How to use a coat hanger to unlock a car

If you have locked your car keys in the car or misplaced them and find yourself locked out, you can use a coat hanger to unlock your car. It requires a little patience and a relaxed mental attitude, but it's not difficult to do.

Step 1

Straighten out the coat hanger but leave the "hook" end intact.

Step 2

Insert the hanger under the rubber molding on the left side of the passenger side window, and attempt to locate a pin inside the car door's frame. The pin is located toward the center of the door in most vehicles.

Step 3

Tug lightly and pull up on the hanger when you find the pin.

Step 4

Reinsert the metal coat hanger from the top of the window if you can't find the pin. Maneuver it through the rubber molding around the window's edge.

Step 5

Guide the metal coat hanger onto the lock and carefully push it to unlock the car.

Tips

• Proceed slowly and with care throughout the entire process. A relaxed mental attitude and patience will go a long way.
• Listen intently for any sounds as you maneuver the metal coat hanger inside the frame of the car door. Try to determine if there is any movement that will tell you that you have located the pin in the door frame.

Things You'll Need

• Wire coat hanger

Warnings

• Use caution when attempting to locate the pin in the door frame or position the metal coat hanger on the lock to avoid scratching the car or hurting yourself.

Writer Bio

Giselle Diamond is a freelance writer and has been writing since 1999. Diamond is experienced in writing in all genres and subjects, with distinguished experience in home and garden, culture and society, literature and psychology. Diamond has a Master of Arts in English and psychology from New York University. Diamond has articles published on both eHow and LiveStrong.

This video shows you how to unlock a car door with a hanger but warns it isn't easy and may take some practice. First you will need a hanger as long as your arm, then insert the hanger in the hole on the left side of the window. Try to feel around and find the pin inside the hole. After you find the pin pull up on it. Try not to lock your keys in your car so you don't have to do this anymore.

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