Lock Bumping Threat and Prevention

With the use of a bump key it is possible to unlock any standard pin tumbler cylinder lock. Locks that are considered safe and strong may not be. Criminals can use a bump key to illegally enter private residences, offices and places of business in no time. A bump key has specially designed teeth that transmit a slight impact on all the bottom pins in the lock when tapped with a small device. They look like a normal key but are cut in a specific way to be used as a lock picking tool. They are easy to use and do not take special lock picking expertise. The key pins transmit this impact to the driver pins while the key pins stay in place. This does not damage the lock and can open it within seconds. It was originally intended for locksmiths to disassemble a lock quickly but soon became a potential security problem.  

Because lock bumping is non destructive there is usually no signs of forced entry into the home or office. This can make claiming theft insurance difficult in some cases. Originally bumping was only known to locksmiths who as security professionals did not share the knowledge with the general public. Through the media including television and the internet it has become widely known. Unfortunately this information also goes to criminals but fortunately it warns people to check their security systems and locks to make sure they are bump resistant. There is anti-bump technology available today that can make standard residential locks bump resistant. There are also cylinder protectors that cover the front of conventional locks that prevents bumping.

The best prevention for lock bumping is bump resistant locks. High quality locks that are above the standard mass produced locks that are widely available are resistant not only to bumping but to all kinds of picking. They have patented designs that incorporate more complex multilayered locking mechanisms. The manufacturers can actually control the number of blank keys that are produced. Professional locksmiths can assess your situation and solve any problem for you, if necessary, with effective cost efficient solutions.

Electronic locks, magnetic locks, rotating disc lock and combination locks are also immune to lock bumping. These locks may be more expensive than the common ones but the security they give is almost absolute.