Before we talk about what a bump key is you must first familiarize yourself with a process to gain entry called Key Bumping.
Key bumping allows a person that has a bump key to gain access to any lock, home locks and commercial grade locks, by using a basic key that has been cut a specific way in order to manipulate locks.
A bump will work on all locks that have the same keywave, which means that if a bump key works on a Schlage lock it will also work on Schlage locks with the same amount of pins, or those locks with a lesser number of pins.
By looking at the key image on the right you can see that all the cuts appear to look like jagged teeth. When a person with a bump key applies pressure to the key and taps it for a split second, the top pins which are above the sheer line and the bottom pins which are below it, will allow for the cylinder to turn, thus granting the unwelcome person access through the door.
There are a few simple ways to guard against bump keys, such as:
- Replace your current locks with high security locks like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock or Schlage Primus. There are other high security locks that are available and your locksmith professional can help you with recommendations and installations.
- Change your locks from keyed locks to digital or mechanical access control locks. These types of locks provide fantastic security and are easy to recode if the need arises, and in many cases the customer can recode these locks themselves.
- Consider the installation of an alarm system. While you locks that require keys will still be susceptible to bump keys our experience, as well as research, has shown that a home or business with an alarm installed is less likely to be broken into as the alarm is an effective deterrent to most burglars.
