Last Updated on June 11, 2026
Locksmiths open a locked car by wedging the door open a crack and using a long-reach tool to press the unlock button or pull the handle, the safest method on modern cars. Other options are a slim jim or multi-car opening tool that works the door linkage inside the door, picking the door lock, or cutting a new key by VIN if all keys are lost. A pro picks whichever opens the car fastest with the least risk of damage.
There is no single trick. The right method depends on the vehicle, and a good auto locksmith chooses the one least likely to harm the door, wiring, or airbags. Here are the tools and how the decision is made.
The main ways a locksmith opens a car
- Wedge plus long-reach tool: a soft air or plastic wedge holds a small gap at the top of the door, then a long rod reaches in to hit the power-unlock button or pull the inside handle. The go-to on most modern cars. A wedge-and-rod kit is available on Amazon.
- Slim jim: a flat steel tool slid down inside the door to work the mechanical lock linkage. Used mainly on older vehicles without power locks (see on Amazon).
- Multi-car opening tool (MCOT): a more advanced, model-specific tool shaped to reach the linkage on cars where a plain slim jim will not work (price them on Amazon).
- Door lock pick: a pick or a Lishi-style decoder reads and turns the door lock directly, which can also reveal the key cuts.
- Key by VIN: if every key is lost, the locksmith cuts and programs a new key from the VIN with proof of ownership.
How a locksmith decides which method
It comes down to the least risk of damage for that specific car. Modern doors are packed with wiring, side-curtain airbags, and tight weatherstripping, so the wedge-and-reach method usually wins because it never touches the linkage. On an older car a slim jim may be faster. The locksmith reads the make, model, and lock type and chooses accordingly, and a trained tech opens most cars in just a few minutes.
How long it takes and what it costs
A car lockout is usually a few minutes once the locksmith is on site, and in Phoenix runs about $179. If no working key exists, making one adds cost, see what car keys cost. A mobile automotive locksmith comes to your location, so you skip a tow.
Why not to try it yourself
Many of these tools are sold online, but in many states it is illegal to possess burglar tools without a locksmith license or proof of legitimate use. DIY attempts also bend linkages, scratch paint, crack weatherstripping, and can trip an airbag sensor, which costs far more than a professional opening. The wedge-and-reach method looks simple but over-wedging a door is exactly how people crack a window or bend a frame.
When to call an auto locksmith
If you are locked out, a mobile locksmith opens the car quickly and can cut a key on the spot. Lost every key? See car key replacement. If your key turns but the ignition will not, read key won’t turn in the ignition. ACME serves the Phoenix metro.
Car Door Unlocking FAQ
How long does it take a locksmith to open a car?
Often just a few minutes once on site. The exact time depends on the vehicle and the method needed. You’re not paying to unlock a car by the time it takes, you’re paying for the service performed.
Is it legal to buy car-opening tools?
They are sold online, but many states restrict possession of these tools without a locksmith license or proof of legitimate use. Check your local law.
How much does a car lockout cost?
In Phoenix, about $179, depending on the time of day. Making a new key, if all keys are lost, is additional.
Why did the locksmith charge so much to unlock my car?
When it comes to auto unlocks, you’re paying for the years of experience and the outcome (getting in), not the time it takes to open the door. If a novice locksmith is sent to your location and he spent an hour and a half struggling with your door, you’re probably happy to pay him $179 for the service. But when a trained technician, with years of experience, who gets you into the same car in just a few minutes, customers somehow feel slighted. However, the end result is the same, the same service was performed, your door is opened without damage.
