Locked out of an Astro

If you find yourself locked out of your own Astro/Safari van, my favorite unlocking tool is the Steck BigEasy http://www.steckmfg.com/Lockout.htm

I bought the fancy glo/inflatable wedge kit when it first came out, but the $30 basic kit is all you really need. They also sell a 'little' BigEasy that is more compact and works on small cars, some trucks/vans, however, I would recommend the regular BigEasy.

(insert Astro/Safari video here)

If the windows are left powered, for example if the keys are left in the ON position, aim for a window switch to roll one down. If the keys are laying there, they might be an easy grab with the hooked end. It's pretty easy to hit a power door lock switch, manually activate the door lock, roll down a manual window, etc. I once had keys in the off position in the ignition, used a hook to pull the keys out, they dropped to the floor, then hooked them from the floor.

If you don't want to spend $30 on 1/4inch coated steel rod, you can buy an uncoated 1/4 steel rod at may places like Home Depot for ~$5 and create your own BigEasy. Bend a handle, a 90degree hook at the end, a slight bend in the middle, and you are good to go. Maybe put some tubing/plastidip over the rod to protect the interior, etc.

• http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-4-in-x-72-in-Plain-Steel-Round-Rod-801627/204273964

• https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/national-hardware-4055bc-1-4-in-x-72-in-smooth-rod-plain-steel-blue

• https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-6-ft-x-1-4-in-Hot-RolLED-Weldable-Steel-Metal-Round/3059271

  • Local metal supply house (most likely the cheapest place, esp if you want to make more than 1)

I like larger plastic file folders to keep from scratching the paint on the door/body. You can use plastic door stoppers, screwdriver handles, piece of wood, a couple of sticks, virtually anything that isn't going to damage the door/frame as a wedge to give yourself room to work. Sometimes the top of the door will have to be gently bent back towards the frame once you open the door. If you decide that you want an inflatable wedge, they are available for about $10 on amazon http://amzn.to/2on9VkY but they are also now common at the big box hardware stores.

Once you get yourself unlocked to retrieve your keys, go get a $2 backup key made so you don't have these problems again ;)