[Namwalker]

My son was telling me about bump keys. How there are these keys that can supposedly be used to open any locked door.

Is this true? What can be done to protect against this?

 

[Frozen Skeeter]

I had no idea what a bump key was so I went and looked it up. Found these little tidbits on the wiki site.

"Time locks, combination locks, electronic locks, magnetic locks, and locks using rotating disks, such as disc tumbler locks, are inherently invulnerable to this attack, since their mechanism does not contain springs. However, some electronic locks feature a key backup that is susceptible to bumping. Warded locks are not vulnerable to bumping, but they are vulnerable to a similar attack called a skeleton key, which is also a filed-down key.

Changing the spring tension can help reduce bumping. A few sources inside the industry offer stronger top springs for conventional pinned locks. changing one or two top springs to a firmer spring changes the ricochet tuning of the top pins. making it hard to bump."

 

[804Survivor]

It is true that bump keys can be used to momentarily line the pins up in a lock and open it. Many of the locks on the market these days come with the option of, or come standard with a bump guard design to protect against lock bumping techniques.

As far as I know, there is no way to modify a current lock to protect against bumping. I have since changed all of the locks in my house to the "bump proof" design with the exception of the storage shed which has a specialty handle with no bump proof option. That is however alarmed.

The locksmith that keyed all of my locks alike for exterior doors confirmed with me that the new lock designs make it more difficult to pick and bump but not impossible. He also advised me against "Smart Key" technology as the reset tool is common, not illegal to possess, and makes the locks quickly defeat-able by damaging the reset mechanism.

 

[jdkansas]

Here's my bump key...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halligan_bar

 

[Operator60]

What's on the the other side of the door is NOT worth the life of a person trying to use that bump key. :headshake:

 

[Synical1]

Yes, lock bumping is a serious issue, mainly because it leaves no trace that entry was gained. There are plenty of videos that demonstrate how and how quickly it can be done.

Short of installing new locks that are bump proof and/or a security system, there isn't much that you can do.

 

[3D Rei]

I did electronic entry codes with the deadbolt key hole blocked off. Only way in is entering of code. All my exterior doors (2) have them. The door from garage is electronic with the key passage in case battery dies in others, but you gotta go thru fido in the yard/garage to get int there. If you pass the big fido my chihuahuas will be barking like nuts and I will gladly meet you with a 12 gauge as you open the door.

 

[rriley]

These days all locks can be defeated including the electronic high security locks.

Just assume your locks can be defeated and do your planning with that assumption.

http://www.wired.com/2009/08/electronic-locks-defeated/

 

[Oakspar]

Battery back-up, straight to internet/cloud, motion triggered concealed cameras.

Won't keep anyone out, but puts their face up on the evening news (the local news loves "caught in the act" video - an instant story) so that LEO's get the guy quick and maximizes the chance to get your stuff back.

That said, new (and more expensive) locks are more bump-resistant. Ask yourself, however, if someone kicked in your door would anyone hear/respond? If not, protecting against bumps are pointless. Kicking in the door is still the method criminals use most often.

 

[97guns]

i just made something out of a 1"x2", drilled a few holes and ready to go tonight.

Here's my bump key...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halligan_bar

 

[East Coast Woods]

Can see where these alarms that are placed over the door knob could be handy.

 

[Apathetic]

Deadbolts and bars on the door work. Quick, ugly but effective, and if breached provide plenty of time to have the shotgun positioned at head level

 

[ksmedman]

There are locks that are bump proof.
Here's a good video on bump keys and how to avoid them:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpH_t0u5Ybg

 

[Bubbazap]

I have a device on the front and side doors called a secure-a-lock which secures to the door knob and the deadbolt to keep the deadbolt from moving. Even if they bump the locks the deadbolt can not be retracted so they will have tokick the door down to get in, giving me a few seconds to meet them with my welcoming party of 16.

 

[dontbuypotteryfromme]

 

[bluetone]

All locks can be defeated. All locks have always been able to be defeated. Almost any building has multiple entry points all of which are weak. Get some decent deadbolts but don't waste much money. Spend it on a properly designed alarm system instead.

 

[cokey]

Also have your door open outward, can't be kicked in...

 

[London808]

Also have your door open outward, can't be kicked in...

Only if it is framed right.

 

[juskom95]

All locks can be defeated. All locks have always been able to be defeated. Almost any building has multiple entry points all of which are weak. Get some decent deadbolts but don't waste much money. Spend it on a properly designed alarm system instead.

This is one thing we tried to stress when talking about physical security at work. No lock will ever stop anyone, all it will do is slow someone down.

A lock is a deterrent (look for easier 'prey') or a method to slow down an attacker, they are not, nor will they ever, physically stop an intruder. Consider it a layer of your security and go from there. One bright thing about most bump keys/lock picking guns they make a racket when used, so light sleepers should hear the racket being made.

 

[oldgoat]

good locks can work great like [Adams locks- used in prisons}, but will not stop a car driving through security gates and doors. Yes it was done to my shop in the LA. riots.