Lock Bumping and How to Protect Your Locks

lock bumping

Ever heard of lock bumping, but not sure what it means? Find out what lock bumping is and what you can do to prevent it from happening to your home or office.

In short, lock bumping refers to the original technique used by professional locksmiths to gain access to a lock and open a door whenever a key is not available. This is accomplished with the help of a special key that is inserted into a keyhole and tapped with the help of a screwdriver. The bumping procedure is helpful as it forces the pins to jump into line and causes the lock to unlock for a moment.

bump keyThe procedure is mainly used by official authorities as part f their surveillance and evidence tracking procedures. Unfortunately, as many benefits as the advent of the internet and technology might have brought to us, we are also experiencing the drawbacks. In this particular case, the fact that everyone can buy a specially cut bumping key sold by lots of companies over the web. In other words, anyone who has internet access (and criminal intentions) can easily and seamlessly gain entry to your home.

Did we get your attention yet? It's time to learn exactly what to do to ensure proper levels of lock bumping protection for your property, be it your home or commercial space.

Replace Your Old Style Cylinder Locks

Some of the most vulnerable types of locks that can be easily picked with the help of this technique are older types of cylinder locks. Check your front door and any other entryways that have locks on them. If you are like 90 percent of Americans, your home probably has this exact lock installed. We do not want to alarm you, but it might be a good idea to consider having these locks assessed by a professional locksmith and replaced, if needed, with some modern alternatives that can handle lock-bumping attacks.

Keep in mind these vulnerable locks could even be bumped by a child, so you may want to seriously think about upgrading your locks sometime soon. Plus, someone who decides to use a bump key on your home is very likely to leave little trace of forced entry. Lock bumping does not usually involve any type of damage to the lock or the door itself, so it might be a while until you acknowledge what has happened. If you have a vacation home you visit once or twice a year, see that you take the right precautionary measures there as well.

What Kind of Locks to Install?

door lock

Not sure what type of locks to choose instead of your old sets? Talk to one of our customer representatives or schedule an appointment and we will let you know what are the most suitable choices that match your budget. We will most likely recommend you a set of deadbolts that are marked as anti-bumping locks.

While you can take your locks to a local locksmith shop, this solution might not be the most convenient for you. Instead, get in touch with us and let us send over the nearest mobile technician in your area, straight away. For less urgent problems, you can always schedule an appointment at a time that is most convenient for you and let us come to you and take care of your issue. We always carry fully-loaded toolboxes with every tool we could possibly use, along with new locks for installation.

We can also advise you to install some pins that will make it almost impossible for anyone to try to bump your lock open. This alternative will cost less and could generate similar results as lock changing. Nevertheless, keep in mind your locks might need an upgrade, especially if you cannot remember when was the last time you had them replaced. Plus, if you notice your key tends to remain stuck in the lock or you are having trouble working your lock, it might also be time to go shopping for some new locks. Take advantage of this situation and opt for bumping-free locks.

Install Pick-Proof Locks

If you are determined to step into the future and start using the smart technology on your locks, you could opt for the Kwikset SmartKey for the exterior doors that allow you to personally re-key the lock in just three simple steps. Plus, installation can be done with a screwdriver, but you can also contact a locksmith if you want to make sure that the job is done right and hassle-free from the very beginning.

Lock bumping prevention can also be accomplished with the help of a pick-proof and bump-proof secondary deadbolt installation. Opt for a combination deadbolt lock and make full use of the special pin located inside the lock that prevents lock bumping. This deadbolt lock is easy to install, but you may need some assistance if you have never installed a lock on a door before. The security of your home is the last thing you want to experiment with.

If you need new locks on your commercial property, you will need to get in touch with a commercial locksmith service that is authorized and insured/bonded. We also handle commercial locksmith service here at 247 ASAP Locksmith, so be sure to give us a call and let us know what we can do for you.

Schlange commercial locks are a good solution for your office, and you could even choose the light commercial grade alternative for your home. These locks are heavy duty and they handle bumping and picking better than other brands.

Remember adding more burglar deterrents such as surveillance cameras and security alarms will lower the risk of someone attempting to bump your locks. Call today for a certified locksmith to help you with all your lock-related needs.

What Customers Say About Us

247 ASAP Locksmiths Testimonial
Mark G.
Crockett Blvd

The keys to my office went missing, just disappeared last night. I was so frustrated, besides for being embarrassed in front of my employees, I also didn’t want to lose money due to the delay. I called for a locksmith and Justin came over straight away, he suggested re-keying the lock, in case my keys were stolen, I thought this was a great idea, and that’s what we did, he then made new keys for me on the spot.

247 ASAP Locksmiths Testimonial
Tyler Goodman
Wilshire Blvd

My office is in Los Angeles and I often need to meet people. So the day my office door stopped to work, I was both sad and upset. My secretary called for me 247 ASAP Locksmiths and I was pleased from the fast job and professional education the guy from Locksmiths have. My work day was safe!

247 ASAP Locksmiths Testimonial
Sophia Tucker
98th Street

Unexpected situations are always embarrassing and upsetting… especially if you have no time at all! When I realized my garage door wasn’t working I nearly got a heart attack! After a few minutes, I got a great idea and I called 247 ASAP Locksmiths: the guys arrived on time and did an excellent job!