Lock bumping is a method of forced entry that employs a tool called a bump key. Lock bumping is similar to lock picking; however, it is usually faster and requires far less expertise to be successful. Because bump keys are inexpensive and can be easily purchased online, this frightening phenomenon is gaining in popularity as a method by which thieves can enter homes and businesses.

History of Lock Bumping

The technique of lock bumping is not new. According to ALOA (the Associated Locksmiths of America), locksmiths have been bumping locks for about 75 years as a way to bypass damaged key cylinders. In more recent years, however, common thieves have begun to take up the practice, thanks to the wide availability of bump keys for sale online and many internet resources that provide detailed depictions of the practice. Lock bumping was first recognized as a security threat in 2002, when a German man brought it to the attention of the media. Since then, many news media and publications in the United States and around the world have reported on the issue.

How does it work?

A bump key is simply a key that has been filed down in a certain way. When the bump key is inserted into the lock and tapped lightly with an object such as a hammer or screwdriver, the lock will open. There are many videos on the internet depicting the process of lock bumping, and it is frighteningly easy to do. One local U.S. new station even showed a young child that was successful at bumping a lock after only a few attempts.

How to Protect Yourself

Because bump keys can be used to open all door locks of a certain profile, and there aren’t that many different types of keyway profiles out there, most people are at risk of lock bumping. There are a number of door locks on the market today that are advertised as “bump proof.” For the most part, these locks may be slightly more secure, but in many cases they only make bumping more difficult, but not impossible.

It is important to note that as of yet, there has been no standard established for what truly constitutes a “bump proof” lock. For the best security, consumers should look for door locks that have no keyway on the exterior of the door. After all, you can’t use a bump key when there’s no place to insert it!

For more information on lock bumping and a link to a news commentary on the topic, please visit Home Products n’ More.

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The term lock bumping conjures up images of people in stripy jumpers with eye masks on bumping against a locked door on the off chance that it will open and they can fill their bags full of ‘swag’. The reality is a lot less glamorous and a lot more worrying.

Lock bumping refers to a method of picking a lock that is effective against pin-tumbler locks. These types of lock are prevalent throughout the world and are used on most North American doors. It involves the procurement of a key blank for the type of lock that you want to open and an amount of work dependant on the type of lock that you have.

It has been shown on popular television that an average person can effect entry into your home using this technique with very little training. It is not a new practice by any means. Lock bumping was first documented over 50 years ago in Germany when Dutch and German locksmiths were experimenting with this technique for legitimate reasons.

The dangers have been brought home to the public by the power of information technology. Lock bumping was picked up by the media in 2003 and a report was commissioned by the lock pickers association in 2004. The information was picked up by the TV companies and then spread through the internet. It has now become a much debated topic.

The reality is that you are far more likely to be burgled because you left the front door or a window open or someone simply broke down your door. The main reason for this is that lock bumping requires the procurement of a blank key that fits your lock and an amount of tapping around the lock on your door with a hammer, something that would not go un-noticed in the most unfriendly neighborhood.

The message has to be don’t panic. Most modern locks have some degree of protection against bumping and Schlage and Medeco locks cannot be bumped. Many locks and keys are patented and this means that the availability of the key blanks is strictly controlled through authorized dealers. Only a rogue employee or a disaffected dealer could cause problems in this area, someone who can easily be traced.

Although statistics show that a large percentage of break-ins have no sign of forced entry the reality is that these probably occurred because a window or door was left open or the homeowner misplaced their keys and could not admit to it for insurance purposes.

If you are concerned that your lock could be susceptible to lock bumping the best thing to do is to ask a professional locksmith for a survey of the locks used at your property. They will be able to tell you if you are at risk from lock bumping techniques and will also be able to recommend new locks that cannot be bumped.

The main thing is not to worry unduly about this supposedly new technique. It has been around for many years and you are not likely to arrive home and find your house full of uninvited teenagers, unless you’ve got one of your own and they’ve invited their friends around for a party.

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