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Lock Bumping

Lock Bumping is the art of opening a lock with a modified key.. A properly skilled lock bumper can open a door in UNDER 10 SECONDS! The most intriguing part is a bump key can actually be bought online.

Lock Bumping Problem                                                            Back to top

1. Lock Bumping - Information
2. Lock Bumping - History
3. Lock Bumping - Key (bump key)
4. Lock Bumping - Prevent
5. Lock Bumping - News Reports
6. Lock Bumping - Bump Key

Lock Bumping Information                                                            Back to top

• Bump keys are so easily operated an 11 year old girl can 'bump locks'.
• Vast majority of locks in the United States are susceptible to lock bumping.
• Bump Keys can be made from ordinary keys from around the house or one could buy a bump key
• Standard locks, like the ones on your home, are easily bump able.
• Often no damage is left to a bumped lock, making it difficult to tell if a lock has been compromised.
• This technique exploded in popularity after a lock bumping video appeared online.
• Contrary to popular belief, some 'high security' locks are actually easier to bump.
• It has been wrongly reported that 'WD40 will make a lock un-bumpable This is a total fallacy!! It is strongly discouraged putting any type of lubricant in a lock if the purpose is to 'prevent lock bumping'. Lubricating a lock makes it easier to bump!

Lock Bumping History                                                            Back to top

• Lock Bumping was developed within the last 50 years.
• A patent exists for a device using a similar principle as a bump key from the 1920's
• It is accepted by some that this technique was brought 'back to life' by Danish locksmiths in the 1970's. These locksmiths reported that they could make pin tumblers in a lock 'jump' up causing the lock to open.
• It was only recently, in 2005, when a Nova news reportblew the door open on bump keys.

Lock Bumping - How to bump a lock                                       Back to top

With the advent of the bump key, a wide variety of people should be worried; whether you're a home owner or a business owner using a pin tumbler lock will provide a false sense of security.

There are only a few steps to lock bumping:

1. Locate a key blank (or a spare key) for the lock you'd like to bump. If the key fits in the lock, there's a good chance it will work for our purpose.
2. File down the valleys of the key to look like the picture above. You'll want to file the key down to the deepest valley setting. Note: if the key already has a deep valley it might be necessary to file a bit deeper than the the deepest factory setting.
3. If you are unable to make your own key you can buy a bump key or visit a bump key forum for assistance.
4. Once the key is filed correctly, insert the key and then pull it back one 'click'.
5. Apply very little tension to the key. The amount of tension required is equal to the amount of tension required to open the lock.

Prevent Lock Bumping                                        Back to top

• Buy and install high security locks such as Medeco and Schlage Primus.
• Use electronic locks that do utilize the pin tumbler method for security.
• Installation of an alarm system that utilizes a battery back up system.
• Install bright lighting on the exterior of your home. If power consumption is a worry, try motion activated outdoor lights as this will significantly cut power usage.
• If you have a dog, consider keeping it inside as this might scare off potential burglars.

Lock Bumping News Reports                                    Back to top

• KHNL HI - Dangerous Trend Targeting Homes
• DALAS - 'Bump Key' tool all burglars need to stroll in
• LOCAL10 FL - Burglars Can Use Key To Open Almost Any Door
• WikiPedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lock_bumping

 

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