found near the bottom of the car window, where it meets the door. Note that these mechanical locks are usually found on cars manufactured in 1992 or before. If your car was made afterwards, it might still have these locks, but the car door may have electronics, wires or even airbags that make using a slim jim more difficult.[1]XResearch source
If you’re unsure what locks are on your car, you should consult the user’s manual, or try researching your car model online.
Newer cars have complex electric power locks and lock shields or shrouding that block slim jims and other break-in tools, making them ineffective.[2]XResearch source
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3 Call a locksmith if you’re still unsure. If it’s not obvious whether your car has the right locks for a slim jim, you should strongly consider calling a locksmith. Using a slim jim on the wrong type of locks could seriously damage your car. A locksmith might seem expensive, but the repairs on your car could be moreso.
Professional locksmith Robert Vallelunga recommends calling a pro. “You can go it alone, but you risk damaging the car lock, car door, or door seal, which will ultimately cost you more than hiring a professional to begin with. Every car model has a preferred way of opening, and they can be very different.”[3]X Expert Source Robert VallelungaLocksmithExpert Interview
He adds, “For older cars, with proof of ownership, a locksmith shop can just make you a key that will unlock the door by using the car’s VIN. Even if the key isn’t programmed to the car, it will unlock the door so you can get your working keys out.”[4]X Expert Source Robert VallelungaLocksmithExpert Interview
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 2:
Using a Slim Jim to Unlock Your Car
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1 Approach the car’s passenger side door. It seems natural to want to open the driver’s side door; after all, this is where you typically enter the car. However, professional locksmiths typically try opening the passenger side door.[5]XResearch source That way, if you make a mistake and damage the door’s mechanism, it won’t be the door you use most.
2 Insert a wedge between the car window and weather stripping. The weatherstrip is the rubber strip running between the car door and window.[6]XResearch source This will create the space you need to insert the slim jim. You can get a wedge specifically designed for opening car locks, but they’re typically not much different than a door wedge. Ideally, use a rubber wedge, as a wooden wedge could leave splinters and shards in your car door.
3 Slide the slim jim in the space made by the wedge. Slide the notched end first, in towards the car lock. Align the slim jim with the lock, pushing down towards the keyhole, which is usually located at the rear of the door. Insert the slim jim slowly, making sure not to catch on anything on the way down.[7]XResearch source
4 Watch the lock for subtle movement. You’ll know the slim jim has caught on the locking mechanism if the lock starts moving slightly. Make sure to keep the slim jim completely vertical, to avoid catching on any other mechanisms.[8]XResearch source
5 Pull the slim jim upwards slowly until the door unlocks. If you’ve latched onto the locking mechanism, the lock should move upwards as you move the slim jim. Keep your motion slow and smooth to avoid causing any undue damage.[9]XResearch source Remove the slim jim and you’ll be able to open the car door.
6 Avoid making multiple attempts to open the door. If you can’t get the door unlocked after one or two attempts, it’s best to stop before you cause any damage to it. Unlocking a locked door is a very technical skill; don’t feel bad if you’re not able to get it open. Get a professional to open your car door and call a locksmith.[10]XResearch source
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Question How do you pick a car door lock? Community Answer With an automotive lock pick. Normal picks will damage either the pick or the wafers. 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 15 Helpful 40
Question Can I use a Slim Jim if the locks are electronic but the lock is upright? Community Answer The security system might prevent you from doing so. Try a long reach tool instead and go for the unlock. 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 12 Helpful 21
Question Can you use a slim jim on a 1990 Nissan Santra? The door locks aren't upright, but turn to unlock. Community Answer Slim Jims work on upright car locks. For the locks in this car, you may need to look at alternate options. 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 24 Helpful 18
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
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Tips
If a slim jim won’t work on your car, opt for a professional opening kit with a long reach tool. Vallelunga says, “Professional opening kits are available online and can be purchased by anyone, but most require training to be effective. The most valuable tool in one of those kits is a long reach tool. Long reach tools are slid in the crack between where the door and the roof of the car meet. You grab the door handle on the opposite side of the car, and pull it to release the door.”[11]X Expert Source Robert VallelungaLocksmithExpert InterviewThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Slim Jims come with notches in a variety of shapes. You can ask an employee at your auto parts store to suggest which shape would work best for your particular vehicle. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 2
Consider calling a locksmith to unlock your car door. They are trained professionals who will be able to open your car with little risk of damage. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 10
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
This article is intended for informational purposes. It is highly illegal to break into someone’s vehicle. A sign of carjacking is a detached lock rod. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 4
Be very careful when attempting to use a slim jim to open your car. You could damage the weather stripping, the rods of the door mechanism, wires inside the door, or even scratch or break the window glass. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Co-authored by: Robert Vallelunga Locksmith This article was co-authored by Robert Vallelunga and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Robert Vallelunga is a Locksmith and the Owner of ACME Locksmith in the Phoenix Metro Area. Robert has over 15 years of experience in the industry and specializes in working with automotive ignitions, locks, keys, and master key systems. Robert and the team at ACME are the #1 Rated Phoenix Locksmith Service and the Winner of the Better Business Bureau Ethics Award. Robert has his Residential & Commercial Contractor’s License and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University. This article has been viewed 924,228 times. 2 votes - 50% Co-authors: 30Updated: March 9, 2026 Views: 924,228 Categories: Car Maintenance and RepairArticle SummaryX
You may be able to use a slim jim to open your car if your car locks are small, upright cylinders near the bottom of the car window, and your car does not have electronic locks. If this is the case, insert a wedge between the car window and the weather stripping, then slide the slim jim in the space made by the wedge, notched end first. Align the slim jim with the lock and push it down toward the keyhole. When you see the lock start to move, pull the slim jim upward slowly until the door unlocks. Keep reading to learn when you should call a locksmith!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Cecil Nator
Jul 24, 2016
"Clear and concise. Could use more visuals, like examples of a few types of mechanisms described."
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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: Robert Vallelunga Locksmith 2 votes - 50% Click a star to vote 50% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 30Updated: March 9, 2026 Views: 924,228
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Jul 24, 2016
"Clear and concise. Could use more visuals, like examples of a few types of mechanisms described."
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Nov 8, 2016
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Download Article Plus, how to tell if a slim jim will work with your make and model Co-authored by Robert Vallelunga and Dan Hickey 
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Co-authored by: Robert Vallelunga Locksmith This article was co-authored by Robert Vallelunga and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Robert Vallelunga is a Locksmith and the Owner of ACME Locksmith in the Phoenix Metro Area. Robert has over 15 years of experience in the industry and specializes in working with automotive ignitions, locks, keys, and master key systems. Robert and the team at ACME are the #1 Rated Phoenix Locksmith Service and the Winner of the Better Business Bureau Ethics Award. Robert has his Residential & Commercial Contractor’s License and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University. This article has been viewed 924,228 times. 2 votes - 50% Co-authors: 30 Updated: March 9, 2026 Views: 924,228 Categories: Car Maintenance and Repair Article SummaryX
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1 Make sure your car doesn’t have electric locks. Trying to use a slim jim on electric or power locks will do nothing but possibly scratch your window and damage the electronics in your car door. There might be other ways to unlock the door, but don’t try using a slim jim. 
2 Ensure your car has upright locks. These locks look like small cylinders and are found near the bottom of the car window, where it meets the door. Note that these mechanical locks are usually found on cars manufactured in 1992 or before. If your car was made afterwards, it might still have these locks, but the car door may have electronics, wires or even airbags that make using a slim jim more difficult.[1] 
3 Call a locksmith if you’re still unsure. If it’s not obvious whether your car has the right locks for a slim jim, you should strongly consider calling a locksmith. Using a slim jim on the wrong type of locks could seriously damage your car. A locksmith might seem expensive, but the repairs on your car could be moreso. 
1 Approach the car’s passenger side door. It seems natural to want to open the driver’s side door; after all, this is where you typically enter the car. However, professional locksmiths typically try opening the passenger side door.[5] That way, if you make a mistake and damage the door’s mechanism, it won’t be the door you use most. 
2 Insert a wedge between the car window and weather stripping. The weatherstrip is the rubber strip running between the car door and window.[6] This will create the space you need to insert the slim jim. You can get a wedge specifically designed for opening car locks, but they’re typically not much different than a door wedge. Ideally, use a rubber wedge, as a wooden wedge could leave splinters and shards in your car door. 
3 Slide the slim jim in the space made by the wedge. Slide the notched end first, in towards the car lock. Align the slim jim with the lock, pushing down towards the keyhole, which is usually located at the rear of the door. Insert the slim jim slowly, making sure not to catch on anything on the way down.[7] 
4 Watch the lock for subtle movement. You’ll know the slim jim has caught on the locking mechanism if the lock starts moving slightly. Make sure to keep the slim jim completely vertical, to avoid catching on any other mechanisms.[8] 
5 Pull the slim jim upwards slowly until the door unlocks. If you’ve latched onto the locking mechanism, the lock should move upwards as you move the slim jim. Keep your motion slow and smooth to avoid causing any undue damage.[9] Remove the slim jim and you’ll be able to open the car door. 
6 Avoid making multiple attempts to open the door. If you can’t get the door unlocked after one or two attempts, it’s best to stop before you cause any damage to it. Unlocking a locked door is a very technical skill; don’t feel bad if you’re not able to get it open. Get a professional to open your car door and call a locksmith.[10] Advertisement 
Community Answer With an automotive lock pick. Normal picks will damage either the pick or the wafers. 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 15 Helpful 40 
Community Answer Slim Jims work on upright car locks. For the locks in this car, you may need to look at alternate options. 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 24 Helpful 18 
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.