yep..locked out

[jlock]

yep..made it to work today and sure enough..locked keys in car... was looking for any advice/tips to rescuse keys..have an intrepid (96) what kind of makeshift tools (hager, wire) could I maybe use here at work? and the best way to go about.... thanks much.... and yes I must get a back up key and leave here at work!

[hzatorsk]

jlock,

You probably won't get specific help to your problem here in a timely basis. Since you don't have a history or profile on the board... you can understand why we'd be reluctant to just immediately tell a new member how to open a specific car in an open forum.

Generally, what we can tell you is that you need the correct tools to manipulate the door lock or the related linkages without damaging the trim (or possibly snag wiring/weatherproofing).

A car opening kit would include a soft rubber wedge, a flexible snake light and an assortment of slim jims that either pushed/pulled or otherwise moved the appropriate linkages to unlock the door. The wedge is for clearance past the weatherstripping and the light... well... so you can see inside the door.

You'll probably also need: "the book"... a guide to all the models of cars and where the fish, the angle of approach and direction to move it.

If you still want to 'hanger it'... consider trying the passenger door to reduce the number of wiring / accessories you may encounter.

Your best bet will be a locksmith / car opening service.

Harold

[jlock]

thank you very much for your response... I broke down and had to call the locksmith.....now I just have to keep from repeating this mistake...

thanks

[Mad Mick]

If this is a regular situation for you, a backup key in your wallet may be advisable. It doesn't matter if your vehicle has a factory immobiliser, all you need is to be able to unlock the vehicle mechanically, wherever you may be unfortunate enough to find yourself locked out.

[HeadHunterCEO]

y159

no immobilizer

[D_Shane]

Install a remote button entry. I've installed quit a few on the lockouts I've done (about 1/3 have it done). Installed behind the grill, or under the bumper, gas cap cover, behind license plate. Pretty much wherever they want. Just make sure it's installed far enough back so it won't accidentially push if you run your hands around it. I usually set mine back so I a pencil or pen is needed to push it.

[Mad Mick]

Nice idea D_Shane.

[Guitar_J]

But aren't you kinda killing your repeat customers? heh..I thought if I were to ever get started doing lockouts, I'd give each customer a punchcard and every 5 lockouts they get like 15% off or something... for those repeat folks (like my aunt! and friend... I don't know how many times we've sat in the walmart parking lot waiting on someone to come open his blazer)

although... it is a splendescent idea..

[xorox]

Sure, he is probably killing his repeat customers, but those customers are probably going to call their friends and tell them about the great service and such, then he will have a new customer

Although, not all of his customers decide to get the remote button entry, and they are probably the ones who will call again


Sorry if this just sounds like a ramble, I'm kinda tired

[D_Shane]

But aren't you kinda killing your repeat customers?

Actually, not so much. I'm in a fairly large tourist area, so most of my customers aren't here that long. I haven't had to many repeat customers either. Going over my invoicings, I've only had 2 repeats for lockouts. One was 4 hours apart (new car and she had auto door locks) and the other was a few months apart on two different cars by the same guy. Both of which I have since installed that switch. On the second repeat, he had 5 cars for me to wire, and I did his neighbors cars too... 3 more. Like xorox mentioned, I have been getting calls from referals to install the switch recently. Some have been referred by other locksmiths that were called to the lockout.

[randmguy]

It's hard to shoot yourself in the foot when you are exceeding the customer's expectations. Whenever I had to originate a key for a lockout I used to cut them an extra set on the plastic card or just another metal set and put it in one of the little wallet envelopes. I've had more than one repeat from someone that has lost the extras and once I got called out on a gentleman who put the plastic set in his glovebox so he wouldn't lose them . The people you help like this remember that you were the guy who was concerned about fixing their problem not making another $55 down the road. I've even driven people to the gas station when they've been locked out with the car running and didn't think they had enough to get to their destination. They discuss it with their friends, co-workers, and bosses. I got my first large commercial account by opening a van for the owners wife.

[toomush2drink]

In this day and age of cowboy rip off merchants its nice to see others who believe in a bit of honest advice and service. I have to agree with the attitudes shown here as it really does improve the word of mouth advertising which i think is the best form of advertising. I recently attended a job where the customer wanted a bs standard deadlock fitted to their door for insurance purposes, when i got there i discovered it already had one fitted. Instead of replacing it and charging them i was honest and told them they didnt need a new lock fitted. They were impressed and then told me they are property investors and could i do all their properties lock problems etc. If i had changed that lock and made a quick buck as they say, i am certain i would never have gained this long term customer. Also they took a load of business cards to give to their friends with their recommendation - long term honesty can pay dividends.