JIM TOOLS

When do you need Slim Jim Tools

Almost all Firefighters carry a small jim tool for bypassing latches when on duty. For fire code many internal commercial door locks need to have locked but live latches. The latch on a door is the part that goes from the door into the door frame holding it shut. In many cases when the lock is “locked” this latch can still be pushed in. This is the difference when compared to a dead bolt. A dead bolt can not be moved when a lock is “locked”. When a Jim tool is slipped behind a locked but live latch the Jim tool can be pulled forward moving the live latch back into the door allowing the door to be opened. If you're looking for a small tool you can carry, look at our credit card size hall pass that easily fits in your wallet or the Mini Jim that will easily fit into a pocket. A longer handle can be useful for gaining a preferred angle of attack. In some cases a door plate covers the area of the live latch so you need to attack from a high angle with a longer tool like our Quick jim. Pro Tip: when using a jim tool it helps to move and bounce the door quickly forward and back as you pull on the jim tool

What if the door opens in? In this case the fame of the door actually blocks direct access to the latch. If you are a visual person go to a closed door and noice how if you are on the pull side you can see the latch but on the push side it is obstructed. In this case you need a tool similar to a jim called a quick shim. This is a very durable flexible plastic case that bends around the door frame accessing the latch. With a bit of push and pull on the door a quick shim can easily open live latches that are covered by door frames

Are Slim Jim Tools Recommended for Beginners?

If you are just starting out and plan to use this for on duty many firefighters and police officers carry only a jim tool. But if you want to get into lock picking your better off with a set from our beginner area or choosing a set like the EOD full that already include a Mini Jim tool

Why Choose Sparrows’ Slim Jim tools?

We manufacture a wide variety of different sizes and options to cover any Jim tool requirements you might need. These are all proven designs with years of field use.