Have you ever accidentally closed your car door with the keys inside? It happens to all of us, and it’s not always easy to get back in.
If, on top of being locked out, you have a broken car handle from the outside, then getting back into your vehicle can seem like an impossible task – especially if you don’t know what to do. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive blog post about how to open car door with broken handle from outside.
With our step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to figure out exactly what needs to be done – and where – so that you can get back in your vehicle without having any further issues. We’ll cover everything from alternative tools and techniques to warning signs indicating it may be time for professional help. So keep reading if you want to learn more!
What Will You Need?
To get started, you’ll need a few basic tools and supplies to help with this process. These include:
- A sturdy pair of pliers or vice grips
- Some heavy-duty tape, such as duct tape or gaffer’s tape
- An old towel or rag to use as padding for your car door handle
Once you have these basic tools on hand, you’re ready to start working on opening a car door with a broken handle from the outside.
10 Easy Steps on How to Open Car Door With Broken Handle From Outside
Step 1. Pull the Car Door:
Gently pull the car door latch to see if it will open by hand. If the latch moves freely and allows you to open the door, then you won’t need to worry about how to open a car door with a broken handle from the outside – simply use your key or a spare key that you have on hand. Ensure that you don’t force the door open with too much pressure, as this may cause further damage to your handle.
Step 2. Find an Alternative Tool:
If the car door doesn’t seem to be opening by hand, then try using a sturdy pair of pliers or a vice grip to pull the latch back. Carefully wedge the tool between the door and the vehicle body until you can release the latch and unlock your car door. If you don’t have any heavy-duty tools handy, try using some heavy-duty tape – such as duct tape or gaffer’s tape.
Step 3. Pad the Handle:
If you’re having trouble opening your car door with pliers or tape, then try using a heavy-duty towel or rag to pad the handle. Gently wedge this between the door and vehicle to create some space that will give you more room to maneuver. Don’t use a flimsy cloth or one that isn’t padded, as this won’t provide adequate protection, and you may end up causing more damage.
Step 4. Try a Different Door:
If none of the above steps are working, try using the handle on a different door instead. If they’re unlocked, this could be your trunk hatch, another passenger’s side door, or even the back seat doors. Assuming your key is inside the vehicle somewhere, it should be possible to get back in this way.
Step 4. Check for Damage:
Before opening the car door with a broken handle from the outside, check carefully for any signs of damage on your car handle or around your vehicle. If you notice any cracks, chips, or other visible issues with the car door or handle, it’s best to call a professional for assistance rather than trying to DIY this process yourself. Be careful not to force the door open if you notice any damage, as this could cause more serious issues.
Step 5. Apply Car Door Lubricant:
If you still can’t open your car door with the above tools or tricks, try gently applying a layer of car door lubricant to the latch. This will help to loosen it up, making it easier to pull back and open the vehicle. There is a range of different lubricants available, so be sure to choose one that is specifically designed for car doors and latches.
Step 6. Apply Heat:
If your car door doesn’t budge, try gently applying heat to the handle. This could be in the form of a hair dryer or heat gun, as long as you are careful not to apply too much and cause further damage. Once the handle has warmed up, it will be softer and easier to pull back with pliers or vice grips.
Step 7. Use a Hacksaw:
If all else fails, try using a hacksaw to cut through the metal frame of your car handle carefully. This should give you enough space to pull the latch and unlock your door. Just be sure to use extreme caution when performing this step, as it can be dangerous if done incorrectly.
Step 8. Use Paperclip:
If none of the above options work, try using a long paperclip to unlock your door from the inside. This may sound like a strange solution, but it’s quite simple – simply straighten the paperclip and press down on the latch mechanism. If you’re able to get this to move back and forth, you should be able to unlock your car door in no time!
Step 9. Call for Professional Assistance:
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and still can’t open your car door, it’s probably best to call a professional for assistance. This could be an auto repair shop or tow truck service specializing in opening a car door with broken from the outside. They will have the tools and expertise needed to help you get back in the safe.
Step 10. Avoid Using Your Key:
Finally, if you’re worried about how to open the car door with a broken handle and want to avoid any further damage, it’s best to avoid using your key altogether. Instead, try calling a friend or family member for help or renting a replacement vehicle until your car is fixed. You can also take public transportation or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft in the meantime.
Whatever you do, be sure to stay safe and don’t put yourself at risk by trying to force the door open on your own. Good luck!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- The first step is to inspect the car door for any damage or other issues that may be preventing the handle from working properly. If you notice any cracks in the door frame, dents along the edge of the door, or signs of rust on the handles, these can all affect how well your car door opens and closes.
- If you cannot find any obvious issues with the car door itself, check to see if anything is blocking or catching in between the handle and its corresponding linkage mechanism inside your car’s bodywork.
- Don’t be afraid to try various methods and techniques when opening your car door with a broken handle. Sometimes, simply wiggling the handle in different directions or applying pressure at different angles can be enough to free it from whatever may prevent it from working correctly.
- If you have access to a set of tools, you may also want to consider using one of these to help pry open the door by applying leverage onto the edge of the door itself or directly on top of the handle mechanism.
- There are also a number of helpful tools that you can purchase or DIY-make to help make it easier to open your car door when the handle is broken. For example, some people find success by using a small metal rod or even just a screwdriver with the end wrapped in tape.
The key is to remain patient and persistent when opening your car door with a broken handle, as it can take time and trial and error before finding the right method for you.
Conclusion
If you are struggling to open your car door with a broken handle, there are a number of steps and techniques that you can try. These may include inspecting the car door itself for any damage or issues, trying different methods and angles, and using different tools.
However, it is important to be careful and take all necessary precautions when attempting to open your car door in this way. If you continue to have difficulty, it may be best to call a professional for assistance.
Whether your car door handle has broken or you’re simply locked out of your car, there are a few ways you can get back in. We hope this blog post helped show you how to open a car door with a broken handle from the outside. If your car handles are giving you trouble, be sure to check for other issues before taking it into the shop.
That’s how to open car door with broken handle from outside. While it may take some practice to perfect, it’s a handy trick to know if you find yourself in an emergency.