Protecting Against Lock Bumping

Lock bumping, and bump keys, have been a known security threat for many years and continues to remain one. Earlier this year, Phila-Locksmith touched on the topic of how bump keys can affect security and now we are here to offer you sound methods to protect your locks from the threat of lock bumping. Bump keys continue to remain a threat to security in that they are a relatively cheap, easy and undetectable way to enter a locked door. A quick Google search reveals a number of bump key sellers who offer bump keys in groups for discounted pricing.

Since bump keys are so easily accessible to thieves and Youtube training video just a click away, commercial and residential security always needs to be prepared for this threat. By just investing a few dollars in bump keys and minutes in a training, a thief can easily have access to homes and businesses which have low-end security. There are a number of options when it comes to defending your home or business from the threat of bumps keys, but it is first important to understand how bump keys function.

How Bump Keys Work

Bump keys make use of simple physics to be able to render armed locks disabled. A thief uses a key which has been cut down so that it is able to fit underneath of every pin in the locks tumbler. By inserting this key into the lock and then using another object to hit the end of the key, a thief is able to transfer energy through the key to “bump” the tumbler pins out of the locked position. While the pins on the lock are bumped, the thief is able to quickly turn the key giving them access to a previously locked area. View this animated bump key demonstration for a visual demonstration of how bump keys work.

Solutions for Bump Keys

Both deadbolt and knob locks can be effectively disabled by bump keys, so ensuring that all of your locks are protected is key. One of the easiest and cheapest solutions for bump keys is to use a secondary lock. Whether that secondary lock is a latch which is physically attached to the door, or acts as a secondary measure on a deadbolt lock, you are able to prevent anyone from accessing your home or business using a bump key. Unfortunately when using this method, you are unable to access your door from the outside as well, meaning this method is only likely to be useful if you are physically occupying the locked room.
Another solution to bump keys is to upgrade the current lock that you have at your home. Smart locks are becoming increasingly popular, while also becoming decreasingly expensive. Since these smart locks do not rely on the old fashioned pins and tumbler, they are completely unaffected by bump keys. There are also a range of traditional locks which are bump resistant or bump proof. By choosing a model of lock that has one of those ratings you are much less likely to become a victim of bump keys.
Until traditional lock and key systems are completely discarded it is not likely that bump keys will stop being a commercial and residential security threat. Relying on simple physics and a lack of investment in security, thieves are able disable armed locks in just a matter of seconds. Prevent yourself from becoming a victim of bump keys by taking preventative measures before you experience any type of security lapse.