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The lock bumping craze has gained increased popularity with the internet and the news media running literally hundreds of stories about it nationwide (believe me, I have seen them). My name is Dennis McEntire and I became a locksmith because of the bump key. I have personally met with Barry Wels of TOOOL and Marc Tobias about this problem and what it means to millions of locks here in America.
A $2 BUMP KEY CAN UNLOCK YOUR DOOR IN SECONDS.
It might sound like a trick or seem misleading, but the above statement is ABSOLUTELY TRUE. With just a few bump keys literally 95% of locks on homes and businesses are vulnerable and have a high probability of opening in less than 10 seconds, with no damage to the lock. There is no evidence that a lock has been bumped open, and the bump key can also "lock" a door (not that a thief would take the time, unless he does not want someone to know he has been in the property). Ironically, the newer the lock the easier it is to open. Also, the more expensive locks open easier than cheap ones (because they are manufactured to tighter tolerances and transfer the "bumping" energy better -- on cheaper locks some of the bumping energy is wasted in sloppy tolerances in the machining of the lock).
Some important facts about bump keys:
1. It takes very little skill, is easy to learn, and works on basic physics.
2. It literally works on about 95% of the locks in America.
3. Any key (not just blanks) can be made into a bump key.
4. They are readily available online (auction sites and websites).
5. Lock bumping works very well on most padlocks (big and small).
6. Bump keys can open mailboxes (USPS and Mailbox rental locations).
7. There are plenty of online videos showing how these work.
Important: WD40 and "spool pins" do not affect bumping,
contrary to some news stories stating otherwise.
The Solution
High Security Locks like Abloy, Medeco, BiLock, and some others are not vulnerable to the bump key. Unfortunately these locks cannot be purchased at a hardware store, only a locksmith. Search the web for "Abloy" or "High Security Locks" to learn how to protect yourself.
Thank you for reading,
Dennis McEntire
A $2 BUMP KEY CAN UNLOCK YOUR DOOR IN SECONDS.
It might sound like a trick or seem misleading, but the above statement is ABSOLUTELY TRUE. With just a few bump keys literally 95% of locks on homes and businesses are vulnerable and have a high probability of opening in less than 10 seconds, with no damage to the lock. There is no evidence that a lock has been bumped open, and the bump key can also "lock" a door (not that a thief would take the time, unless he does not want someone to know he has been in the property). Ironically, the newer the lock the easier it is to open. Also, the more expensive locks open easier than cheap ones (because they are manufactured to tighter tolerances and transfer the "bumping" energy better -- on cheaper locks some of the bumping energy is wasted in sloppy tolerances in the machining of the lock).
Some important facts about bump keys:
1. It takes very little skill, is easy to learn, and works on basic physics.
2. It literally works on about 95% of the locks in America.
3. Any key (not just blanks) can be made into a bump key.
4. They are readily available online (auction sites and websites).
5. Lock bumping works very well on most padlocks (big and small).
6. Bump keys can open mailboxes (USPS and Mailbox rental locations).
7. There are plenty of online videos showing how these work.
Important: WD40 and "spool pins" do not affect bumping,
contrary to some news stories stating otherwise.
The Solution
High Security Locks like Abloy, Medeco, BiLock, and some others are not vulnerable to the bump key. Unfortunately these locks cannot be purchased at a hardware store, only a locksmith. Search the web for "Abloy" or "High Security Locks" to learn how to protect yourself.
Thank you for reading,
Dennis McEntire
Guide created: 06/10/07 (updated 02/05/09)
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