How to Unlock Car Door with Screwdriver

Are you locked out of your car? Has it ever happened to you that after a long and tiring day, when you come back to your parked vehicle only to find the doors locked and not even the keys in sight? Well, don’t worry. If this ever happens again, all is not lost! 

You can still manage to get inside without having to call up an expensive locksmith. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to unlock car door with screwdriver – no professional knowledge or toolkits needed! So if you’re ready for some DIY auto-unlocking techniques guaranteed, never let lockouts defeat you; keep reading on!

Can You Open a Car Lock with a Screwdriver?

Yes, you can open a car lock with a screwdriver. All you need is the right type of screwdriver and some patience. First, make sure that your vehicle is in park or neutral, as trying to unlock a car door while the engine is running could cause damage to the transmission.

Once the car is in the proper position, you will need to locate the lock mechanism. This is typically located under the outside handle or around the edges of the door frame. Once you have found it, use your screwdriver to insert it into it and twist it until you feel it pop open.

It is important to note that this method is not for everyone, as it can be difficult and time-consuming. Additionally, if done incorrectly, you could further damage your car’s locks or even break off pieces from inside the door itself. 

It is always best to hire a professional locksmith in these circumstances, as they are trained in using specialized tools and techniques that can help get your vehicle open quickly and safely.

Finally, if you find yourself locked out of your car, always be sure to check for other options, such as calling a friend with spare keys, using AAA or another locksmith service, or even contacting the dealership where you purchased your car. Breaking into your vehicle should only ever be used as a last resort and is not recommended in most cases.

With the right tools and knowledge, you can open a car lock with a screwdriver. However, it is always best to proceed with caution and contact a professional if you are unsure of how to handle the situation.

9 Methods How to Unlock Car Door with Screwdriver

1. Manual Key Retrieval:

Depending on the make and model of your car, you may be able to unlock your car door with a screwdriver. To do this, you will need a flathead screwdriver and some patience. Start by removing any visible screws from the doorframe, then use the screwdriver to carefully pry off any plastic trim or molding from around the frame.

Once inside the frame, you should be able to spot the manual key lock release latch. Insert your screwdriver into the hole for the latch and twist in a clockwise direction until it is released.

2. Slim Jim Method:

This method requires a slim jim tool, which is a specialized piece of automotive lockout equipment that can be used to unlock car doors without a key. You will also need a long screwdriver to help leverage the slim jim tool into place.

Push one end of the slim jim between the window glass and weather stripping at the top corner of your vehicle’s door frame so it is flush against the side of your vehicle’s door lock cylinder housing. Then use your long screwdriver for leverage as you push down on one end of the slim jim until it reaches inside and pops open your vehicle’s door lock cylinder housing release latch.

3. Wire Coat Hanger Method:

Though not ideal, this method can work in emergency situations when nothing else is available. First, straighten out an old wire coat hanger so that it forms an L-shape with one hook at one end and a loop at another end at least 6 inches long in diameter (the longer loop allows easier access to wider angle locks).

Push one end of the hanger through the gap between the window glass and weather stripping at the top corner of the vehicle’s door frame (you may need to apply gentle force here). Next, use the looped end of the hanger to catch the inside lever within the lock cylinder housing and pull towards you gently until the latch opens (this may require several attempts).

4. Air Wedge Tool:

This tool is specifically designed for unlocking car doors without keys by creating an air pocket between the window glass and weather stripping along the top corner of the vehicle’s door frame. It consists of two parts: A soft inflatable wedge that fits into the gap between the window glass and weather stripping along the top corner of the vehicle’s door frame;

And a small pump is attached to the wedge that inflates it slightly when pressed firmly against a surface (this creates a slight suction effect that holds the wedge in place while using tools).

Once the wedge has been successfully inserted into the gap between the window glass and weather stripping along the top corner, insert a long flathead screwdriver into the gap left by an inflated wedge, then gently lever up on the edge inside the lock cylinder housing until the latch releases open car door securely without damaging paint job or trimmings around edges of the door frame itself. 

5. Rocker/Push Pin Method:

This method involves using either an old credit card or a rocker/push pin tool to pop open car doors without keys. Present the pin directly beneath the edge inside the lock cylinder housing, then press firmly upwards onto the edge until the latch releases (make sure not to press too hard as this might damage pins inside the house itself).

In some cases, you may find yourself needing more force than expected – depending on how worn down pins are within the house itself – so try pushing slightly harder if needed for the best results.

6. Jiggle Method:

As its name suggests, this method involves inserting a flathead screwdriver into the gap created by the lifted-up edge inside the lock cylinder housing and then wiggling back and forth until the latch clicks open (it works best when done steadily but quickly).

Be aware that sometimes it’s necessary to apply light pressure upwards onto the edge whilst doing so as well – though never enough where risk damaging internal components within the house itself. Be patient, as this method can take a few attempts before you get it right!

7. Bump Key Method:

If available, using a bump key can often be the quickest way to unlock car doors without keys. Insert the bump key (which looks like a regular house key but is cut slightly differently) into the gap created by lifted up edge inside the lock cylinder housing, then tap gently downwards with a hammer handle or similar blunt object – applying just enough pressure so that springs inside house click back releasing internal pins You should hear distinct ‘clicking’ sound once successful. 

8. Slim Jim with Fishing Line Method:

For this method, have a ready flathead screwdriver, fishing line, and Slim Jim tool. Start by tying the fishing line around the Slim Jim tool before inserting the tool tip into the gap created by the lifted-up edge inside the lock cylinder housing. Now thread fishing line through a hole made by a flathead screwdriver poking out from underneath the bottom part vehicle’s carpeting.

Gently tug on the fishing line with one hand as pulling outward on Slim Jim with the other – applying just enough tension that spring-loaded catch releases allowing internal pins to move freely. With steady pressure should hear faint clicking sounds indicating success. 

9. Pick Tool Method:

Another option is unlocking car doors without keys, pick tools can be used to open the door.  First, insert a pick tool into the lock cylinder as far as it can go. If you find any resistance when inserting the tool, try wiggling it back and forth while pushing in until it is fully inserted. Next, use another tool, such as a screwdriver or an Allen wrench, to turn the pick tool.

This will cause the internal tumblers to move and will unlock the door. For cars without locks on the outside of the door handle, you may need a tool with a longer reach, such as an Allen wrench or other long-thin object. Once the lock is unlocked, you can open your car door using either the interior or exterior handles.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to unlock a car door with a screwdriver, you’ll be prepared if you ever find yourself in this situation. While it’s not the ideal way to get into your car, it’s good to know that there is a way to do it if you need to. 
Be sure to practice this so that you can do it quickly and easily if you ever find yourself in this predicament. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to unlock car door with screwdriver!