Indeed, we are close to Halloween, and key bumping is an actual locksmith horror story. You don’t need to be a locksmith near me expert to know that a tumbler lock can be opened by burglars with a few tools. Thus, upgrading to commercial-grade deadbolts is a great idea!

This type of device has been around for years. But few people realize it until now, so let’s learn! First, depending on the quality of the lock determines if it can be forced. This method is called key-bumping, and thieves often use it.

Our team knows this method involves cutting the edges of a key in different dented and sharp shapes. These keys allow any burglar, even an amateur, to break into any home. Moreover, they do it in less time than downloading any security app.

Smart Lock Devices

Likewise, you can install smart locks on your exterior doors, like front and back doors. Homeowners can replace the old locks that are vulnerable to lock bumping. You can look online or visit your locksmith’s local shop to find the best smart lock. Smart locks cost more than traditional, but they will improve your convenience.

Let us explain why upgrading to your home’s newer security is necessary. We all understand that security technology advances, and criminals are figuring out how to decode it. It will never stop, so always be aware of the newest trends!

Key Bumping attacks Pin Tumbler Locks

We need to know how the pin tumbler locks work to understand how bumping works. The mechanism for these bolts is relatively simple. These contain the inside of the cylinder, two kinds of pins, the key, and driver pins.

When the bolt is locked, both pins occupy the same pinhole and are pushed together by a spring, stopping rotation. When these pins are aligned, separating the pins and core creates a shear line, allowing the plug to rotate inside the cylinder.

Inserting the keyhole pushes the pins to align along the shear line, aligning with the lock. This action allows the latch to rotate the core and unlock the bolt, giving access to the door. Again, it’s a mechanism that can be manipulated with little knowledge.

Explaining Bump Keys

On the other hand, a bump key works slightly differently since it’s cut with unique sharp picks and broad valleys. This device to open doors is not for aligning the pins but to impact them under force! That’s where the issue comes for us homeowners.

The bump key goes into the tumbler lock; it relies on the spring tension of the pins to align it. The lock bumpers apply the impact force, or “bump,” to force the key deep into the lock, causing the jar and the driver pins to “jump” just for a second or less. Once these are forcedly aligned, the shear line turns the core and opens the door.

Burglaries can occur with no sign of forced entry. Although we cannot determine how many of these events occur because of key bumping, we can rest assured that a significant number is attributed to it, as we now know that pin tumbler locks are vulnerable to key bumping.

How to Make a Bump Key?

Professional locksmiths have used different methods and tools to bypass pin and tumbler locks for many years, primarily for legal purposes. However, creating a bump key requires other means to achieve the particular cuts required.

Most burglars can make these keys at home, although quite challenging. Some criminals use a file created from similar keys that fit a particular lock to make a bump key. Still, thieves use it as a standard technique. Therefore, we recommend calling our Miami locksmiths when choosing your entry lock security.

Let’s go over the Key Bumping Issues and Fixes

So, how can you prevent bumping, as this technique can open most old and low-quality locking devices? You might be thinking of running to the hardware store to get your new lock to prevent bumping. However, most products at the hardware store are vulnerable to bumping.

Let’s check out some essential information:

• A burglar can open your door in under 30 seconds with a bump key.
• Lock bumping shows no signs of forced entry, so you would not know if someone burglarized you until you saw the things missing.
• Anyone can learn lock bumping, find the information easily on YouTube, and buy the key online.

So, how can homeowners prevent lock bumping?

Upgrade to Commercial Grade Locks to Prevent Key Bumping

Replace your residential locks with commercial-grade light locks. A third-party organization tests these commercial locks arduously by putting them through quality and durability. Third-party organizations, like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)or Underwriters Laboratories (UL), are known worldwide for testing locks and deadbolts.

For instance, the top locking devices would have an ANSI Grade 1 certification. Now, UL grades deadbolt locks based on how they perform through lock-picking tests. Also, homeowners can use these commercial locks on their homes.

Schlage and Kwikset produce ANSI Grade 1 bump good quality proof locks today. The Kwikset SmartKey brings a lifetime finish and lifetime mechanical warranty despite having some flaws, but almost all locks have a weakness. Lock makers like Schlage have likewise tried to make bump-proof items for business use. The Schlage SecureKey locks can resist picking and knocking.

Anti-Bump Devices that Can Prevent Key Bumping

You can install a thumb turn guard on your exterior doors to prevent the deadbolt latch from rotating. It works extraordinarily for peace of mind at night since the lock bump technique cannot work while asleep at home.

However, the anti-bump device only works if you are home since the thumb turn device is inside the house.