Is this for real? If so, it's cool yet very disturbing to know it's this easy. <embed src="http://www.metacafe.com/fplayer/410981/blondie_unlocks_car.swf" width="400" height="345" wmode="transparent" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed><br/><font size="1"> <a href="http://www.metacafe.com/watch/410981/blondie_unlocks_car/">Blondie Unlocks Car - video powered by Metacafe</a></font>
I have a feeling that would be extremely unlikely. Even if you can do that using air pressure, i dont think you can make a good enough seal with just a tennis ball with a hole in it.
IF that worked, it would certainly not apply to every car. Being a mechanic, there is no way, unless a specific lock cylinder and actuator combination gives the air a path to push on that actuators arm. They are not all the same. Maybe the video makers bought stock in cheap tennis balls? There will probably be more cases of dumb innocent women burning themselves when trying to make their tool.
The air pressure from the ball, in theory, pushes on the arm of the actuator, which moves straight. For a mechanical lock, it must be turned, and the air isn't going to do that.
I'm in the habit of manually locking my truck as I exit. Maybe I want to save the remote battery, or I'm too lazy to disable the horn when locking... Never locked the keys in, though. Anyway, the video plainly stated that it was for innocent women. Duh.
Here's where I found the video: http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/feature-strange-ways-to-unlock-car-doors Also shows how to use a cell phone to open the door.
Well, in the world of electronic locks, there is a thing called self-lock (which to me is a friggin' annoying *feature*). But I digress, chicks who know how to play balls are adorable.
You're supposed to carry a tennis ball in your purse? What's a guy supposed to do? Put a spare ball in his pocket? Why not just carry an extra key instead? It did look like the lock area was dented. But I don't believe that this is real. I think someone is off camera pressing the unlock as she pushes.
I've heard that if you lose your keys or lock them in the car, you can call your spouse who can use their remote into their cell phone and it will unlock you car... never tried it. Kinda surprised if your phone can recreate the frequency that a key remote uses.