The technique of lock bumping (or key bumping) involves modifying a regular key with a file so that when you use it inside a lock and hit it upwards, the cylinder pins inside jump. The process is repeated until eventually the key is able to turn and the lock opened. Almost any kind of door lock that you use today are capable of being picked in the manner.
The bumping of locks was developed in the late 1970's by Danish locksmiths as a means to open locks quickly. The hatch was blown off this 'trick' in 2005 when a bump key advisory news report by NOVA aired in Europe.
Bumping a lock has really spread thanks in part to the Internet and the many local news programs showing how easily the method works. The reporters and online videos are helping spread a mild panic throughout our society. Everyone from businesses to stay at home moms to the elderly are concerned. And since home made bump keys are quickly and easily made with a regular key and a file, the threat is actually quite real in some areas.
There is an inherit design flaw with the pin tumbler locks being sold today. When you apply an upward force to the lower pins in a tumbler, some of that energy get transferred up to the top pins. That in turn pushes the spring up for a split second and creates a gap that the bump key exploits.
The other problem with lock bumping is that newer 'bump-proof' locks are being sold my companies such as Medeco and Schlage. Well, as the eleven year old Jennalynn proved, they too are vulnerable to being picked. That means that the uneducated consumer is buying peace of mind but in reality they are no better off with their new locks.
Knowing that lock bumping is indeed a serious problem, is there anything you can do to protect yourself? Well, you can upgrade your locks in the chance that the amateurs will not know how to bump them. Additionally you could install a home security alarm and/or get a dog for protection. The seasoned thieves want to steal from easy targets and if you are more secure than your neighbors, chances are you will not be a victim.
