Bump Keys open low-grade tumbler locks with ease

[TheNocturnalEgyptian]

http://i.imgur.com/WPqTu.gif

Hi guys,

I've known about bump keys for years, but I recently heard it said here by someone that they do not work. That has not been my experience, at all. Bump keys are something you NEED to address in your home security set-up, because I know they work on at least certain types of locks.

The concept of bump keys is very simple. One uses a key that is mostly filed all the way down, so that it will fit into any lock, and then taps the key vigorously with an implement; stick or screwdriver, etc.

This makes the pins inside "jump" up above the sheer line, and for a split second, the lock can be turned.

I'm hesitant to make this post because I know we have some mechanical experts here, but I have seen bump keys defeat low grade tumbler locks with ease. Consider getting a lock which will not fall against a bump key.

Bump keys leave no sign of forced entry, because they work with the lock, instead of against it. Without forced entry, you DO NOT HAVE AN INSURANCE CLAIM.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xkkS2p7SuQ&feature=related - How Bumping works

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrRxvZtmbX4&feature=related - Close up of how bump keys are made (with a cheap file)


See how this key has been filed down to the absolute minimum to still push up the pins a little bit? This is a bump key:

http://www.lock-bumping.com/images/lock-bumping-key.jpg

http://www.eltonlockservices.co.uk/X5%20Bump%20Key.jpg

[Gaillo]

Bump keys absolutely DO work, I've seen it with my own eyes. For about 2 years, my neighbor was a locksmith... he showed me in his shop one evening how to make and use a bump key. It's easier than you think to "work" one - the trick is to apply the right amount of tension to the lock cylinder. Too much and the pins won't "jump", and with too little the cylinder won't rotate when the pins line up on the sheer line.

[ximmy]

"Jacobson 360; single barrel, two tumblers, why didn't they just lock it with a piece of gum..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOcApVIoK38

[Son of Dave]

The problem with bump keys is that you never bother figuring out how to pick a lock without them after that. It's like having a flamethrower do all your edging. You miss the finer points of finessing those peskier pins and such. That being said, if brevity is in order, you can't beat a bump key though.

[tekrunner]

TNE, did you see the movie "next three days"? I love prison escape movies and this was covered, watched the movie straight through three times.

BTW, you have anymore organite? It's been on my to do list for awhile now but can't seem to make the time for it. Totally want to do the plant test as I'm in the indoor gardening supply business among other things.

[tekrunner]

The problem with bump keys is that you never bother figuring out how to pick a lock without them after that. It's like having a flamethrower do all your edging. You miss the finer points of finessing those peskier pins and such. That being said, if brevity is in order, you can't beat a bump key though.




Excellent point. For one, understanding and successfully picking a lock is far more gratifying and if you've never done it you won't exactly understand what's going on with the bump key. Now I've gotta try and unlock a car door with a tennis ball as seen in the movie mentioned above.

[Book]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr23tpWX8lM

My (cough cough) friend bought a $12 set on eBay a couple years ago and they absolutely work fast and easy. Nice tiny addition to my his bugout bag...or so he tells me. Imagine wtshtf being able to basically enter any locked door...stores, gas stations, storage sheds. The set even has a Masterlock padlock bump key for quietly opening padlocked chains across somebody's doomstead.

;)

[platinumdude]

What is a good bump resistant dead bolt

[Gaillo]

What is a good bump resistant dead bolt


Medeco. Not only resists bump keys, but just about every other "picking" technique on the planet. Pricy though... and you have to buy spare keys from them directly.

[Book]

What is a good bump resistant dead bolt


Medeco. Not only resists bump keys, but just about every other "picking" technique on the planet. Pricy though... and you have to buy spare keys from them directly.


http://www.abloyusa.com/cliq/images/CLIQ_avain2_key2_large.JPG

ABLOY for padlocks and cabinet locks.

[ximmy]

What is a good bump resistant dead bolt


Medeco. Not only resists bump keys, but just about every other "picking" technique on the planet. Pricy though... and you have to buy spare keys from them directly.


http://www.abloyusa.com/cliq/images/CLIQ_avain2_key2_large.JPG

ABLOY for padlocks and cabinet locks.


That would force an intruder to break some glass...

[Book]

That would force an intruder to break some glass...



No lock can protect from brute force attacks. Just keep out the sneaky snoopy lockpickers...lol.

[platinumdude]

Good thing I already have break proof glass on my windows.

[ximmy]

That would force an intruder to break some glass...



No lock can protect from brute force attacks. Just keep out the sneaky snoopy lockpickers...lol.


no, your right... leave something valuable in the back of the pickup truck or lock it in the cab... it's a no brainer...

[tekrunner]

That would force an intruder to break some glass...



No lock can protect from brute force attacks. Just keep out the sneaky snoopy lockpickers...lol.



That type of activity wakes up my dogs, which wakes me up, which wakes up the ruger, mossberg, etc.

[ximmy]

That would force an intruder to break some glass...



No lock can protect from brute force attacks. Just keep out the sneaky snoopy lockpickers...lol.



That type of activity wakes up my dogs, which wakes me up, which wakes up the ruger, mossberg, etc.


Impressive... ::)

[tekrunner]

That would force an intruder to break some glass...



No lock can protect from brute force attacks. Just keep out the sneaky snoopy lockpickers...lol.




That type of activity wakes up my dogs, which wakes me up, which wakes up the ruger, mossberg, etc.


Impressive... ::)




LOL, ok book. ::)

[sirgonzo420]

That would force an intruder to break some glass...



No lock can protect from brute force attacks. Just keep out the sneaky snoopy lockpickers...lol.




That type of activity wakes up my dogs, which wakes me up, which wakes up the ruger, mossberg, etc.


Impressive... ::)




LOL, ok book. ::)


More like a pamphlet (pamphlette?).

:)

[SHTF2010]

What is a good bump resistant dead bolt


Medeco. Not only resists bump keys, but just about every other "picking" technique on the planet. Pricy though... and you have to buy spare keys from them directly.


Medecos can and have been picked

LP101.com (http://www.lockpicking101.com/)


http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/mj247/pipsig3L.jpg

[Gaillo]

What is a good bump resistant dead bolt


Medeco. Not only resists bump keys, but just about every other "picking" technique on the planet. Pricy though... and you have to buy spare keys from them directly.


Medecos can and have been picked

LP101.com (http://www.lockpicking101.com/)


http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/mj247/pipsig3L.jpg


Key word in my post: "resists". NOTHING is truly pick-proof, at least nothing I'm aware of.

[Awoke]

Medecos can and have been picked

LP101.com (http://www.lockpicking101.com/)


http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/mj247/pipsig3L.jpg


Thanks for the interesting site, Guerilla!

[TheNocturnalEgyptian]

I think we all know that locks just keep honest people honest....i.e. they remove the temptation factor


A determined thief IS getting in, as Gaillo noted.

Bump keys address a medium ground....the thief isn't determined, and it's still a crime of opportunity, but they have some technical accumen and are definitely planning ahead.


I dunno, I just felt it needed to be brought up.

[gunDriller]

it's things like this that make improvising your own security a much better idea.

i wonder if those locks with the circular key are more resistant to the bump key technique.

[tekrunner]

it's things like this that make improvising your own security a much better idea.

i wonder if those locks with the circular key are more resistant to the bump key technique.




Circular key like on vending machines? There's lock picking kits for those too. Ultimately a lock should be just one layer of security among others.

[NOOB]

After reading this thread this morning I made one and it does work. Worked on every door to my house except one. The one it did not work on now won't work with the original key either.

[gunDriller]

it's things like this that make improvising your own security a much better idea.

i wonder if those locks with the circular key are more resistant to the bump key technique.




Circular key like on vending machines? There's lock picking kits for those too. Ultimately a lock should be just one layer of security among others.


Yep.

speaking of security - i saw some Newfoundland when i was looking at some goats at a neighbor's farm. they are the nicest dogs.

the male dog seems like a terrible watchdog, because he's so friendly to strangers like me, who just came to look at some goats. but the goat farmer lady said that his size (140 pounds, size of St. Bernard) has a genuine deterrent effect.

she said the female Newfoundland made a better goat watcher/ protector-dog, but that both Newfoundland's protect the goat flock.

anyway, they seemed like really nice all-around dogs. has anybody ever seen a Newfoundland get pissed off & protect their human family ? think they make a good security dog ?

[Awoke]

After reading this thread this morning I made one and it does work. Worked on every door to my house except one. The one it did not work on now won't work with the original key either.


Way to go. You broke it.
Noob.

;)

[NOOB]

After reading this thread this morning I made one and it does work. Worked on every door to my house except one. The one it did not work on now won't work with the original key either.


Way to go. You broke it.
Noob.

;)



Just my luck.



It is pretty scary when you try it. Tap Tap and your dead bolt turns.

[Low Pan]

hmm, gotta try this too