Many Standard Locks Are Vulnerable to Bumping

Lock bumping is a technique that enables criminals to quickly and easily open many standard locks sold at hardware and home improvement stores. Lock bumping has become more popular in recent years, with bump keys sold online and websites teaching people how to do it.

Standard locks that many homeowners have are vulnerable to the technique, and it leaves no sign of forced entry. Some homeowners and renters have found that their insurance companies refused to pay claims after their homes were broken into by lock bumping since there was no evidence of forced entry.

Lock bumping uses a bump key, which is a standard key in which all of the valleys are cut to the maximum depth to enable the key to fit many locks. Bump keys can be bought online or made at home using an old key and a triangular file.

Bump keys use the mechanics of locks to allow a burglar to gain access. The bump key is inserted into the keyhole and tapped with a hammer or screwdriver to force all the tumblers, or pins, above the shear line. When the pins are in the correct positions, the key just needs to be turned a bit to open the lock. In many cases, a lock can be opened with a bump key in less than 20 seconds.

If you bought your locks from a hardware store or a large retailer, they might be vulnerable to lock bumping. Those locks are keyed alike or share the same keyway profile, which makes it easy to open them with a bump key. They also often lack pick guards, which makes them easy to pick.

Some lock manufacturers have created bump-resistant or bump-proof locks with high-security cylinders. Some locks have sidebar mechanisms or anti-bumping pins inside standard cylinders.

Locks can be made safer by drilling one or more of the pin stacks slightly shallower than the others to prevent bumping. A locksmith can add security pins to many cylinder locks to make them resistant to bumping. Another option is to install high-security locks with frames and door reinforcements. Non-tumbler locks, such as rotating disc locks and magnetic/electronic locks, are not vulnerable to bumping.

Lock bumping is a serious threat to security. If you have mass-produced locks on your doors, you are vulnerable. Contact All American Locksmiths today to learn more about how we can make your home safer.