What is a Bump Key?
The term ‘bump key’ has been around for awhile now, but only began gaining any sort of notoriety between 2005 and 2006. This is when a number of agencies and independents began raising concern about the serious implications of a bump key in security applications. The bump key can also be referred to as a 999 key. The 999 key is so called, because 25 years ago when European locksmiths began making them as a means to bypass a certain manufacturer’s locks, the depth code was all 9s.
Bump keys are used as a means to subvert traditional tumbler locks. Most homes, businesses, and other locked facilities today use tumbler locks. The basic idea is simple. Find a key that fits the lock, although it will not open it, cut all grooves to the appropriate width and length, while also sizing them to the deepest setting possible. When the bump key is employed, it now fits a lock and with the appropriate method and force can be used to gain entry.
The bump key is a tool used for lock picking. While the legitimate uses of locksmiths and law enforcement are readily apparent, so is the potential for criminal activity. A bump key can be utilized on virtually any tumbler lock, 5 and 6 pin being the most prevalent. All that it requires is a key that fits and a little bit of know-how.
Conversely, bump key is also sometimes referred to as a technique rather than a tool. Again, with the proper combination of power and skill, standard keys that have not been specially cut can be used to open similar (albeit lower quality) tumbler locks. As technology has increased and specifications have grown more stringent, this technique can rarely be used without the aforementioned tool: a proper bump key.
If you are concerned about the security of your lock and whether it is easily overcome by a bump key, you should consult a security professional or locksmith. Even some high grade locks can easily be opened within seconds to someone skilled with a bump key.
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