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Key Bumping is a process used to open a pin tumbler lock with a modified key not intended to operate the lock. The modified key can be used to open all locks using that type of key blank. Key bumping or also referred to as rapping, has been around almost as long as the locks themselves. Recently this knowledge has gone public by way of the internet and services like YOUTUBE. The following information is intended to inform you about the threat this poses and what you can do about it.

 How long does it take to bump regular residential pin tumbler lock?

            With several hours of practice on various residential locks a person could very well “bump open” residential locks in less than one minute! 8-15 seconds is not difficult with practice. No standard 5 pin tumbler lock marketed today is immune.

How much of a concern is this to an average homeowner or renter?

            There are many ways a person with unlawful intent may enter your premises. It is much more likely an intruder will enter through an unlocked door or window, force a door/window than bumping. The problem with bumping is that it may leave no visible signs of forced entry. With the religious use of a good alarm system key bumping is probably not a major concern as the media and internet claim. It will probably become an increasing concern as this information promulgates.

What can I do to prevent bumping?

 Replace hardware with high security cylinders. There is no Underwriters Laboratory standard for “key bumping”, but most high security locks that incorporate a side bar locking technology in addition to a six (6) pin tumbler locking mechanism are highly bump resistant. In addition, all electronic locks are “bump proof” as long as they do not have a standard pin tumbler key override to gain access. High security locks are not inexpensive and for residential use usually require replacement of the lock hardware. You can keep costs down by securing doors not used for entry by other means, bars or slide bolts.

 Unfortunately, it will take the residential manufacturers and UL® time to get rated “bump resistant” locks to the market place. Until then the side bar technology commercial products can be used in those situations where key bumping is a security concern. Elgin Key & Lock Co. does carry a complete line of Schlage Primus and Everest Primus side bar technology locks in stock.

 Law enforcement is being made aware of bumping, and what bump keys look like. Unauthorized possession of bump keys can be treated as "possession of burglary tools" under Illinois revised statutes,  720 ILCS 5/19-2.

The following is from Illinois Revised Statutes. Most states have a similar statute.

 (720 ILCS 5/19-2)
Sec. 19-2. Possession of burglary tools.
(a) A person commits the offense of possession of burglary tools when he possesses any key, tool, instrument, device, or any explosive, suitable for use in breaking into a building, housetrailer, watercraft, aircraft, motor vehicle as defined in The Illinois Vehicle Code, railroad car, or any depository designed for the safekeeping of property, or any part thereof, with intent to enter any such place and with intent to commit therein a felony or theft.
(b) Sentence.  Possession of burglary tools in violation of this Section is a Class 4 felony.
(Source: P. A. 78-255.)

  If your deadbolts have 6-pin cylinders but are only keyed to 5-pin keys, they can   be rekeyed to 6-pin keys. This change is not apparent from the outside but can thwart a casual bump attempt by a person accustomed to 5-pin residential locks. This will not entirely prevent key bumping, but can increase the time and difficulty required. Conversion to a non standard key type that is not readily available or restricted by the manufacturer can also increase your resistance to key bumping.

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Last modified: December 05, 2011