24 hours Locksmithing & Security
Lock Bumping
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What is a bump key?
A bump key is a threat to everyone's security. The locks you have on your front door are probably vulnerable to a bump key. Basically, a bump key is made by taking any regular key and modifying it with common household tools. After that, it will open most locks that the key can physically slide into. |
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How does the bump key work?
The bump key works on basic physics. Imagine a set of 3 billiard balls on a pool table, all touching each other. When you tap the first ball with the cue ball, what happens? The last ball moves away. The bump key works on the same principle. When the bump key is inserted into the lock and then tapped with a small hammer, the impact of the hammer travels through the key into the bottom pins in the lock, and then to the top pins in the lock. Since the top pins are only supported by springs, the springs compress and the top pins "jump" for a fraction of a second. In that short timeframe that the lock can be opened. Although it might sound complicated it's really very easy.
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How easy is it to use a bump key?
Video sharing websites like youtube.com and video.google.com have videos of young men demonstrating their bump key abilities, and how easy it really is. Although they are showing themselves opening their own front door, think of the countless many that have learned how to use a bump key and decided it would be "fun" to open their neighbor or friend's doors?
Why is the bump key such a threat?
The bump key is quite the burglary tool -- it can be made easily from any key (not just keyblanks), and the instructions are all over the internet on how to make and use this burglary tool. Unfortunately, they are also easily available for sale online and from auction sites. Generally lockpicks and other locksmith tools are difficult to obtain and use, but the bump key is easy to make and requires very little skill to use.
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What locks are vulnerable to a bump key? |
Literally millions of locks all over the world are vulnerable. All keyed locks sold in common hardware stores can be opened with a bump key. Deadbolts, knobsets, leversets, rim cylinders, mortise cylinders, and most padlocks are also vulnerable to attack. When the packaging for a lock includes phrases like "Extreme Security, High Security, Pick-Resistant Pins, ANSI Grade 2" or even my favorite "The Best Security You Can Buy", it does not necessarily mean the lock is bump-proof. Basically, if you bought your lock from a hardware store it's vulnerable to a bump key attack. Most locks from locksmiths are also vulnerable. If you did not specifically purchase a UL High Security lock from a locksmith, it is probably vulnerable.
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What is the solution?
For doors that are less frequently used (doors on the sides of garages for example) you can purchase a solid slide bolt lock that would prevent the door from opening from the outside. Of course, the solution for the door that you use to enter and exit your home or business is to replace the lock with a high-security lock. High security locks provide additional layers of protection against picking, drilling, and of course bumping. Each of the manufacturers that we represent has built in their own technology that thwart the bump key's effectiveness, and also offer drill protection, extreme pick resistance, and key control.
 The bump key threat is real, and thieves have known about it for years. After reading this document you will know too.
IMPORTANT UPDATE
There are news media agencies reporting that spraying WD-40 in the lock prevents the bump key from working, however this information is absolutely wrong. Any lubrication in the lock actually helps the bump key technique because it makes the pins jump in the lock much easier than it would on a lock with may have dirt, wear and tear, or other obstructions that make bumping more difficult. In my own personal experience with bump key testing on homes and businesses of the Lower Mainland, when a lock is old or difficult to open, lubrication always helps the bump key work. Please do not consider WD-40 or any other lubrication as a preventative measure.
Just some of our Locksmith Certifications:
ASSA Factory High Security Certifcation
Medeco Factory High Security Certification
MAG Vendor Certificated Locksmith
Vancouver Special
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