• Keys are easily misplaced, which is why people often call a locksmith.clef image by robert casacci from Fotolia.com
  
  It is one of the most frustrating of all problems faced by people who drive a car: misplacing the car keys. It is compounded when you dig in your purse or pocket to find nothing, and then peer into the car to see the missing keys resting on the seat or still in the ignition. Thankfully, locksmiths have the tools to ease these headaches.
  
  

Slim Jim

• The Slim Jim is the most common tool used by locksmiths, which is interesting because it really does not unlock the car. Instead, the locksmith inserts this thin piece of plastic and metal between the door and the window so it can operate the opening mechanism. It leaves almost no damage, but the only problem with the Slim Jim is that it does not work well with vehicles made after 1989.
  
  

Auto Jiggler

• The auto jiggler is a device on a ring that resembles a set of keys. Each features specific shapes and sizes that are made to pick the locks on various kinds of vehicles. An experienced locksmith will be able to quickly match the jiggler key with the model of the vehicle. Many locksmiths will keep separate jigglers for entire makes of vehicles.
  
  

J and L Tools

• These are two different tools, but serve the same purpose. The "J tool" is used on vehicles where the lock/unlock button is raised along the inside of the door frame. It grabs the button and pulls it upward. The "L tool" performs a similar task, but has a different shape that can activate trickier locks.
  
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