Sam's Blog: How to Unlock Your Car with String

The feeling of sheer exasperation when you turn around after shutting the car door and realize that you've left the keys inside is hopefully not one you'll ever experience. However, it does happen. And in this article, you'll learn how to unlock your car using simply a shoelace or piece of string.

Note: this method will not work for cars which have locks embedded in the side of the door.

Edit Steps

Find a long piece of string.
Find a long piece of string. It should be skinny enough to fit between the door and doorframe, but thick enough to be sturdy.
Tie a slipknot in the middle of the string.
Tie a slipknot in the middle of the string.
Place the string at the top right corner of the door you want to open.
Place the string at the top right corner of the door you want to open. Slowly work it until the part of the string with the slipknot is inside the car.
Use a side-to-side pulling motion to get the slipknot to the right height.
Use a side-to-side pulling motion to get the slipknot to the right height. Loop the slipknot around the lock and pull tight.
Pull up on the string.
Pull up on the string. This should also pull the door lock up, unlocking the door.

Edit Video

Edit Warnings

Obviously, only open a car using this method that you're entitled to open. Breaking into a car you don't own or have permission to break into is illegal.
If you can't get the car open, call for help from your automobile association. If your valuables are openly evident in the car, stay with the car until the help arrives.