ALL ABOUT BUMP KEYS

Bump keys are one of the ways that burglars break into a home. FBI crime statistics show that approximately two-thirds of all burglaries have no signs of forced entry. It's impossible to know what percentage are due to bump keys because it's possible that the burglar picked the lock or simply stumbled across an unlocked door. But some crime experts believe as many as half of all cases of unforced entry are likely due to bump keys.

What is the Danger Posed by Bump Keys?

Clearly, bump keys are one of the biggest dangers posed to homeowners for a number of reasons. First, the bump keys themselves are neither expensive nor difficult to find for someone who wants to break into a building, according to crime experts. Second, bump keys apparently work on virtually any lock brand. Third, and perhaps most significantly, crime experts familiar with bump keys say they can be used to open a locked door in less than a minute. This makes bump keys a valuable commodity for burglars, who always seek the quickest method to gain entry into a home that attracts as little attention as possible.

Are There Locks That Resist Bump Keys?

This is a matter of some speculation, according to Internet reports on bump keys. Certain brand-name companies have claimed to have locks that resist bump keys, but videos are available online showing the locks being opened with bump keys. Certainly the higher grade the lock the more difficult it can be to use bump keys. Be sure to use an ANSI Grade 1 bump key and look for any locks that advertise having an additional pin inside. However, the bottom line seems to be that the majority of locks can be defeated with bump keys.

Are There Alternatives to Bump Keys?

The new popularity of digital locks now offers an obvious deterrent to bump keys. There are several types of keyless locks available. Be careful, however, because many keyless products include keys as a backup or override mechanism. There are three types of keyless locks:

• Locks that have a pushbutton entry. These locks can be coded directly on the lockset and the combination can be changed quickly and as often as possible. Instead of using a key, a homeowner pushes a combination of numbers - often 4 to 6 digits - to gain entry.
• Locks with remote-control entry. These include a fob with a button that triggers a sensor on the lock that allows entry into the door. These are similar to remote keyless entry features on many vehicles.
• Locks with fingerprint entry. Biometric locks have become quite popular, with the ability to store a large number of different fingerprints to gain entry and the flexibility to add or erase a fingerprint very quickly. A scanning pad is located on the lockset to allow someone with the correct fingerprint to enter the home.