The “Bump Key” Threat |
Posted: November 24, 2016 |
Recently I’ve had several calls from folks wanting more information about Bump-Keys, and how to defend against them.
It seems Channel 2 News did a segment on these not too long ago. Knowing that the News must have ratings, I can kind of guess that it was slanted for maximum effect. For those that are interested or concerned about the concept of bump-keys, here’s a short explanation. I’ll offer a few solutions and defenses against bumping later.
Start by a looking at how a common residential lockset is constructed. Inside there are typically five separate “pin stacks”. Each pin stack consist of at least a bottom pin, a top pin, and a spring. With the right key, the pins are lifted to the shear line allowing the plug to turn, thus unlocking the lock. A bump key is a specially cut key that, by it self, will NOT open the lock, but once inserted and given a tap (bump), will cause the pin stacks to jump. For a just a mili-second, the pins will be in the right position for the cylinder to turn and allow the lock to open.
Without minimizing the threat, there are several things that need to happen for this to work. The correct amount of “bump” needs to be given and at the exact same time a turning action needs to be applied to the lock, and in the right direction. Not every bumping attempt is going to be successful. Pressure, timing, the cut of the bump key, the condition of the lock, the pressure exerted by the springs, and the length of the pins, all have an effect on the outcome.
This isn’t a new concept. It has been one method of many, used by locksmiths for so many years that it’s impossible to even know where it originated. One of the concerns for many, is that the criminally minded can use this concept to break in to their home or business. For the record, I’ve never heard of a break-in using this method. Usually they will kick in a door jamb or find a door or window unlocked. That doesn’t minimize the possibility and there are things that can be done to prevent it from happening. I do see an alarming trend, especially on the internet, where more and more people are wanting to sell information and bump keys to make a few dollars, so I suppose this is a threat that could become more feasible in the future.
Solutions
One of the best ways is to install a higher security lock on your home. I’ve always wondered about all the beautiful homes I see that cost hundreds of of thousands of dollars, being protected by the cheapest locks offered by the local hardware store. I think good security, protection of your assets, and family safety deserve a little more than what is on sale. I’ve heard it said that locks only keep honest persons honest, but at 2:00AM when you hear someone messing with your door – aren’t you glad you were only worried about the honest people? What should be done about the not so honest?
One solution is to invest in a lock brand that could be considered “bump proof”. Generally they will need to be purchased from a locksmith. Some of the brands in common use are MEDICO, ASSA, Bi-Lock, and Scorpion. These come with proprietary keys that are usually licensed only to the specific locksmith that sells them. Duplicate keys are more expensive but can’t be made by the local five and dime store and often not even by another locksmith. That means you can be sure no one can get a key to your home that you don’t know about, and that’s a good thing!
The line I carry is the Scorpion. They’re a little less expensive than the others but like the others, these locks can’t be bumped, are virtually pick proof, and have defenses against drill attack. I’m the only one in Utah that can purchase the key blanks for these and I’m required by contract, not to make duplicates without a signature card on file from the owner of the lock.
Short of changing lock sets, there are also techniques that can take with your current locks. By making modifications to the pin stacks, a locksmith can virtually eliminate the chances that a standard bump attack would be successful. These include using longer and shorter pins together and varying the strength and length of the springs used in the locks among other measures. Written by boca raton locksmith http://local-services.wixsite.com/bocaratonlocksmith
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|