Asked by: Urania Sevine
technology and computing databases

What is lock bumping technique?

Lock bumping is a lock picking technique for opening a pin tumbler lock using a specially crafted bump key, rapping key or a 999 key. A bump key must correspond to the target lock in order to function correctly.


In this manner, what does bumping a lock mean?

Bumping” is a lock-picking technique that refers to the repeated striking motion used to dislodge the pins inside a lock. Doing this requires a specially cut key, known as a bump key, that with the right application can be used to force open 90% of cylindrical locks.

Additionally, how common is lock bumping? The practice of lock bumping has become a major concern among homeowners and businesses in recent years, and for good reason: Recent industry studies estimate that more than 95 percent of conventional locks on homes and businesses are vulnerable to being compromised by lock bumping.

Correspondingly, do bump keys damage locks?

The "bumper" needs to bump the key hard enough to jar the pins, but not so much that the lock or key is damaged. Bumping the key causes the pins to jump slightly. As long as the shear line is unblocked, the cylinder can turn and the lock will open.

What's a 999 key?

Generically, a “999key is a key cut with all pin stacks assumed to be the lowest “factory” depth cut. Depending on lock, that could be a key cut to code as 999999 or 777 depending on the manufacturer (or other codes as appropriate). They are similar to a bump key, but not the same.

Related Question Answers

Harriet Goettling

Professional

How do you tell if your lock has been bumped?

Signs of Bumping
  1. Fresh nicks around the edges of the keyhole from pounding the key a little too forcefully.
  2. Shiny metal edges that look like they've been recently hit.

Concepcion Tarjuelo

Explainer

What are jiggler keys?

24 Locksmithing: What is a jiggler key? A thin piece of metal cut in the general shape of a key, the jiggler. slips into the keyway of many locks and most car locks. The jigglers. in the set come with a variety of general cuts that vaguely resemble.

Bouzid Manresa

Explainer

How do you break into a locked door?

To open a locked interior door with a screwdriver, first push the screwdriver as far as you can into the hole on the doorknob. Then, just turn and twist until the screwdriver catches on a groove and the lock clicks open. This method will also work with a flattened paperclip or a very small butter knife.

Lamyae Espinosa Monteros

Pundit

How do you open a lock without a key?

You simply need a straight, stiff tool to unlock it—try a straightened paperclip or a small screwdriver. Some people swear by the Spam Key. (Though why anyone still has one of those lying around is beyond me.) In some cases, the lock will require you insert a tool and twist.

Salema Camiñas

Pundit

How do you pick a lock with a key?

The easiest way to pick a lock is to use the fast and dirty method: scrubbing.
  1. Insert Tension Wrench into the Bottom of Key Hole and Apply Slight Pressure.
  2. Insert Pick at Top of Lock.
  3. While Applying Slight Torque to Your Wrench, Scrub Your Pick Back and Forth in the Key Hole.
  4. Repeat Until All the Pins Set.

Aurelio Fallert

Pundit

Are bump keys legal?

Illinois – Illinois is the only state to mention bump keys. Though bump keys are not picks, strictly speaking, some pickers do use them. In Illinois being found with a bump key in your possession is proof of intent. However, standard lock picks are not lumped in with this, and intent must still be proven.

Ndiasse Siegele

Pundit

What locks Cannot be bumped?

Schlage bump proof locks are locks that can't be bumped. They also provide security against a burglar wielding a sledgehammer. Grade 2 locks are also unpickable deadbolt locks.

Dionisia Deryuzhinsky

Pundit

Can you bump key a deadbolt?

Locks come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but have common ground in how they work. A bump key can open any lock that it fits into. It's helpful to have in your pocket if you ever lose your keys, because it can open your door lock and your deadbolt, even if they normally require seperate keys.

Larosi Cornberg

Teacher

Are skeleton keys illegal?

In order to prevent skeleton keys from allowing illegal entry, lock manufactures began to add wards around the outside of the lock as well as in the center. This prevented the successful use of skeleton keys. Skeleton keys of this sort are no longer in common usage, other than in furniture such as china cabinets.

Balkar Lieb

Teacher

Is there a key that can open any lock?

A bump key can open any lock that it fits into. It's helpful to have in your pocket if you ever lose your keys, because it can open your door lock and your deadbolt, even if they normally require seperate keys.

Lajuana Krugjohann

Teacher

Is it illegal to own a lock pick set?

Must Show Intent: In most states, and most of the world, owning lock picks is 100% legal. It is only when you use them in an illegal way that you will find trouble.

Nida Purcel

Teacher

Does picking a lock damage it?

Lock picking is any method used to open a lock without the proper key. It is also a covert method of entry, meaning it does not damage or mark the lock in an obvious way (though lock picking, done poorly, can do both of these things).

Emelyn Klocking

Reviewer

Can you buy a bump key?

You can make one from a blank key, as long as you have the real key or lock as a guide. Bump keys are usually associated with lockpicking and burglary, but this how-to is strictly for legal purposes. Only open doors legally, and store your bump key in a safe place.

Mahamud Yisrael

Reviewer

How do you stop someone from picking your door lock?

Prevention
  1. Clear Visibility. Keep the landscaping around your home and office as clean as possible.
  2. Neighborhood Watch. Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
  3. Security Camera.
  4. Anti-Lock Bumping Devices.
  5. Install Security Pins.
  6. High-Security Locks.
  7. Light Commercial Grade Locks.
  8. Keyless Deadbolt Locks.

Brenton Francesch

Reviewer

What makes a lock bump proof?

Bump Proof Locks
One way to bump proof your lock is to purchase a lock that uses an abnormal shaped key. This may or may not be labelled as bump proof on the packaging when you purchase the lock, but it can help the cause.

Kashmir Thielgen

Supporter

Are Kwikset locks bump proof?

It's bump-proof -- really
Many of the arguments against Kwikset that you'll find online focus on a practice called "lock bumping." To bump a lock, a thief will insert a special key called a bump key into the deadbolt, then tap on it with a blunt object like the handle of a screwdriver.

Hristian Hofschneider

Supporter

Are Schlage locks hard to pick?

With a better, more precise manufacturing process and 2 additional security pins than the Kwikset deadbolt, Schlage locks are significantly harder to pick, bump or compromise in non-destructive ways.

Fattouch Rumenova

Supporter

What is a Grade 1 lock?

ANSI Grade 1- This is a heavy-duty commercial security lock. It is specifically designed for high traffic and superior security. As the strongest grade, it can be used for residential applications too, but it is predominantly found in commercial and industrial applications.

Brittanie Majcke

Beginner

How do you open a deadbolt with a screwdriver?

The proper tools will be needed.
  1. Bend the bobby pin so it is straight. Insert the bumpy side of the bobby pin into the keyhole on the deadbolt lock.
  2. Insert the tip of the flat head screwdriver into the deadbolt's keyhole under the bobby pin.
  3. Move the bobby pin up, down, in and out of the keyhole.