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I was in a mall parking lot, here in Toronto, yesterday. I saw a service truck from CAA, doing a lock out call. The man had locked his keys in the SUV. The CAA service guy had a device that I had not seen before.
It was like a blood pressure cuff, that he inflated with a small rubber bulb. It was placed between the door and the body, and inflated slowly, by hand. The kit also contained a number of plastic covered rods, to reach across the inside of the cab and grab the door handle on the opposite side, or the door release button, to open the door. The service guy said that he bought it from a company that supplies the lock and key trade shops.
I thought that it would be a good thing to have, as a small money maker. The cost is about $30. How many times have you seen somebody using a bent coat hanger ? This device is gentle and doesn't cause damage. Comes in a zipper bag, with wedges , the rods, and the inflation device.
I used to operate my own towing company ( 5 trucks ) , and lock outs were a normal type of call for service. In most cases, the person who is locked out will be happy to get the door open. As I said this device is a no damage alternative to a coat hanger, or even a slim jim, as it has no sharp edges, and you can control the pressure on the expansion bladder, by the hand pump/bulb. Once the door has been opened a couple of inches, you reach in with the plastic coated rod, and hook the door handle, or push the door release button.
Of course, I live in Canada, where we don't sue at the drop of a hat. (grin).
I was suggesting that having one of these in YOUR car, could allow you to open some one else's car. The kit is the size of a woman's hand bag, keep it in the trunk.
The last AAA call I made was for a lock-out. The service guy showed up with one of these gizmos and I chuckled but I was all smiles when he was able to get the door open.
I must admit I didn't think it would work but I was impressed.
As for carrying one in your car to help others in distress in the hope of it being a small money-maker, I'm not sure about that.
People will either call On-Star (grin) or call the auto club. If they have neither of those and are struggling with a coat hangar, what would be your approach? I'm afraid I'd be thinking car-jacking if a stranger approached me offering to unlock my car.
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