Lock bumping is one of those break-in methods most people have never heard of until it happens to them. The scary part is how fast and quietly it works. In many cases, there is no damage, no warning signs, and no obvious proof of entry.
Let’s break down how lock bumping works and what you can do to protect your home.
How Does Lock Bumping Work?
There’s a reason nearly 35 percent of home invasions show no sign of forced entry. That’s right: lock bumping. Lock bumping is a method of burglarizing a home that involves using a unique key and a rubber mallet to “bump” the key.
Key bumping is such an effective technique that many occupants remain unaware of being burglarized. This can be a big issue with insurance companies that require some sign of forced entry. When there is none, they often think you left a key under a mat, or you left your home unlocked.
A bump key is a special key that aligns the pins of a cylinder lock, and then it is struck with a rubber mallet hammer or other bumping device to “bump” all the pins within the lock to the open position. Worryingly, bump keys can be purchased online for less than $5.
Here’s a bump key in action:
It takes some practice to get it right and, of course, the right tools. Cylinder locks are typically used in standard doors. These cylinder locks have been the most common lock manufactured for more than a century. And yes, a practiced burglar can bump these cylinder locks and be in the house within seconds.
“Lock bumping is a very easy technique to learn and perform, requiring virtually no special skills.”—Great Valley (GV) Lock shop.
Should I Be Worried About Lock Bumping?
In their article, Homeowners’ Insurance Burglary Statistics, Bankrate reports that home invasions and burglary rose by nearly 32.71% in 2022. With more couples returning to work, and children returning to the classroom during the winding down of the pandemic, fewer people are at home for the first time in two years.
What’s more, according to Credit Donkey, the most common time of burglaries has become between 10 am and 3 pm. This is precisely when your entire family is most likely to be out of the house.
This is not meant to fear-monger, but whenever your house is empty, your property is much more likely to be broken into. And if you’re still using locks that are susceptible to key bumping, you’re essentially a sitting duck.
💡 Did You Know?
Most burglars using lock bumping can get inside a home in under 60 seconds—and leave no sign of forced entry behind. That means your insurance claim could be denied if there’s no visible damage, even if your home was completely cleaned out.
Investing in bump-resistant locks isn’t just about safety—it could also save you from a massive financial loss.
Which Locks Can Be Bumped?
Lock bumpers commonly target pin-tumbler cylinder locks. Unfortunately, the most common lock used on external entry doors in America is the cylinder lock.
In fact, according to GVLock, “about 90% of households in America have entry doors equipped with a lock that can be bumped.”
We need to wise up and change to bump-proof locks.
Upgrading your locks is important, but overall door safety matters too. If you have children at home, it’s worth taking extra steps to secure entry points and prevent accidents. How to Childproof Your Front Door walks through simple ways to make your home safer without overcomplicating things.
What Is a Bump-Proof Lock?
Bump-proof locks or bump-resistant locks do not use cylinders or tumblers. For example, smart locks that use biometric or keyless entry systems or high-security locks with extra security features such as ball bearings that prevent lock picking. These kinds of locks make any form of lock picking pretty much impossible.
Most bump-proof locks come with a “UL 437” rating and a small mark on the lock that confirms its rating.
If you’re concerned about lock bumping, upgrading your lock is one of the most effective things you can do. This type of lock adds an extra layer of protection that standard locks simply don’t offer.
Schlage Encode Smart Lock – ★★★★☆ 4.6/5
A keyless smart lock designed to eliminate traditional lock vulnerabilities like bumping. It allows you to control access remotely and does not rely on a standard pin-tumbler system, making it much harder to bypass. A strong option for improving home security without complicated installation.
For more information, it’s always worth speaking to a specialist locksmith who can advise you further.
Remember, not all locks are created equal, especially when it comes to safety and prevention. If you’re looking to upgrade or add extra protection, Childproof Door Locks: Smart Safety Tips Every Parent Needs breaks down practical options that help keep both children and your home secure.
Further Security Steps to Take
If you want to protect your home against key bumping and lock bumping, here are some other methods to follow:
Deadbolts With Keychains
These locks are considered the most secure type of traditional lock for a door. They have a bolt that extends into the door frame, making it difficult to force open. However, the door frame that the bolts slide into must be strong enough to withstand the blow. Mix a deadbolt with a keychain or a sliding lock, and you’ll have a more secure door!
Smart Locks Prevent Lock Bumping
People can control and program smart locks using a smartphone or other device. These locks often have features such as remote access, which allows you to check if your doors are locked from anywhere. Provided there is no back-up cylinder lock within the smart lock, these are impossible to bump, as there is nothing to bump.
High-Security Locks
High-security locks resist key bumping, picking, drilling, and other forms of forced entry. They may use unique keyways or other features to make them more challenging to open without the proper key. As mentioned previously, these locks do not use the pin tumbler mechanism and are identifiable by looking for the “UL-437” marking close to the keyhole.
Strike Plate Reinforcement To Prevent Lock Bumping
This is an add-on feature to any lock. By reinforcing the strike plate, the force point of the lock becomes more resistant to forced entry.
Ultimately, the best lock for your home will depend on your specific needs and budget. It’s essential to consult with a professional locksmith to determine the most appropriate option.
Protect Your Valuables: Protect Against Lock Bumping
Bumping a lock is a quick and easy method for a practiced burglar to enter your home and steal your valuables, so take steps to prevent someone from pumping your locks by using high-quality keyless locks, smart locks, or high-security locks, and a monitored alarm system to keep your home secure.
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