A response to Bump Keys

[Exodus5000]

I understand the allure of a tool like a bump key, as I have felt a similar attraction towards such a unique and seemingly fool proof tool/method. However, I think much of the hype surrounding bump keys have yielded little in the way of decreased security.

The method a bump key utilizes is not a new technique. I present to you a tool that I believe puts bump keys in their place: http://www.lockpicks.com/ProductImages/epg-1.jpg

Let’s examine the benefits and deficits of an Electro pick vs. a bump key:

1.) An Electro pick does not rely on the correct warding in a keyway for it to work. Bump keys will only work if it fits the targeted lock.
2.) An Electro pick is a more professional method of non-destructive entry than bumping.
3.) A bump key is more likely to cause damage to a lock than an Electro pick. Both tools can damage a lock, as an E-pick can scrape and grind away the sides of a keyway - and a bump key can dent the face of the plug. In practice I’ve found that often if the dent caused from a bump key is severe enough, the correct key for that lock will no longer work.
4.) The ease of use for these tools is comparable. There is little skill and virtually no training required to use either tool. I would add to this however, that bump keys require at least some skill to make and/or acquire.
5.) Bumping can open high security locks with multiple locking mechanisms, such as sidebars implemented by such lock manufacturers as Medeco or Schlage Primus. For bumping to defeat these locks however, a 999 key must be created that already contains the correct bitting for these security features.


For the aforementioned reasons, I believe the unique utility of bump keys has been limited to changing a low level key in a master system, to a bump key that can potentially operate otherwise restricted levels in that system. This method however would only be employed by criminal elements. In practice, I find that an Electro pick is a superior tool that utilizes a “bumping” technique.

I’d love to hear some challenges on any of my points, and some critiques of your own.

[keysman]

1. Apick gun or electro pick require a purchase from a dealer .. prior to opening a lock.
2 It requires you have the tool on your person at the time of opening.. Any key that will fit the lock can be made into a bump key in a short time with a file or a code machine

3 It requires some skill ,I say this because I have NEVER had an electro pick work as advertised, (similiar results with a pick gun). I worked with a guy who could open most locks in a few seconds with his electro pick. He often didn't even use a tension wrench, he would just buzz and turn , I could never get it to work for me.
I can pick locks with reasonable results, so I do know what to do.
On the other hand I have excellent resuts with Bump keys.. with the exception of side bar locks ( primus , medeco or assa) I can open most locks in a few "bumps"

My experience shows that security pins do not effect bumping.. not true for picks, pick guns or electropicks.

>>In practice I’ve found that often if the dent caused from a bump key is severe enough, the correct key for that lock will no longer work. <<

Your doing something wrong then.. you really don't have to "beat "the lock like that,

>>I believe the unique utility of bump keys has been limited to changing a low level key in a master system, <<<

Not True... the number of different "common" keyways, at least in the US is quite small I would venture to say that with 6 or 8 different bump keys someone could open 90 - 95 % of most locks they come across.. It really doesn't mater if the lock is mastered or not..

[zeke79]

I agree with keysman 100%. Add to that the fact that bumping really comes into play on locks that are warded heavily enough that the use of an EPG becomes impossible then you start to realize the true potential of the bumpkey.

[devildog]

And then there's....Mul-T-Lock

Sorry, but you know it's true

[Bud Wiser]

...

Let’s examine the benefits and deficits of an Electro pick vs. a bump key:...

lets,

1. Rechargeable - ElectroPick (120v) $164 or Rechargeable - ElectroPick (Europe) $239

Bump Key - Free

2. Electro Pick can not pick (bump) security pins - Bump Key can.

3. Electro Pick can break - Bump key can not break

4. A 11 year old girl can use a bump key, but not a electro Pick.

[Exodus5000]

...

Let’s examine the benefits and deficits of an Electro pick vs. a bump key:...

lets,

1. Rechargeable - ElectroPick (120v) $164 or Rechargeable - ElectroPick (Europe) $239

Bump Key - Free

2. Electro Pick can not pick (bump) security pins - Bump Key can.

3. Electro Pick can break - Bump key can not break

4. A 11 year old girl can use a bump key, but not a electro Pick.

The price is a good point, but i've certainly effectively used my Electro pick on security pins on a regular basis. And i've seen my little 6 year old cousin open a brinks 5 pin (2 spools) with it too. Conversely i've heard of a lot of people that havn't gotten a bump key to work.

[LostGunner]

1. Apick gun or electro pick require a purchase from a dealer .. prior to opening a lock.
2 It requires you have the tool on your person at the time of opening.. Any key that will fit the lock can be made into a bump key in a short time with a file or a code machine

I agree with you that bumpkeys are a very useful tool but I would hesitate to use the above reasoning. On point 1 bear in mind that while you have to get an electropick from a dealer, it's not like these are restricted items. In fact there are more vendors of the EPG than bumpkeys... Furthermore you must possess both before trying to open the lock - of course you have to have picks before opening the lock as well.

Point 2: You have to have a bump key or an EPG at the time of opening. For people who are practicing this as a hobby there is little reason to have to do something in a short time. I agree that it's more convenient to carry a bump key in a pocket or workvan or whatever but certainly not impassable.

Those are minor points though, generally I agree that bumpkeys are useful, but just like any other tool there is a time and a place for each. To the man with a hammer every problem looks like a nail.

[!*AMP*!]

I personally believe that bumpkeys are NOT the best tool known to man as some have hyped it up to be, but that they are an easily aquired tool, that can be used for the wrong purposes. Now, it takes less skill, but still takes practice...just makes it a bit easier.

My biggest opinion though is that I am tired of all the freakin hype on numpkeys, hehe.

[Bud Wiser]

As a hobby bump keys are no fun compared to picking, I think we all agree on that!

But if I was a professional lockie and went out on lock-out calls a lot, and did so for a few years, I think I would welcome the use of the bump key. I'd want to finish the job as fast as I could. I wouldn't care if the customer thought it looked professional, cool, or whatever. It would be just a job and I probably wouldn't see that person again for a while. So their opinion wouldn't matter to me.

So I totally understand lockies embracing BK's!

Hobbyist are naturally attracted to it too for the novelty of it, which wears off very quickly, at least it did for me.

I'm glad the media is starting to report on BK's. Public awareness is important concerning this, and who knows in the long run may have some impact on lock manufacturer's or at the very least some consumers.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it

[Shrub]

I wouldn't care if the customer thought it looked professional, cool, or whatever. It would be just a job and I probably wouldn't see that person again for a while. So their opinion wouldn't matter to me.

In my little town and its surroundings i trade off my good name and word of mouth so i HAVE to care what sort of job i do and how the customer feels afterwards,

Speed is a good thing for your mind but an extra 5 mins at a job is neither here nor there, i think bump keys are an excuse for not being able to pick but if the drillers are at least doign it non destructively then its a start,

If i had to use a bumpkey like for a MTL for example then i would still make it look harder thanit was, cover the process up from the customer and take at least 5 mins to open the door,

[Bud Wiser]

I wouldn't care if the customer thought it looked professional, cool, or whatever. It would be just a job and I probably wouldn't see that person again for a while. So their opinion wouldn't matter to me.

In my little town and its surroundings i trade off my good name and word of mouth so i HAVE to care what sort of job i do and how the customer feels afterwards,

Speed is a good thing for your mind but an extra 5 mins at a job is neither here nor there, i think bump keys are an excuse for not being able to pick but if the drillers are at least doign it non destructively then its a start,

If i had to use a bumpkey like for a MTL for example then i would still make it look harder thanit was, cover the process up from the customer and take at least 5 mins to open the door,

I understand the concern you have Shrub, I'm just saying I at least understand why lockies would use BK's. I probably would too. But totally understand if you do have concerns about it! I just don't see any other practical uses for it unless your a thief. It certainly isnt that much fun as a hobby

*PEACE*

[Shrub]

Im not argueing or even remotely wound up about it im just perhaps a bit fierce when putting my point across lol

I agree its not somthign a hobby picker shoudl worry about but i ran a poll and i think i was out voted

[salem]

The worst of bump key is that it encourages too many amateurs to try. Barry Wels mentioned in his blog that locksmiths are busy after the information about bump key is released, because many amateurs tried to open their home lock with a bump key, but forget to bring the original key with them.

The boost on the number of lock-pickers are absolutely the threat to the lock security.

[LostGunner]

The initial thought (that bump keys make it easier to open locks, therefore that is bad for seucrity) is probably reasonable. However I would say that the follow-up is that the more people that realize locks are relatively easy to open, the more people will demand better locks.

Additionally to mention how bad it is to have more and more people interested in locks on a board dedicated to the sport of lockpicking is unlikely to get much agreement.

[Bud Wiser]

The initial thought (that bump keys make it easier to open locks, therefore that is bad for seucrity) is probably reasonable. However I would say that the follow-up is that the more people that realize locks are relatively easy to open, the more people will demand better locks.

Additionally to mention how bad it is to have more and more people interested in locks on a board dedicated to the sport of lockpicking is unlikely to get much agreement.

I agree. At least the public is informed and in a better position to make better buying decisions. I read some where that the US Postal Service was made aware of it, and is currently reviewing the matter in regards to their PO boxes. But I honestly can't imagine them acting too fast on this. Think of all the locks they would need to replace! If they did the cost of postage would probably go up again to cover their cost

Also, despite seeing a 11 year old girl bump locks over at Toool, it's really not that easy for a complete noob, unless Barry was there to show you how to do it. All the questions about bump keys here is evidence of that. Although it is fairly easy to get the hang of it if you don't give up quickly.