How To Secure Your Door Locks Against Key Bumping

If you have old door locks and you're worried about how well they keep your home secure, you might be tempted to buy stronger locks at a hardware store and upgrade them yourself. However, thanks to the rise of key bumping, it is no longer safe to buy basic locks off the shelf. They are far too easy to open without even doing any damage to the door or lock. Here is some information about key bumping and what you can do to prevent it.

Key Bumping Is A Simple Trick

All that's needed to unlock your door or deadbolt is a key that fits into the keyway of your lock. Locks differ in how the pins are set, but many different kinds of locks use the same keyway, especially inexpensive varieties. All a criminal needs is a bump key that fits the opening or keyway on your lock. Bump keys can be bought easily online, or they can even be made with a 3D printer. With a collection of several different bump keys, a criminal can get in just about any old or inexpensive lock he or she comes across. All that's needed is to insert the bump key, and then tap it with a hammer or other object so the lock pins fall into place. Then the lock turns easily and opens the door. This allows intruders to enter your home with no sign of forced entry.

Bump Proof Locks Are A Necessity

Some major lock brands make locks that resist bumping. If you can't find one of these at your local hardware store, you should call a locksmith to have it installed. These are made with a pin set at an odd angle so it doesn't fall when the lock is bumped. They may not be totally bump proof, but they make it much more difficult for an intruder to open. Another option is to buy a lock that is pick resistant. These open when two actions are applied on the lock at the same time. This type of movement doesn't happen normally with key bumping, so it makes it more difficult and time consuming for an intruder to open one of these locks. Whether you install the new lock or if you hire a locksmith to do it, be sure you only buy a lock that is resistant to picking and bumping. Otherwise, if you install a typical lock off a hardware store shelf, an intruder can get in almost as easily as having a spare key to your home.

Keyless Locks Offer The Best Protection

You can eliminate the whole problem with key bumping if you get a keyless lock. These work with dials or touchpads rather than keys. Besides being more secure, these locks are more convenient too since you can change the entry code at any time without having to change the lock. It makes it easier and less risky to share keys since you can create a temporary code that quits working when it is no longer needed. Since security is your main concern, you should let a locksmith install the lock and let him or her know you are improving your home's security. Then the locksmith can recommend the best brand and the most secure way of installing it so an intruder can't get easy access to your home. This should protect your home from everyday criminals and slow down experienced intruders. Even if a lock isn't completely secure against an experienced criminal, if it takes a long time to open it, the intruder may move on to an easier target and leave your home alone.

For more information, check out a site like http://arapahoesecurity.com.