Jonathan Hall Uncovers: Key Bumping

You lock your door and expect to be safe, but you may not be the only one who has a key to your home.  Bump keys are specially cut so that when used properly they can open almost any lock.

Locksmiths, like Fred Gerard, use the keys as part of their job. But he says, in the wrong hands they can be trouble.

Fred Gerard, Bay State Locksmith Inc., Boston
"You could have your house broken into and it's been proven in the past that homes can be broken into using bump keys."

A key will only turn if it lines up all the pins inside the lock.  When a bump key is used with some force, the pins are pushed up into the lock, giving the key room to turn and open the lock.  It takes some practice, but after a few tries I had the hang of it.

Fred Gerard, Bay State Locksmith Inc., Boston
"You just tap it all the way in and that's all."

Anyone can get a bump key...we bought them online and found plenty of video's showing how to use them. Most thieves already know how to use bump keys so you need to know how to protect yourself. To be safe you can buy an anti-bump lock from a locksmith.

Fred Gerard, Bay State Locksmith Inc., Boston
"We're going to try the same method to open the lock and we won't be able to open it."
  
High security anti-bump locks are made with more pins than regular locks and use keys made with lots of intricate cuts. The locks cost about $75 each.  For some, a small price to pay to secure your home.

Bay State Locksmith Inc., Boston
(617) 935 - 2015

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