The glove box containing your registration and other important paperwork is locked shut! Whether it is due to a lost key, a broken handle or a worn out key that no longer opens the glove box, here are a few ways to open the glove box anyways. Many have found themselves in the same place and here you will find the info that you need to open your glove box without a key!
The best options to open a glove box without a key are:
1. Try using the ignition key or wiggling another key in the glove box.
2. Pick the lock yourself with professional tools, or a paper clip.
3. Remove the hinge on the bottom side of the glove box.
4. Pry open the box with a screwdriver
5. Force a small tool behind the latch if the handle is broken.
6. Have a locksmith re-key the lock.
Glove box locks are generally not very tough and with a few tips are very easy to pick.
Open The Glove Box Without a Key
You can always quit now and call your local locksmith, but if you read on you may find the confidence and information you need to save some money and get the job done just as fast as the locksmith.
There are 6 great ways to get a locked glove box open without a key and the final is to call the locksmith but the first five are very simple and here are the first methods to give you some ideas of what you can do to get the glove box open!
Do not drill out the lock! As a disclaimer I want to say this right away. It is a common thought to take a drill gun to the lock and just drill a giant hole in it so it is rendered useless and then replace it later. If you take your drill to it, you will most likely break the drill bit, crack the door of your glove box, and make a huge mess in the process. All of the following ideas are better than drilling out the lock.
If you’ve lost your key, this is the perfect opportunity to try your hand at lock picking and glove box locks are generally very low security and easy to pick.
If you feel that is out of your realm well then you are best off removing the hinge.
Regardless, lets begin with the most simple things you can try first to get your glove box open without the key!
1. Wiggle another key in the glove box lock
The glove box lock should be keyed to be the same as your ignition key! Try that key first.
Now, perhaps the key is worn out, or the lock is stuck and you’ve already tried the ignition key. Well, try a different car key in case it is the key that is worn.
If those do not work the try a couple other keys that you have laying around and find one that fits in the lock and gently wiggle it around.
Youll be surprised at how wiggling and jiggling will bring results. Also try the ignition key that you already tried but put pressure on the key (gently!) in different directions while you wiggle it and try to turn it (again gently!).
A bit of graphite lubricant can be helpful on a jammed or stuck lock.
Head to Amazon to order some graphite lubricant now so that you can tackle this job right when it gets delivered. Click this link, to buy Graphite lubricant at Amazon.
While you are ordering stuff to crack this case, you may want to consider the next option to pick the lock to open your locked glove box and add a kit to your cart!
2. Picking The Lock Yourself
You can pick the glove box lock very easily. A lock picking set costs less than 25 dollars and this is the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill and learn to pick a lock.
Glove box locks do not have very precise tumblers. Wiggling a key that may fit in there like your ignition key should be able to wiggle it enough to get it open but since that didnt work, an amatuer with the right tools can manipulate the tumblers to open the lock.
All you will need is a double ball pick and a tension wrench like what is contained in this set.
Follow this link to open a great 20 dollar lock picking set on Amazon.
For more information on how to pick the lock set, check out The Lock Picking Lawyer on YouTube. He has incredible content and you will be able to find some information for how to learn lock picking.
3. Remove the hinge to open the glove box without the key
Removal of the hinge to open the glove box without a key is a great option especially to not have to be learning the skill of lock picking.
To open the glove box without a key by removing the hinge screws, you must:
- Remove any trim, panels covering the hinge.
- Pry the bottom of the glove box door away from the dash.
- Insert your hand or a screwdriver up to the locking mechanism.
- Slide the glove box door downwards and out to remove it.
This may be the cleanest method once you have tried using keys without damaging the glove box. By inspecting the bottom of the glove box door you should be able to assess if this is feasible. It all depends on whether or not you can gain access to the hinge screws. If you do not, then try one of the other options.
Also, this is NOT the easiest method. For most, laying upside down to unscrew the glove box hinge is not a good solution. That is why I highly recommend method 4!
4. Force the Box Open With a Screwdriver
Slide a screwdriver into the space at the top of the glove box. Close to the latch in the center of the glove box.
Use two screwdrivers if you would like to to get extra leverage.
Place a towel, rag, or other padding against the dashboard above the glove box to not damage the dash.
Forcefully and quickly pry forward on the screwdrivers forcing the door open.
The latch on most glove boxes is rather small and enough force will get the latch to bend out of the way!
5. Force a Small Tool Behind the Latch if the Handle is Broken
The plastic handle may be the reason why your car key does not work to open the glove box.
The handle normally connects to the linkage that opens and closes the latch and if the plastic connection has broken, the handle will move but nothing will happen.
Fortunately, glove box locks are not very secure and if you simply pull open on the handle, you will be able to see some of the metal linkage behind the latch. By inserting a thin flathead screwdriver or other similar tool, it is very feasible to manipulate the linkage and open the lock.
Press the tool in behind the latch and by moving it and prying on the door, you will be able to get the glove box open.
Just as done in this video for example!
6. Call a locksmith to open the glovebox without the key
As long as you are the owner a locksmith will have no problem picking the lock and even can provide a replacement key or lock entirely.
I don’t mean a key cutting place like home depot or Lowe’s but rather search for a traditional locksmith in your area. They will be able to pick the lock for you and even re-key it so this doesn’t happen again!
How Much Will it Cost to Have a Locksmith Open my Glove Box?
The average lock Smith will charge a minimum fee to check out the lock, and a fee to replace it. To replace the lock in your glove box, it will cost 100$ on average. More for a custom cut key and less if you drive your car to the locksmith shop and have them fix it in the parking lot!
How to get a new Key or Lock for my Glove Box?
To get a new key for your glove box, inspect the back of the key cylinder for a number. Call your dealership of whatever make car you have and with that key number they will be able to order a new key for you.
You may also search google for a new lock entirely based on your year make and model or with the number on the back of the key cylinder.
