Concerned About Bump Keys

[brian90505]

I heard about bump keys on the news the other day, and how easy they are to make for all doorset locks and padlocks. Saw a demo on how quick and easy it is to open Masterlocks, Kwikset, Schlage and all other door and pad locks. I guess they've been around for awhile but are just now getting to be a security problem here in SoCal. Did a google search and you can buy complete sets and youtube has how-tos on how to use them. I'm looking into alarm systems now, but was wondering if anyone has heard of a way to secure their locks against these keys?

 

[KL120]

I use them almost daily (legally). They work MUCH better on TV and Youtube than my experience in real life. Rarely can you bump one in a few taps and it usually takes long enough and makes enough noise to create a disturbance. Just my experience.

 

[ddawg16]

I wouldn't worry about it.....it takes a really worn lock and just the right setup for it to work....99.9% of the dirt bags don't take the time to do it....they just break a window or kick in the door....

It's more show than go....

Personally, I think it's something perpetuated by lock manf to sell high end locks....

 

[bosskong]

Most, if not all, of the cheap locks available at Home Depot or Lowes are relatively easy to pick and are susceptible to bumping. The only real solution to this problem is to upgrade to a high security lock like a Medeco or an ASSA. These companies make convential pin tumbler locks that are not susceptible to bumping. Many companies also make electronic, magnetic, and rotating disc locks, which also are not susceptible to bumping. Keep in mind though that even these quality locks are not unbeatable, although not usually by bumping or by most typical thieves.

Although I don't have any data to support this belief, I'd bet that 99% of thieves will use an even more low tech approach than bumping. Most will probably just break a window or find an open one. Or instead of unlocking your doors, most thieves will probably just kick it in. So, if you're going to spend your money on quality locks, make sure you also invest your time and money in any other security flaws that might exist.

 

[lilredex]

Think I'd be more concerned about all those cordless drills that are out there. Ever drill a lock?

 

[mdoolittle]

Locks keep honest people honest. If someone truly wants in they will get in. It doesnt take much to kick a door in, break a window, spread a jamb, and so on.

 

[Identaltech]

everybody worries about the doors how about the walls.
look at some of the new houses and you have studs at 16 in foam insulation over that
and then vinyl siding.
battery sawsall 60 sec. and you have a new open door.
take more time less noise a sharp box knife will get you in.

 

[Costner]

Most, if not all, of the cheap locks available at Home Depot or Lowes are relatively easy to pick and are susceptible to bumping. The only real solution to this problem is to upgrade to a high security lock like a Medeco or an ASSA.

Marc Tobias would disagree with you... he has been showing how to bump open Medeco "high security" locks for years. The first video shows him doing so in just over eight seconds (it is at the end of the video)

This just all goes to show even the best locks are susceptible to picking or bumping. Locks are generally just a deterrent anyway - they don't actually stop someone who wants to get in, they just slow them down.

For the average home (or garage) a thief will rely upon a crowbar long before they spend 5 or 10 minutes trying to pick a lock. For all intents and purposes even a good quality home deadbolt is the equivalent of security theater. It might look good, but it doesn't really do anything.

 

[makgreens]

anyone with access to picking guides or keys can get into a lock and its not really that hard...i use to do it all the time for fun....my own stuff of course(i lose keys often)

bump keys are a pain anyway

after kicking in many a door and such with my fire dept i wouldnt trust a crappy deadbolts or padlocks...take a few seconds for a pro to take em out...hell gimmie a halligan or my rescue 89 tools and i bet i could get into most stuff

 

[kf4zht]

Like makgreens said, just ask a fireman how to get into a building. We get trained to get in quickly and minimize damage. Haligan works great, k-tool even better.

Most criminals are lazy. Most have no clue how to pick locks or what a bump key is. They can just cruise a neighborhood and check doors till one unlocks. Unless it is a targeted crime 90% of prevention is not in locks or doors. It is making your place seem like more of a pain than other people.

 

[makgreens]

Like makgreens said, just ask a fireman how to get into a building. We get trained to get in quickly and minimize damage. Haligan works great, k-tool even better.

Most criminals are lazy. Most have no clue how to pick locks or what a bump key is. They can just cruise a neighborhood and check doors ill one unlocks. Unless it is a targeted crime 90% of prevention is not in locks or doors. It is making your place seem like more of a pain than other people.

the k-tool rules
dont get to use it much around here but when we do its a blast

 

[Chieoze]

I wouldn't worry about it.....it takes a really worn lock and just the right setup for it to work....99.9% of the dirt bags don't take the time to do it....they just break a window or kick in the door....

It's more show than go....

Personally, I think it's something perpetuated by lock manf to sell high end locks....

Actually, those worn out locks are actually better at stopping bump keys. This is because the mechanisms inside are not that smooth. On the other hand, the newer, high-quality locks are smooth so they can easily be bumped.

I agree that most crooks prefer to just kick down the door. However, the FBI released figures saying that around 33% of burglaries were done without signs of forced entry. That's still a huge number.

In addition, bump keys have been around since 1928 so it wasn't started by lock manufacturers since bump proof locks didn't appear until later on.

Personally, I'm concerned since it was also revealed that 9 out of 10 American homes use pin tumbler locks which are very vulnerable to lock bumping. When I saw that video of a 10 or 12 year old girl bumping a lock, I knew that I had to know more about it so I started reading articles about it and trying it myself. There are a handful of free information at this site about bumping locks.

 

[472scout]

How about cypher locks? No lost keys and no tumbler to pick.

 

[tdkkart]

One word.....

Insurance

 

[89GLH]

My father is a locksmith and agrees with the "high security" bumping. A lot easier due to the ridiculous tolerances. The slop of older cylinders provides more security, of sorts.

 

[z28snksknr]

One word.....

Insurance

Not all things can be restored with a cashed check.

 

[Professur]

As was said ... locks only keep out honest people.

 

[BBQ&Love]

I have the need to break into locked buildings on a semi-regular basis. They have normal outside door locks like you might find on a residential home. All I use is a cordless drill with a 1/2" bit and I can have it open in less than 45 seconds. Kinda unsettling when you stop and think about it.

 

[d33pt]

my friend the other day was able to pick my kwikset deadbolt with a $10 lockpick set and knowledge from watching a youtube video. i was a bit surprised at how easy it was for someone with cheap tools and almost no knowledge of lockpicking.

 

[Toolhorder]

Wow, never heard of a K-tool so I looked it up on Youtube.
Awesome. Got to get one for the when the Zombies come.

 

[Toolhorder]

Oh and I don't worry about "Bump" keys or intruders. I have a rotty/doberman that's pretty aggressive towards anyone that's not in the family circle. Hell she even tried to take my uncle's balls once just for looking at her funny.

 

[Milton Shaw]

Have you seen the Dewalt Mobilelock setup. Its battery powered has vibration sensors, tamper sensor, temp sensor, and can also add motion sensor. The alarm is set by phone or computer or on a time schedule. It will call up to 5 numbers and sent 5 emails too. With its GPS location if the equipment moves off site you can track where it is withing about 20 feet. It showed my trailer I have it on to be sitting in my back yard instead of my driveway. Costs about $20 a month for service. Google Dewalt Mobilelock its very good for finding jobsite boxes, Bobcats, etc. You can set it for silent alarm so they don't know its reported in, you can get message on phone and look up location and follow them and take it back, or call police and tell them meet you there.

 

[slimpickins]

Don't spend $200 or more on a high security lock unless you get a door that cost you a few large. I've lots of really expensive locks that people put on hollow core doors. What a joke. Also, with modern construction methods, going through the wall next to the door is often much easier, in worst case the wall has got some plastic siding over some kind of fiber board, over insulation and sheet rock.

Security is not found in a lock. Bottom line is to make your place less attractive a target than all your neighbors.

 

[MoToys]

Ok here it is. I am a locksmith and use key bumping regularly to gain access to businesses and homes. Most of the thieves out there are not going to this extent but the professional ones will.
Better locks like mul-t-lock, medeco, and assa are a good idea but in combination with good security with layers ( good locks, alarm, solid doors).
Like said in the previous post also make you place look less attractive to the criminals. Most of them are looking for smash and grab anyway.

 

[cowboyjosh]

I have Medeco lock cylinders on the entry doors to my houses, and a bad *** security system, if anyone wants to bump the lock, and attempt to get past the alarm, and Im home, they'll meet the business end of a 45 or 12 gauge shot gun; so please, go, bump or drill my Medeco locks.

 

[cowboyjosh]

Oh and I forgot to mention how folks are stupid when it comes to locks.

When building a house for folks, there is almost always a tight budget, they want fancy appliances they'll never use, they want exotic granite, exotic species hardwood, theater rooms, steam showers, the list goes on. When it comes time to pick out the door hardware, 95% of the time they opt for the cheapest handles and locks they can find, no other then Kwikset. I shake my head how people will spend over a million dollars on a house but nickel and dime on cheap *** handles and locks.

 

[Jazz]

Honestly I'm less concerned about the lock than the pair of $1200.00 glass sliding doors on the back on the house. People who want to get in are going to usually. Luckily I live in a pretty good neighborhood and don't worry about it much.

 

[MoToys]

I have Medeco lock cylinders on the entry doors to my houses, and a bad *** security system, if anyone wants to bump the lock, and attempt to get past the alarm, and Im home, they'll meet the business end of a 45 or 12 gauge shot gun; so please, go, bump or drill my Medeco locks.

Oh and I forgot to mention how folks are stupid when it comes to locks.

When building a house for folks, there is almost always a tight budget, they want fancy appliances they'll never use, they want exotic granite, exotic species hardwood, theater rooms, steam showers, the list goes on. When it comes time to pick out the door hardware, 95% of the time they opt for the cheapest handles and locks they can find, no other then Kwikset. I shake my head how people will spend over a million dollars on a house but nickel and dime on cheap *** handles and locks.

Don't worry there is hardened steel in the face of a medeco cylinder.
The average Joe in NY is the guy who usually cheeps out on door locks. Most of the homes in wealthier areas have baldwin/emtek/von morris/rocky mountain hardware. When we install the mortise units that the contractor won't, a high security cylinder upgrade is usually a given.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I saw those videos on youtube a few years ago and out of curiosity tried to pick the lock on my front door using the clip off a pen as a lever and a small drill bit as a pick. I had it open in well less than a minute. The lock i picked was a Kwickset. I put better locks on my house since that experiment.

If they really want to get in they will, even if you replaced your front door with a bank vault!

Chris

 

[darkk]

I don't even lock my doors,ever. My Rottweiler is all the alarm I need.....besides, every one in this end of town knows us as the people with the big mean Rottie.