Tinted Windows Maxima Lockout

As a locksmith technician, every now and then I would get called for a job where I would think it would not be difficult to do, but ended up with a surprise to spoil my "plans". Most jobs I would usually get are automotive lockout services jobs where people forgot the keys inside their vehicles and accidentally locked the door behind them. For most make and model vehicles every professional locksmith technician should have a manual which list most year, make and models and the specific tools that are recommended to get that particular vehicle open. However, there will be times where I found myself improvising from one reason or another.

I remember few years ago I got called to open a 95 Nissan Maxima. Straight forward lockout job I thought to myself especially since I opened several of these models before. I accepted the job, took the customer information and started driving to the location. Once I got to the location, I knew already I had to use an under-the-window tool even without looking at the locksmith manual since I already opened couple of this type of model before. However, as I approached the customer car, I noticed that all windows were heavily tinted which prevented me from using the under-the-window tool since I couldn't see anything that was going on from the inside. The only other tool I had with me that could be use to open the vehicle was a Slim Jim, but with the type of locking mechanism the Nissan Maxima had, I knew I would not get anywhere using this tool.

Out of ideas, I called a fellow Portland locksmith of mine to see if maybe he had any idea of what I can do to unlock the vehicle. He suggested I would use air wedges between the window and door frame which will give me a clear access to unlock the vehicle using a long bar. I did not had these types of sir wedges with me, but I was close to the local locksmith shop, so I made the quick trip to get what was necessary to get the job done and get the customer on his way. After about 10 minutes I was able to come back to the customer's location and started working on the car again. Using the air wedges and a long specialty tool I had in my van, I was able to unlock the vehicle in no time and send the happy customer on his way.