How to Prevent Bump Key

Different locks take different-shaped keys. For example, one lock's keyhole may be S-shaped while another's is a backward S. The number of pins can vary too. If a burglar has a key with the right general shape, but the teeth are shaved down, he can break into a spring-loaded pin-tumbler-type lock, the most common type of house lock, much faster. The trick to such "lock bumping" is that the burglar has to prepare in advance the right-shaped key, just as a locksmith needs the right-shaped key to make you a copy of your own key.

Instructions

- 1
  Use multiple locks per door, of various brands. The more locks, the more bump keys the burglar must prepare in advance. Do not necessarily make them all the best locks, because tightly machined pins are more easily bumped. The transfer of energy from the lower pin to the upper is cleaner, more direct.
- 2
  Install bump-proof locks. Such locks are designed not to allow simultaneous alignment of all the pins with the edge of the lock cylinder when suddenly jarred. Don't purchase pick-proof locks expecting them to be bump-proof too. They may be, but not necessarily. Read the label to be sure. Brands of bump-proof locks are Schlage Primus, Assa, Medeco and Mul-T-Lock. The price of such locks start at $100.
- 3
  Add a lock that requires entry of a combination.
- 4
  Add a cylinder protector over your spring-pin lock. It covers the lock opening and requires a different type of key to get past, e.g. a magnetic key. A photo of one can be found via the link in the Resources section.
- 5
  Use a layered approach to security. In addition to adding another lock, consider installing motion sensors and a burglar alarm.

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