I drive a 1998 F-150, and got locked out. I managed to open it using a pocket knife to push the window down enough to push in a hanger and pull on the door latch. My question is could I use a slim jim to open it? or does it have an anti-theft device that prevents slim jims from working? Oh my truck doesn't have power locks, if that makes a difference.

 

I use a slim jim on all my trucks - except my 07 Explorer - I have used one on my 02F150 - It takes some doing but you can get it open.

 

ok, thanks for the info. I just didn't want to break something.

 

actually have someone pull out at the top corner of the door and use a wire hanger to slide in and down the door till you are right about the unlock button and hit it.... i have broke into my truck about 10 times that way and several other of my buds trucks when they locked there keys in

 

Be careful when using a slim jim. I used one on my 98 and was able to disconnect the linkage from the door lock cylinder to the latch. Now you cant open up the passenger door with the key. It wouldnt be hard to fix, but i just dont want to spend the time.

 

I drive a tow truck part time and when we need to get into a vehicle we have a kit that slips in at the top of the door jam and you air it up and it opens it up enough to get the rod down to grab the button or hit the lock button. We don't use slim jims because of the damage that they can cause to the vehicles.

 

haha.. sounds kinda funny... we won't use a slim jim because the damage it causes... but we have no problem with bending your door.

 

they dont bend the door, it flexes... pull on your door some time, it will flex alot...

for all metals they can bend so far and return back to there original shape, unless the yield stress is met, thats when the door wont bend back all the way, point is, doors are not very rigid so they can be bent a ways before yielding...

if your worried about bending your doors, then you dont want to know what the factory does to get doors to line up perfectly... its alot of work and some force

 

Thats some really helpfull info you guys. I guess before I use a slim jim i'll have to figure out how the locks are set so I dont break anything. That air kit thing sounds interesting though.

 

I think that my matco tool man was selling a master lock out kit for 100 dollars or so. Supposedly you could open up most domestic and import cars with the kit. At work our truck drivers allways lock the keys in their tractors. I use the inflatable air bag and a glow in the dark plastic coated unlock tool. Its like a coat hanger on steroids. That will work great in most applications.

 

You wont be laughing about flexing your door a little bit to get a 1/4" thick rod down it when a driver with a slim jim damages the electronic locking mechanism inside your door.

 

I keep a spare key to my truck in my wallet, and another one at home. They have come in handy quite a bit

 

hey thats not a bad idea. I made a few copies of the key since i was locked out, i'll put one in my wallet. That way I wont have to wait for someone to show up with a copy.

 

Yea that works out great just so long as you dont leave your wallet in the truck too.

 

like I said... it just sounds funny, didn't say thats not how I have had to open up quite a few cars here at work...