What a racket!

Fastglas

Fastglas

Pre-takeoff checklist
Joined
Jan 25, 2015
Messages
130
Location
Denver
Display Name
Display name:
GK
So I took some stuff over to my hangar this afternoon and accidentally locked myself out of my car. Yeah--it was one of those days. Anyway, I walked into the FBO and jumped onto google and started to dial a bunch of locksmiths. There were, according to Bing and Google a dozen in the vicinity. The string of phone calls went something like this...

Call 1 -
Me: How much to unlock a car door?
Them: We charge a $19.95 to dispatch and then it is a minimum of $29.95 to unlock the door. Your technician will tell you what the charge is before they start work.
Me: Who determines how much the charge is? The technician? How is it that they just don't charge whatever they feel like so I end up getting stuck with a $150 charge?
Them: They will tell you how much they are going to charge you and if you don't want to do it, it is your decision.
Me: It isn't a complicated car. It is a <XYZ>. Can you give me a fixed price?
Them: No we are not able to do that.

Call 2-
... service charge and they decide.
Them: We don't have a flat rate but let me talk to my manager. .... Hold ... Okay we can do it for $150 flat rate.

Call 3 -
Them: We can do it for $85.

Call 4 -
Them: We can do it for $85 flat rate.
Me: I got that rate from another place. I'll pay $60 cash.
Them: We can't do that. My manager has authorized only $85.

Call 5 -
Them: We can do it for $80 flat.
Me: How about $65 cash?
Them: No.

Call 6 -
Them: We can do it for $70 flat.
Me: Okay. How long before they get to me?
Them: 1 to 1.5 hours.
Me: Ugh!
...

It was like this for the next couple. Prices were basically at $70-$85 flat. Or I could take the gamble and have them determine a price when they arrived at the car.

A few minutes later, I get a call from a random number and it is one of the services. They called to offer to do it for $70 flat and that is the best they could do. And said they could get to me in 20-30 mins.

Done!

Tech finally arrives after an hour and thirty mins later. I was deceived. Also, I ended up having to call the service back about four times to figure out where the heck the dude was and also to coordinate with the "tech" and get them into the gates.

The tech arrives. He uses what looks like a blood pressure hand pump and airbag and slides it into the door to open the jam up enough to get to the door handle. Two mins later he is done.

He says that I apparently got a "DEAL" at $70 because he usually charges $150 to $250. Even showed me the bill on the job before me to open up a Cadillac Escalade which was over $285 including tax. Says that usually he charges the base service fee and then the dispatcher tells him what to charge on top to unlock the door - it isn't his call on what to charge. Get this -- he already knows what he is supposed to charge before he sees the car.

Also, apparently even though I thought I was calling several services to get competitive quotes, he tells me that I was actually calling the same dispatching service.

I don't think the guy had any reason to deceive me. But who knows.

The entire ordeal felt like such a scam after I spoke to the tech. It is designed to prey on folks in trouble and in emergency situations.

What can I say...be aware. And check for your keys. Lesson learned.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Gav1n said:
Anyway, I walked into the FBO and jumped onto google and started to dial a bunch of locksmiths. There were, according to Bing and Google a dozen in the vicinity.

<snip>

Also, apparently even though I thought I was calling several services to get competitive quotes, he tells me that I was actually calling the same dispatching service.
Click to expand...

Oh, this has been going on for years:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/10/y...ose-challenge-to-google-the-haggler.html?_r=0

http://gizmodo.com/its-ridiculously-easy-to-troll-google-maps-with-fake-l-1531646581
 
A few years ago in winter I went out to my rental car and found the windshield frosted up. So I started it up and turned the defroster up full. Then I scraped the windshield - standing in the opened doorway on the driver's side. I failed to notice that the door lock thingy was a rocker switch - positioned just where you would bump it while in such a position. I closed the door and - you guessed it - found myself locked out. Called the rental company only to be told "we don't have spare keys". Fortunately, AAA saved the day - at no extra cost to me - done as you described.

Dave
 
That's why I have triple A ,faster response,cheaper overall.
 
Just checked my wallet pick is in there, tension wrench fell out. Need to replace that. Haven't tried to pick a modern wavy keyed car door. However in this state glass coverage is required with full car insurance so getting in is free and easy. Smashysmashy.
 
Two years ago, I back the truck and trailer down the ramp to retrieve my 46' cigar boat (just dreamin), and hopped out to load the boat. My two dachshunds were in the car and the windows rolled up and ac blasting. The dogs jumped into the front seat and while jumping up and down managed to lock my truck. People were queueing up to get their boats while I was acting like an idiot on the outside of the truck, trying to excite the dogs so that they would step on the window switch to roll the window down....I swear it took 5 minutes to get back in. Next step would have been to tape up the window and smash it.
 
spare key wired under chassis, every vehicle as soon as purchased.
Anyone know the phrase "PPPPPPP"?
 
USAA Auto Insurance sent out the guy with the same hand pump and did it for free. It did take him 90 minutes to show up, because evidently I am not the only dumb bunny in the area....
 
At a gas station last month, and a dude locked himself out of his Nissan. I had all my tools. He had been calling for a while, best rate was $220 on a Sunday night after 9pm. I told him the smart play was to bust out the right rear window, and get one from the junk yard, right rear window is very low need, and it'll be $30-50 or so. I got my gas, was getting ready to go and he says he wants to try to pry the door. I said fine, and got out the pry bar, and handed it to him. I told the door pry would do damage to metal frame, so we broke out the window. Still cheaper than a lockout service.
 
Call a cabbie. They all carry slim jims and know how to unlock a car.

The first thing I do with a new truck is tape a key on the underside of a bumper or body panel using gorilla tape. The weather up here is too damn cold to stand around waiting for assistance.
 
Last edited:
I have a simple system, I don't leave the house without 2 keys to my car. One stays in my pocket at all times, the other is used to drive.

If for some reason I'm missing the spare, I don't lock the car.
 
Spare door key in the wallet....$3.50....5 seconds to remove wallet from pocket.

Been doing that since 1975.
 
Stewartb said:
Call a cabbie. They all carry slim jims and know how to unlock a car.

The first thing I do with a new truck is tape a key on the underside of a bumper or body panel using gorilla tape. The weather up here is too damn cold to stand around waiting for assistance.
Click to expand...


Most modern locks are resistant to slim jimming and doing so will not only NOT unlock the door, it will damage or disable the mechanism. This is old advice. I'd only consider slim jimming american made vehicles from the 80's or older.
 
That is why I pay for the AAA Premier level service...cuz every time I have been in a situation I would have gladly paid more than the annual dues just to get be out of that situation at the time!
 
warthog1984 said:
Police don't offer lockout help anymore???
Click to expand...


Nope. They'll call you a locksmith from a list the dispatcher has. They will not take the possible liability of touching your vehicle unless something alive is inside and temperatures are too hot or too cold.

In which case they'll smash the window and hand your pets or children that were locked inside, to either animal control, or child services (as appropriate - could be either for the kids - HA!) and write you a number of citations which will be used against you at the trial or hearing regarding neglect.

Definitely no lockout services from most PDs anymore though, and haven't been for a long time.
 
The police might not help, but if you have some private security around they are usually more than willing.

It's not much of a problem for me because my car gets cranky if you try to leave it while the keys are inside. Even if I manage to do it, I can unlock it with my phone or a call to Blondestar.
 
Phoenix said:
Just checked my wallet pick is in there, tension wrench fell out. Need to replace that. Haven't tried to pick a modern wavy keyed car door. However in this state glass coverage is required with full car insurance so getting in is free and easy. Smashysmashy.
Click to expand...

Around here that's called "possession of burglary tools" unless you're a locksmith.
 
denverpilot said:
Definitely no lockout services from most PDs anymore though, and haven't been for a long time.
Click to expand...
Depends on the PD.

I had them show up with a wedge and rod last spring in Armada MI.

And, that's all it takes. A plastic wedge (or prybar) and something to reach inside and grab a handle (or push the unlock button). No big deal. No damage. The door has enough flex in it.

But I ran in to the same bovine excrement as yea olde O.P. when I wanted a second key for my car - called and got the quote of $15 service call, plus $125 for the key, may be more. I said forget it. And, I got calls / text messages for the next two days from various "locksmiths". ****ed me off.

A spare "non-chip" key for a few bucks is not a bad idea - lets you get in the door.
 
Chip Sylverne said:
Around here that's called "possession of burglary tools" unless you're a locksmith.
Click to expand...

As is pretty much everything in a regular toolbox. What isn't a burglary tool if they want them to be? Your Leatherman or swiss army knife can make you just as guilty. Pardon me for falling to live as a scared helpless serf. Since we have decided there is no way to rule innocent men, no longer any reason trying to remain innocent.:yesnod:
 
flyingron said:
The police might not help, but if you have some private security around they are usually more than willing.



It's not much of a problem for me because my car gets cranky if you try to leave it while the keys are inside. Even if I manage to do it, I can unlock it with my phone or a call to Blondestar.
Click to expand...


It's worth asking for help from the Police. It might take them a few minutes to get there though depending on call volume. I carry a slim Jim and the "big easy" in my patrol car which is generally more than enough to get into anything, and after confirming that you are in-fact the owner of the car, I'll let you in for free. In my case, I don't get dispatched to routine calls for service which means I could be anywhere in the city in just a couple of minutes....unless there's a priority call or a crime scene. Then you might be waiting a while. But, it would be free. But, also know that most police agencies don't issue slim jims or other unlocking devices. We have to buy those ourselves, so many if not most officers won't have them. Those of us who do have them are generally pretty experienced with them and know which cars to use the slim Jim on and which ones not to. But with the "big easy" there's almost no reason to even try the slim Jim anymore.....


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
SPAJC said:
It's worth asking for help from the Police. It might take them a few minutes to get there though depending on call volume. I carry a slim Jim and the "big easy" in my patrol car which is generally more than enough to get into anything, and after confirming that you are in-fact the owner of the car, I'll let you in for free. In my case, I don't get dispatched to routine calls for service which means I could be anywhere in the city in just a couple of minutes....unless there's a priority call or a crime scene. Then you might be waiting a while. But, it would be free. But, also know that most police agencies don't issue slim jims or other unlocking devices. We have to buy those ourselves, so many if not most officers won't have them. Those of us who do have them are generally pretty experienced with them and know which cars to use the slim Jim on and which ones not to. But with the "big easy" there's almost no reason to even try the slim Jim anymore.....


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...


Has not been my experience in the great city of San Francisco. My understanding is that cops aren't allowed (per policy) to carry anything like that because of liability concerns. Damn shame, if you ask me. Police are supposed to be public servants. If you've got shiet else to do (not on a call or otherwise occupied), pull the car over, get out, and see if I need some help (can you tell I'm a bit bitter regarding this topic?). Though, once when I was chatting with a friend outside of a bar, we saw a car whose battery had died. They were able to flag down a cop who (miraculously) had jumper cables in his car (which, I think is also against some sort of city policy), and offered to jump the persons car. Aside from being great PR (I think), it was a very polite and helpful thing he did. I actually offered to buy him a drink...he declined (not sure if that was per city policy, though).
 
Clark1961 said:
Ford keypad is good. Just carry spare key with the Chevy...
Click to expand...

I honestly think the Ford keypad is a great advantage we have over other brands! Unless you are my daughter, who has an add on keypad that had a dead battery and you lock your dog in the car while you go into a gas station with both sets of keys inside! :mad2::mad2:
Luckily a guy from the local Mercedes Benz dealers roadside assistance team was getting a snack at the same gas station and he unlocked it for free! I gave him $20 for his 5 minute effort and sent an email to his boss about what a nice young man he has working for him! :D
 
flyingron said:
The police might not help, but if you have some private security around they are usually more than willing.

It's not much of a problem for me because my car gets cranky if you try to leave it while the keys are inside. Even if I manage to do it, I can unlock it with my phone or a call to Blondestar.
Click to expand...

Depends on the car, something with sealing type windows like a vette or newer MBZ, I'd rather not have officer dudly breaking stuff.

Best bet, just keep a spare around.
 
my car won't stay locked with the key in the ignition... you can lock it, close the door, and 2 seconds later the lock pops open again...
 
FlySince9 said:
my car won't stay locked with the key in the ignition... you can lock it, close the door, and 2 seconds later the lock pops open again...
Click to expand...

A lot of cars are like that, Fords won't lock with the remote inside the car unless you use the keypad on the outside. I never take my keys out unless I am in a sketchy part of town in a parking lot, I just lock the doors and use the keypad to get back in. :)
 
N747JB said:
A lot of cars are like that, Fords won't lock with the remote inside the car unless you use the keypad on the outside. I never take my keys out unless I am in a sketchy part of town in a parking lot, I just lock the doors and use the keypad to get back in. :)
Click to expand...
I worked with a guy who used that same method until one foggy morning...

Due to the fog he turned his headlights on manually. Gets out of the car, locks the keys inside, notes that the lights were on, but of course, they will go off automatically in a minute. Nope. Comes out to a dead battery - no way to open the doors, can't open the hood to jump, etc.

I believe that some newer cars will shut off the lights if the battery gets too low to save you from that.
 
If I ever lock myself out of my car, I might be a total idiot. :)
I bet I can find a blonde who would manage just that. :D
 

Attachments

  • 04.jpg
    04.jpg
    50.4 KB · Views: 22
My Jeep Wrangler is a rag top. When I've locked myself out, I just unzip one of the side panels, and voila, instant slim jim! :D
 
Nothing is idiot proof! :D:D I say that because I've been the idiot before! :mad2:

Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe said:
I worked with a guy who used that same method until one foggy morning...

Due to the fog he turned his headlights on manually. Gets out of the car, locks the keys inside, notes that the lights were on, but of course, they will go off automatically in a minute. Nope. Comes out to a dead battery - no way to open the doors, can't open the hood to jump, etc.

I believe that some newer cars will shut off the lights if the battery gets too low to save you from that.
Click to expand...
 
Anthony said:
My Jeep Wrangler is a rag top. When I've locked myself out, I just unzip one of the side panels, and voila, instant slim jim! :D
Click to expand...

Why would you even lock it in the first place? Seems like a way to invite a knife through your expensive top (criminals are too lazy to unzip).
 
FlySince9 said:
my car won't stay locked with the key in the ignition... you can lock it, close the door, and 2 seconds later the lock pops open again...
Click to expand...

My GMC is like that. I can't lock the keys inside if I wanted to as long as the key is in the ignition. I can lock it with the remote though. Until the day I took the keys out of the ignition and laid them on the seat, then while exiting the sleeve of my jacket hit the lock.

But, as I said before, spare key in my wallet, no problem.
 
Brad Z said:
Why would you even lock it in the first place? Seems like a way to invite a knife through your expensive top (criminals are too lazy to unzip).
Click to expand...

Well, I've had the thing since 2003, and never had any problems, but I get your point.
 
vkhosid said:
Has not been my experience in the great city of San Francisco. My understanding is that cops aren't allowed (per policy) to carry anything like that because of liability concerns. Damn shame, if you ask me. Police are supposed to be public servants. If you've got shiet else to do (not on a call or otherwise occupied), pull the car over, get out, and see if I need some help (can you tell I'm a bit bitter regarding this topic?). Though, once when I was chatting with a friend outside of a bar, we saw a car whose battery had died. They were able to flag down a cop who (miraculously) had jumper cables in his car (which, I think is also against some sort of city policy), and offered to jump the persons car. Aside from being great PR (I think), it was a very polite and helpful thing he did. I actually offered to buy him a drink...he declined (not sure if that was per city policy, though).
Click to expand...


That is the policy in many places...due to liability and possibility of damage...not here. I couldn't agree with you more. I preach to my officers constantly about getting out of the car and helping people. Yes, we are public servants and should try much harder to fill that role. That is why I, along with others, purchase the equipment ourselves. I too carry jumper cables, but, again it is policy in some places not to use a patrol car to jump another car. The reasoning is that there is already a lot of current being drawn by what is already running in the car, much of which the officer does not have the ability to turn off. If you jump another car, it could fry some very expensive and difficult to replace equipment. I've seen that happen exactly once. Every other time, the cars and equipment have been fine. We jump cars all the time, including other patrol cars.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top