Unlocking Secrets: Popping A Lock With A Coat Hanger

Forgetting your keys and locking yourself out of your car can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are several ways to use a coat hanger to unlock your car, especially if it is an older model.

Straighten the hanger and bend it into a V shape

To pop a lock with a coat hanger, you'll need to straighten the hanger and bend it into a "V" shape. This is how you do it:

First, straighten out the hanger. Stretch out the wire so that it is long enough to reach the unlock button or the post. Untwist the hooked portion, then straighten it completely, leaving only the curved end in its original shape. To do this effectively, use a pair of pliers to unwind the twisted part of the wire hanger. The ideal outcome is a coat hanger that resembles a relatively straight line with a curved hook at the end.

Next, bend the hook into a "V" shape. You can do this by using a pair of pliers to fold the end of the straightened coat hanger. The "V" shape should be small and tight enough to hook the post. The ideal shape to aim for is a small "V" or check mark.

It is important to note that you may need to experiment with different-sized "V" or check marks until you find one that successfully grips the post. Additionally, be cautious and patient during this process, as it may take a few tries to get it right.

Pry the window out slightly

If the window is closed, you will need to pry it out slightly to unlock the car door with a coat hanger. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

First, slide a narrow wedge, such as a wooden piece, into the gap between the window and the door. Be extremely careful during this step, as applying too much pressure can break the window. It is recommended to use a wider prying surface, such as a paint scraper, instead of a narrow tool like a screwdriver.

Once you have pried the window open slightly, place something like a folded piece of cloth or rubber into the gap to keep it open.

Now, you can slide the coat hanger into the gap you have created. Hold the end of the coat hanger that is opposite the "V" shape you made earlier with pliers. If the lock post is too close to the rear side of the car door, try approaching it from the front instead.

It is important to reach the lock post in a direction that allows you to apply pressure to it as you pull it up. Be careful not to put additional pressure on the window as it is pried open, or you may break it.

Once you have reached the lock post, catch it with the coat hanger and apply pressure by pulling the hanger back toward the rear of the car. If the lock is too close to the rear side of the window, try applying pressure forward as you pull it up. Continue to apply pressure and pull the post up to unlock the door.

If the post pops up, the door will be unlocked, and you can open it. If the post does not pop up, you may need to try multiple times, adjusting your technique until you succeed.

Slide the hanger into the gap

Now that you have prepared your coat hanger and pried the window out slightly, it's time to slide the hanger into the gap. This part of the process can be tricky, so it is important to proceed with caution.

First, grip the end of the coat hanger that is opposite from the "V" shape you made earlier with a pair of pliers. This will give you a more secure hold on the hanger as you manoeuvre it into place. Next, carefully slip the hanger into the gap you created between the window and door frame. It is important to be gentle during this step to avoid putting additional pressure on the window, as it could break.

If the lock post is too close to the rear side of the car door, you may need to adjust your approach. Try inserting the hanger from the front instead, ensuring that you can apply pressure to the post as you pull it up. This may require some trial and error to find the correct angle and amount of pressure needed to unlock the door.

Once the hanger is in place, you can begin to wiggle it around until you catch the post. This may take a few attempts, so be patient and persistent. When you have a secure grip on the post, apply pressure by pulling the hanger back toward the rear of the car. Continue to apply pressure as you pull the post up to unlock the door.

If the post pops up, congratulations! You have successfully unlocked the door. If not, don't worry; simply try again, making any necessary adjustments to the hanger or your technique. Remember always to be gentle and avoid using excessive force to prevent any damage to your vehicle.

Catch the post and pull up

Once you have slid the hanger into the gap between the window and the door frame, you will need to catch the post and pull up and toward the back of the car to unlock the door. Move the hanger around until you catch the post, then apply pressure by pulling the hanger back toward the rear of the car. If the lock is too close to the back of the window, you may need to apply forward pressure as you pull up. Continue to apply pressure as you pull up the column to unlock the door.

If the post pops up, the door should be unlocked and you can open it. If it is not open, you will need to capture the post multiple times. This may take a few attempts, so be patient and persistent. You may need to try a few different angles and approaches to get this right.

It is important to arrive at the lock post from a direction that allows you to apply pressure easily as you pull up the lock. This may mean approaching from the front if the lock post is near the back of the door.

Press the unlock button

If you've locked yourself out of your car, you may be able to use a coat hanger to press the unlock button. This method is best if your car window is slightly open and your car has automatic locks.

First, straighten out the coat hanger, then bend the hook into a "V" shape. You can use a pair of pliers to do this. Next, carefully slide the hanger through the window crack. You may need to try this several times, depending on the size of the window crack and the layout of your car. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the window, or you may break it. Once the hanger is through the window, use it to hit the unlock button. If you're having trouble, try adding a small piece of rubber to the end of the hanger for more friction.

Frequently asked questions