Stop Lock Bumping Worries!

Lock bumping is a technique used by locksmiths to open locks by using a bump key. This spacial key can fit into standard locks and by tapping it they can move the pins and aligned them in order to open the lock. 

This method won’t leave any sign of forced entry and it will be very difficult to know if someone has broke in to your property. 

Lock bumping isn’t just limited to locksmiths and many thieves use it in order to open locks anytime.

How lock bumping works?

Bump Key

A bump key is a special key that was cut with each notch can go as deep as possible. In order to work it has to be of the same brand as the original key to fit into the lock.

Insert the Key

Insert the bump key into the lock one click short of being fully in. This precise positioning is very important for the technique to work.

Impact and Timing

Hit he back of the key with a screwdriver handle or a special bump hammer and while a slight twist is applied to the key.

Pin Movement

In a pin tumbler lock there are pins and the impact will move the pins to jump within their chambers. If done correctly all the pins will clear the shear line between the cylinder and the housing.

Turning the Cylinder

The slight twist on to the bump key at the moment of impact will turn the lock as if the correct key was being used and open the lock.

There are few locks that can resist this bumping method:

High Security Locks

High security locks usually come with better security features that make them resistant to lock bumping like sidebar and angled pin cuts. 

Brands like Medeco and Mul-T-Lock are well known for making high security locks that offer protection against bumping alongside drilling and picking.

Smart Locks

Many smart locks don’t use traditional key anymore and operate with codes, biometric fingerprint or smartphone. Without a traditional key hole these locks are full proofed to lock bumping. 

August Smart Lock, Schlage Encode and Yale Assure Locks are the best smart lock to avoiding lock bumping.