We’ve all been there. You’re rushing around throughout the day, thinking of other things, when suddenly you realize we don’t have your car keys. Maybe you locked them inside the car while running an errand. Maybe you lost them somewhere along the way. Whatever the case, you’re faced with a challenge: you need to get into your car and you need to get in now.
Sure, you could call an auto locksmith. But, it may be quite a while before they get there, and you’ll be stuck paying anywhere from $25 to $130 depending on if the lock needs to be replaced. So, what’s a forgetful driver to do? Well, we’ve got a few handy solutions for you!
In this video, uploaded to YouTube in 2016, user Mr. LAVA shows us how to unlock a car door in thirty seconds flat.
The video is pretty impressive — it’s been viewed 19 million times. The best part? There are no tools required. All you need is a piece of string. In fact, as Mr. LAVA informs us, even a shoelace will do!
If you’re ever locked out of your car, simply grab a 2-meter piece of string (or shoelaces!) and start by forming a slipknot in the middle.
If you don’t know how to make a slipknot, I’ve included some brief instructions. To make the knot, simply make a loop with the string, pulling the right side over the left.
Then, pull the right strand under and through the loop.
And tada, you’ve got a slipknot!
Now, for the fun part.
Take the string and slide it over the corner of the car door so the slipknot is inside the car. Holding both ends of the string allows yo you to maneuver the slipknot down towards the lock.
This next step may take some practice (Mr. LAVA makes it look easy), but you need to lasso the lock with the slipknot.
Once you’ve got it looped, simply pull both ends to tighten the knot, and yank the lock into an unlocked position.
Unfortunately, horizontal locks are a bit more tricky, but you’re not completely out of luck!
To unlock a horizontal lock, you need to use a wire hanger. Untwist the hanger to make a hook, and then slide it down between the car’s weather stripping and the window. From here, you just need to jimmy the hanger until you find the locking mechanism.
If you have your phone, it can help to Google where it is on your particular type of car. Here’s a video of someone demonstrating the hanger method:
Since being uploaded, Mr. LAVA’s video has been viewed 19 million times.
People are grateful for his idea— and by all accounts, it really does work! A few comments on the video read:
“Legit, this worked on my 2008 Dodge Magnum. Had to pry the corner of the door so it’s bent slightly, took an hour, but it worked.”
“It works! I did it this morning, it only last 2 min for me to hook the lock button. Thanks alot [sic]”
“I literally did this, this morning. It fricken works. Lol. Took me like 4 tries. Make ur look tight to get the pull when you initially tug it.”
Watch the video below!
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