Bump Keys - Discover Why Your Door Locks Are Probably Useless

By: Eric Graudins

You are about to discover something that scared the hell out of me. The locks I rely on to protect my family and my business can be opened without damage in seconds. By just about anyone, using easily found information about Bump Keys.

You don't need special tools. Or locksmith training. All you need is a normal key that you can file down with an ordinary file. Or you can buy a bump key on the internet.

Firstly - my philosophy. I don't believe in "Security by Obscurity" - where severe problems with the things that we rely on are covered up and kept secret for use by people who want to harm us. The technique of bump keying (also known as rapping) has been known for over 50 years. Lock manufacturers and criminals know all about it. While all of us poor suckers still buy crappy locks that we falsely believe will protect our families and possessions.

What's the Problem?

There is a fundamental flaw in the design of the pin and tumbler mechanisms that are used on commonly sold latches and deadlocks. Including those rated as "high security". This flaw makes it possible for anyone to open many of these locks - even deadlocks - very quickly using a technique known as "bumping" This technique does not damage the lock. All you need is a filed down key that fits into the lock, and some practice using a certain technique,

In a bizarre twist, the more expensive locks are actually easier to open, because of their tighter tolerances, and better quality. A Dutch consumer organisation tested over 60 locks that have been approved by the police as providing High Security, and found that most of them could be bumped open.

I realise that locksmiths and criminals have always been able to open locks without keys. But this technique allows almost anyone to do it. At first, I thought Bump Keying was a joke, so I spent a large part of a weekend researching it. Unfortunately I found that the technique actually works.

Imagine This. You arrive home (or at your business), unlock the door, and discover that everything of value is missing. Your new Home Entertainment system, Computers, Stereo Equipment, etc. etc. All gone. You are devastated. But that's nothing to what happens next. You call the police and your insurance company, and make a claim. The insurance company refuses to pay.

What's worse - they think you did it - because there is no sign of illegal entry, and your premises are protected by high quality locks. They might even charge you with attempted fraud. Not a nice situation for an innocent, recently burgled person to find themselves in.

This situation is apparently becoming more and more common. In Australia some companies will pay out on a theft claim where there is no forced entry, as long as the theft has been reported to the police. Some won't. (Check your situation with your insurer.) And even if your premises are not burgled, are you comfortable with the fact that someone can open your locks, come in and snoop around your house, and then leave without a trace? Bump Keys make this possible.

Bump Keying - The Proof.

NOVA is a well respected European TV program. They have made a video, which includes a full demonstration of key bumping, and comments from lock experts and police. Like I said, it scared the hell out of me - especially after I tried an experiment myself, and found that everything I had discovered was true.

I obtained a bump key, and practiced on the deadlock on my back door for about 5 minutes. After about 15 tries, I got the technique right, and the lock opened. Another 10 tries - did it again. Another 5 minutes, and I could do it almost every time. I tried another lock at home - and it opened. I then went over to my sister's house, and she was stunned when I opened her security deadlock at the second attempt. (total time taken for both attempts: - 4 seconds)

Not every lock can be bumped. I've tried 2 others without success. But experts estimate that the technique will work on the majority of commonly used house locks.

How Many People Know about This? Many Millions. There are lots of Internet sites and fully documented reports about the technique readily available on the internet. Bumping has been widely reported in Europe, and covered on several TV programs. The US magazine Newsweek also did a story on it recently, and it's all over the social contact sites that young people use.

What To Do Next

1. If you are concerned about this, go to your locksmith and buy a bump proof lock cylinder.
I understand that Abloy disk tumbler locks, and BiLock locks cannot be opened by bumping.

2. Do some research regarding the topics discussed here.

3. Take as much (or as little) action that you feel is necessary to adequately protect your family and property.

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