Lock bumping is nothing new and has been being used by locksmiths for more than 40 years. There are many legitimate uses for bump keys such as police, firemen, owners who lose keys, building and apartment managers, etc.

A bump key is a key that has had it groves cut down to the deepest level for that particular brand of lock and had a little metal shaved off the end of the key and the key’s shoulder. When you place the bump key into a lock that uses the blank it was made from and tap it with a hammer, the tumblers in a standard tumbler lock bounce up. When the bottoms of the tumblers become level and are aligned, the cylinder can turn and the lock will open. This can allow thieves’ or other unwanted people into your home or office.

To learn more about how bump keys work, go to www.bumpkeyshop.com

So what can you do to prevent lock bumping?

The idea of securing your property is to make getting into your home, office or storage areas more trouble than it is worth. You can do all or any combination of the things listed below to discourage lock bumping:

·       One of the simplest ways is to simply buy one of our bump proof lock solutions. Our solutions are extremely affordable and simple to operate. 

·       Use multiple locks for each outside entry door requiring the bump key user to bring more than one bump key.

·       You could also install a inside foyer door that has another set of locks. That way the intruder won’t know what bump keys to bring.

·       Install bump proof locks and for total security get a lock that is both bump proof and pick proof but expect to pay a premium price. Medeco, Schlage Primus, Assa and Mul-T-Lock make bump-proof and pick proof locks.

·       Install a key less entry deadbolt lock such as one that uses a keypad or combination lock

·       Buy a biometric scanner lock that can scan fingerprints. These are great because you can enable and disable fingerprints so if a friend or relative is staying over you can activate their fingerprints and deactivate them when they leave.

·       Use a cylinder protector. That is a cover that covers the keyhole and requires a separate key to open it.

·       Use a layered approach. The more difficult you make things the less likely anyone will be bothered bumping your locks.

·       Add a burglar alarm or a high end security system.

·       Get a dog. The smallest dog is noisy and will draw attention to the person trying to bump your lock and attention is the last thing they want.

Remember that there are plenty of legitimate reasons to use a bump key but it is always a good idea to protect your possessions from less honest people.