Lock Bumping Keys

If you are asking this question, perhaps instead the question should be why do I need a bump key?  Nonetheless, for those who are curious as to the relative commodity of bump keys, we have prepared this helpful overview.

You are not going to walk into you typical hardware store or even locksmith and get a positive answer when asking to purchase a bump key.  bump keys are used by professional law enforcement, locksmiths, and criminals.  The first two know exactly where and how to get a hold of a bump key.  The last group either knows, or is not going to find much help.

Similarly, bump keys are not made or distributed by manufacturers or dealers.  Instead, bump keys are made.  By gaining the proper blank for a given manufacturer’s tumbler lock, a bump key must then be cut down to size.  This includes crafting the proper shape and length of grooves.  The bump key must also have each depth at its highest setting.

Even if one cannot acquire an actual blank, because the key is patented or otherwise not available to the general public, this does not make it impossible for a bump key to made.  Such a tactic only deters the attempt.  bump keys can also be made from an impression of a key, requiring some skilled to shape one to the appropriate dimensions.

Obtaining the bump key is the hardest part about this form of security bypass.  Experts have shown that it takes minimal training for someone to effectively utilize it.  One well respected authority indicates it can be taught in under an hour and that those who choose to teach themselves can easily do it by purchasing lock mechanisms and repeatedly practicing.

With the ready availability of most residential duplicate keys, the news of this technique spreading is detrimental to security.  Although bump keys have not been cited as causing any major increase in criminal activity, instructions on how to make and use them are readily available on the Internet.  If you look, one can even find videos on free sites showing everything you need to know and more about bump keys.

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