After creating a wide enough gap, the locksmith will insert a long-reach tool to press buttons manually or pull open lock tabs to unlock the door and retrieve the keys locked in the car. On older vehicles, tools called Slim Jims, designed for various makes of cars, may be used. A Slim Jim is the name of a long, skinny metal strip that is inserted between the weather-stripping and the window to grab hold of the lock rod. Newer car models tend to have built-in defense systems against misuse of Slim Jims by thieves and are not always appropriate for use on modern delicate lock systems. Other tools are long, slender steel rods, either solid or bendable. To cope with any situation, some reach tools have ends that are angled to help the locksmith maneuver around corners and other difficult spaces. Other devices come with a loop pull or lasso to grab lock rods or handles. A thin sleeve will be placed between the tool and the body of the car to protect against damage to the paintwork or glass.
