As many as one in five homes are invaded annually in the United States. One tool thieves use is lock bumping. They use a bump or rapping key to unlock pin tumbler locks and gain access to your home. Learn about lock bumping as you take steps to secure your home and peace of mind.
How Lock Bumping Works
Typically, you can only open a door with a key that's specific to that lock. The key's design aligns with the lock, pushes the pins into place above the shear line and unlocks the door.
A bump key is designed to also unlock a door: a thief inserts it into the keyhole and taps the key with a screwdriver or hammer. The bumping pushes the pins in the lock above the shear line and can pop the lock open within seconds.
Thieves can easily learn how to make and use a bump key from online how-to videos and instructions. With a small collection of common bump keys, many standard pin tumbler locks can be opened quickly.
Tips That Protect Your Home From Lock Bumping
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Buy a different pin tumbler lock. Certain locks are harder to bump. When shopping for new locks, look for ones that are:
Bump-resistant lock features
- Made with security pins
- Not made from hardened steel
- Designed with programmable side bars and not top pins
- Equipped with a trap pin
- Shallow drilled where one of the interior pins is slightly shallower than the others
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Change the spring tension. Stronger top springs in the lock make bumping harder, so ask a locksmith to make at least two of the top springs firmer.
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Replace the traditional pin tumbler lock. Instead, invest in a disk tumbler, time, combination, electronic or electromagnetic lock. They don't contain pins and are less vulnerable to bumping.
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Reinforce existing locks. If you don't want to replace all the locks in your home, replace the door's metal strike plates. It mounts on the doorjamb and costs about $10.
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Lock your door always. Whether you're hanging out at home, working in the yard or garage, going to work or taking an extended vacation, lock your doors. Don't make it easy for a thief to enter your home!
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Purchase adequate insurance. Homeowners and renters insurance won't prevent lock bumping, but it can give you peace of mind. With the right insurance, you can replace possessions that are lost, stolen or vandalized; if you have questions about coverage, talk to an agent.
Your home's security and peace of mind are vital. Understand and prevent lock bumping as you protect your home and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bump key?
A bump key is a specially cut key used to "bump" the pins in a pin tumbler lock so the plug can turn briefly and the lock can open.
Can every lock be bumped?
Not every lock is vulnerable; many higher-security and non-pin-tumbler locks resist bumping, but many standard residential pin tumbler locks can be opened if they lack anti-bump features.
Are there locks that prevent bumping?
Yes. Locks with security pins, trap pins, shallow drilling, sidebars, or non-pin mechanisms (like disk or electronic locks) are much harder to bump.
Will my homeowners or renters insurance cover a break-in from lock bumping?
Many policies cover theft and vandalism, but coverage varies by policy; check your policy details or contact your insurer to confirm what is covered.