We’ve all seen the magic that locksmiths can work when someone gets their keys stuck inside their vehicle. They usually open the door pretty quickly once they arrive on the scene. It doesn’t take long for the locked-out individual to get on their way.
Few of us are aware of what the tools actually are, so let’s learn a little bit more about them and locksmiths too!
Locksmiths are trained to open car doors, house doors, and safes. They can also cut keys for peoples’ homes and cars. Sometimes locksmiths will even work on repairs for doors.
According to Home Advisor, it costs $30-50 to have your car unlocked. If you would need to have the lock replaced afterward, it would cost a little bit more. Home Advisor estimates that the repair or replacement process would cost an extra $25-130.
This price range varies based on the model and age of your car. More sophisticated lock systems will cost more than simpler ones.
Luckily, there are locksmiths who are called emergency locksmiths. This means that they are on-call at all hours. You will have to pay a little bit extra for a middle-of-the-night unlock, but it will be worth it!
Locksmiths are trained to unlock cars by using a specific set of tools. These tools work to unlock most cars. It’s important that you do your research on the locksmith to make sure are they legitimate. You wouldn’t want a person who claimed to be a locksmith breaking into your car or home.
According to America’s Lock and Key Services – an expert Tampa locksmith, there are three main types of tools used to unlock cars. These include:
The type of tool used to open your car door will depend on the locksmith. There might also be specifications based on the type of car that you own.
Next, we’ll go into more detail about each of these.
These are the tools that locksmiths opt for when unlocking a car. They tend to be he most successful and most useful. Another great reason that these tools are used most often is that they usually do not cause any damage to the car. This saves you money and time that would be spent on those repairs.
An automotive wedge is one of these specific tools. It’s wedge-shaped so that it can create space. Then, the door can be open. There are several varieties of wedges available. These include air wedges, manual wedges, and others.
Locksmiths use probe tools to hit the actual lock/unlock mechanism in a car door. The locksmith will stick the probe into the door’s gap, and then they can jiggle it around. The rod or probe should be able to bump the lock switch.
There are a few types of probes, like lasso and hook tools. Again, the one used depends on the locksmith or your car.
Locksmiths will have a good idea as to which probes work for your car’s make or model. They will do their best to avoid scratching the car’s paint with the probe as well.
The most popular closed doorway tool is called the Slim Jim. This is a simple, long, flat piece of metal. These tools have notches in them to easily bump the locking mechanism.
Locksmiths slide the closed doorway tool up or down once it is in the car door gap. Then, the locksmith can hit the lock with the Slim Jim—or another tool. This usually works to unlock the car.
Maybe you have a bad habit of locking your keys in your car. It might be getting expensive to have to call the locksmith so often. Some people consider buying their own set of locksmith tools or making their own at home.
There is some question as to whether buying locksmith tools is legal or not.
One website—Lockpicks.com—specializes in selling these types of tools. They have pointed out that there are specific rules based on your city, state, and country. By making a purchase through their website, you are agreeing that you are using the products legally.
Legally would mean that you are not using these tools to trespass onto other people’s property. You also must be 18 years old to make a purchase. This should be the case for most lock pick shops.
Conclusion
In general, locksmiths will use a variety of tools. They will choose the best one for your specific car and lock type. The most common tools used are wedges, probes, and closed doorway tools. A skilled locksmith might have even more options though.
Be sure to do your research on a locksmith before hiring them to prevent burglaries!
