Car door lock--split wafer?

[firsties]

When I google anything about picking car door locks, all I get is instructions on how to use a slim-jim. I don't really care to learn how to do that, since I won't have one or any jiggler keys on hand if I lock myself out of my car, but I will have my picks since I usually carry my little set in my wallet. I, again going against the rules (I had a scare when I got locked out and stranded in the middle of nowhere a month ago, so it's worth the risk of damaging a lock to me), tried to pick my car door lock after a bit of research into how wafer locks work. This was actually a couple weeks ago, but after I wasn't able to pick the lock I researched my particular model of car. PM me for specific make and model, if it makes a difference, but according to my research, it has split-wafer locks to resist picking. I haven't been able to find any information on how to pick a split wafer lock, or even an image, nor have I gotten my hands on a standard car door wafer lock to try it out. Does anyone know anything about split-wafer locks?

[firsties]

To add a few details, I was using a full diamond pick I made just for this purpose. I also tried my half diamond, my rounded half-diamond, and my hook pick. I was able to use the torsion wrench I was using to keep the "door" of the lock (don't know what it's called) from snapping shut. The torsion wrench I used is made from a metal strip from a windshield wiper. Is it possible to pick a wafer or split wafer lock with what I have here, or should I get some different equipment together for a lock like this?

[Squelchtone]

When I google anything about picking car door locks, all I get is instructions on how to use a slim-jim. I don't really care to learn how to do that, since I won't have one or any jiggler keys on hand if I lock myself out of my car, but I will have my picks since I usually carry my little set in my wallet. I, again going against the rules (I had a scare when I got locked out and stranded in the middle of nowhere a month ago, so it's worth the risk of damaging a lock to me), tried to pick my car door lock after a bit of research into how wafer locks work. This was actually a couple weeks ago, but after I wasn't able to pick the lock I researched my particular model of car. PM me for specific make and model, if it makes a difference, but according to my research, it has split-wafer locks to resist picking. I haven't been able to find any information on how to pick a split wafer lock, or even an image, nor have I gotten my hands on a standard car door wafer lock to try it out. Does anyone know anything about split-wafer locks?

Your logic is flawed. If you carry a little set of picks in your wallet, then you should have already thought of carrying a spare car key in your wallet. If your normal key has a thick black plastic bow, you can get a copy made that doesn't have that cover and fits nice and flat in your wallet.

It's funny the number of people we have visiting the site each year saying they often lock themselves out of their car or house or dorm room and they all come to the conclusion that carrying a pick set with them and always remembering to do so, is a much better idea than carrying a spare key in their wallet.

Automotive lock discussion is also restricted to the advanced member areas, so unless you just want to know what type of lock your car has, we cannot discuss how to pick that lock open. Some one with bad intentions may google this thread down the line, and oopsies, we just told a bad guy how to pick a car door lock. So we'd like to help you, but can only offer the advice of carrying a spare key.

btw, put down the half diamonds before you bend your wafers, and use a snowman instead.
Squelchtone

[firsties]

Yeah, you're right. It would make more sense to carry an extra key than to carry a set of picks, especially since an extra key is much smaller than the picks I carry. I'm not too worried about it though. I have two copies of my key with family members who live nearby and can help me if I get locked out, but occasionally I have to drive a few hours for business and, in the off-chance that I lock the keys in the car, it would be much more convenient to be able to spend a few minutes getting myself in than having them drive out or call a locksmith. Granted, I didn't make copies of the key for them until after I got stranded that time, but at least I have now.

Also, I like carrying a set of picks. I'm still learning, but I like the idea that if I need to, I might be able to open that lock. And it's been worth it before--I was visiting a friend last week and she always just locked her doorknob from the inside before leaving, so of course she locked her keys inside. When we got back, I picked it (Kwikset, I think) fairly easily (10-15 minutes).

Thanks for letting me know that auto locks are part of the advanced member areas. Makes sense. I'll wait until I qualify for those forums. That is, if I ever get to be "advanced" in my lockpicking skills.

Thanks for that final tip. Sounds like something I'll buy--I'm not too skilled with the bench grinder either yet.

[Legion303]

In before lock.

-steve