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The Science Behind Lock Bumping

The Science Behind Lock Bumping

How to protect your home from break-ins and burglaries.

Lock bumping is a kind of lock-picking process typically used on regular cylinder locks. This procedure is done with the help of a tool called a “bump key.”

Lock bumping has recently become a significant source of worry among many homeowners and business owners. It is becoming more commonly used in home invasions, because it can make it pretty easy to break in with just a few tools. According to some studies, most of the mass-produced locks used in most homes are susceptible to lock bumping.

What Exactly is Lock Bumping?

Lock bumping is a method of picking locks that has been observed to be a rising problem in security systems. It is a lock-picking strategy used to open a door without a proper key. Unfortunately, this is typically done with the intention of breaking into a house. Home invaders can easily enter your home with the perfect timing, a bit of practice, and a few tools.

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What are Lock Bumping Bump Keys?

Bump keys (also known as rapping keys) are specialised tools used by locksmiths. Unfortunately, they can be used by nefarious people to break into other people’s property. Since the bump key’s ridges are all cut to the same length and depth (9), these keys are also known as “999 keys.”

These are unique special keys that can circumvent the locking mechanisms that standard cylinder locks have. Bump keys are pretty simple to make with a key machine. They are also relatively easy to obtain, especially online. This specialised type of key takes advantage of pin stack mechanisms in certain locks. Those same pin stacks help stop the lock’s cylinder from turning whenever the wrong key is used.

How Do Bump Keys Function?

A bump key is inserted into a lock and then struck with a tool like a screwdriver or a hammer. The pins inside the lock align as the bump key is bumped or hit. The intruder will then be able to open the door just by turning the bump key. A standard lock has two kinds of pins: key pins and driver pins. A pair made of these two kinds of pins occupy each pin stack inside the lock. A tiny spring connected to the driver pin presses both pins snugly into one another.

Keys are cut at varying levels to adapt to misalignment because pin meeting points vary between stacks. Whenever a proper key is placed in its corresponding lock, all of the pin stack’s meeting points are brought into alignment. This results in the formation of a “shear line“. This shear line allows the lock to twist freely inside the cylinder, unlocking the door.

The Science That Makes Bump Keys Work

A bump key is made in such a way that it does not align properly with the pins. When struck by a small handheld tool, it essentially disturbs the pins. It employs a physics principle like “Newton’s cradle.” Like the Newton’s cradle, bump keys also demonstrate the conservation of energy and the conservation of momentum.

The energy from hitting the key moves to the pins in the lock, causing the pins to jolt and move and forming a temporary shear line. The formation of this shear line then gives the perp a chance to unlock your door.

Lock bumping works on almost all cylinder-type locks manufactured nowadays when done properly. The most concerning part of lock bumping is that it frequently goes unnoticed since it is non-destructive. This allows your home to be broken into with no indications of breaking and entering.

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What Should You Know About Lock Bumping?

Lock bumping exploits the mass production of locks, allowing for the quick opening of mass-produced key locks. Sadly, this has resulted in a massive uptick in break-ins and burglaries around the world. Authorities nowadays are helping to increase awareness among citizens about the increased lock bumping cases for nefarious reasons. Burglars have been using this lock-picking method since the early 2000s. Here are some disturbing lock bumping facts you need to know:

  •         Bump keys are inexpensive and simple to make
  •         Bump keys are now available for a cheap rate online for those who are interested
  •         Lock bumping is a simple method to grasp and accomplish
  •         Lock bumping is not much of a damaging method of lock picking. There will probably be no evidence of breaking and entering once it is completed
  •         Lock bumping can be accomplished in a matter of seconds on most mainstream and mass-produced locks

How to Protect Your Home from Lock Bumping

Lock bumping has been utilised legally by highly qualified locksmiths to open doors for a long time now. However, recently, that has changed thanks to the Internet. Anyone who could get online can easily find instructions on lock bumping or where to get bump keys. Luckily, the flood of information on the web about lock bumping has increased awareness. Nowadays, there is also a ton of information regarding protection against this method of lock picking.

The following are the best ways to safeguard against lock bumping:

  •         Installing temporary lock guards or flip guards.
  •         Using bump-proof or keyless locks.
  •         Adding or revamping a reliable security system.
  •         Getting better lighting and visibility around your property.
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Need a Newcastle Locksmith to Upgrade Your Lock Security?

Contact an experienced locksmith to improve the security of your property. Your security needs, style, and budget will all influence how you safeguard your lock. If you are uncertain, Ambassador Locksmiths professionals will gladly assist you in determining the best course of action.

Our team is well-versed in every aspect regarding keys, locks, and safes. Please contact us immediately if you would like to try our locksmith services! We provide emergency lock-picking services 24 hours a day. Our mobile locksmith covers all Lake Macquarie and Newcastle suburbs. Call us right away to figure out how we can help you.

Call us on (02) 4942 2202 or  0407 452 424. You can also email us at info@ambassadorlocksmiths.com.au. Contact us directly by clicking this link, and we will respond as soon as possible!