Auto Entry Tools
Auto entry tools and lockout tools are widely available through
a variety of manufacturers for the security professional and the
locksmith that specializes in lockouts.
Opening Locked Cars - Auto opening can be a lucrative part of
any locksmithing business. For some, it's the only source of
income. Lockout specialists can command anywhere from $30 - 90
per hour!
Bill Phillips, author of LOCKSMITHING explains vehicle opening
in detail. "In order to understand how to open a locked vehicle,
you need to understand how vehicle locks work. In most cases, a
locked vehicle can be opened by lifting up or pushing down on
the lock pawl, pulling the lock rod up, puching the lock rod
forward, lifting the lock rod button, or by picking the lock.
The lock pawl can generally be manipulated with an L-shaped
tool. Doors with vertical lock rods can usually be opened by
using a tool to hook the lock rod and pull it up.
Doors with horizontal lock rods can usually be opened by using a
tool to hook the rod and pulling it forward."
Naturally, a security professional or a locksmith will use auto
opening tools that are not available in the local hardware store
to do the job right.
There are a lot of manuals available on the subject of
automobile opening. Some of the publishers also sell lockout
tools and kits. The manuals are full of invaluable information
for the lockout specialist or security professional and the lock
opening information is updated regularly to keep up with all the
new models of cars coming onto the market.
Typical multi-tool auto opening kits will contain several L
tools of different sizes, several different sizes of tools for
lifting a lock button rod and generally a wedge of two. ProLok
makes some excellent auto opening (lockout) kits.
My Recommended Resource For Auto Entry Tools is LPS - Locksmith
Parts and Supplies
A lot of people know about using a slim jim as they are often
sold in auto supply stores. It wasn't that long ago that almost
any locked vehicle could be opened by inserting a flat piece of
metal into the door between the car window and the weather
stripping, then moving it up and down and left to right until it
caught something that unlocked the door. Times (and automobile
locks) have changed considerably. Automobile manufacturers are
making cars much more difficult to open. Manufacturers are
building lock systems with more anti-jimmy components. The flat
piece of metal isn't nearly as effective as it used to be...nor
is the wire hanger we've all used at one time or another to try
to pop the lock. Our advice? Don't try to get into a locked
vehicle without the key unless you're a pro. You can do some
real damage to your car and destroy the weather stripping...at
the very least. Using a slim jim, homemade or otherwise can
severely damage a car's locking system that may prevent the
operation of the car door locks with the key. Learning to use
the newest auto entry tools, or paying a pro to do the job will
save you and your family a lot of headaches.