Posted on 02/13/2007 10:15:50 AM PST by Ben Mugged
Dutch television program demonstrating the technique ~snip~ were posted on various web sites. The issue has naturally concerned a good many people who have learned about it, since it seemingly shows that many of the kinds of locks typically used on residences are seemingly vulnerable to being bypassed through a fairly simple, effective technique.A "999" or bump key can be any key that fits a particular pin tumbler lock and that has been modified so that all of its cuts (or grooves) are made to the deepest allowable position as defined by each manufacturer. The term "fit" means that the key will enter the keyway (the front of the lock) but will not unlock it. The term "bumping" refers to the process of forcing the key to interact with the pin tumblers by "bumping" or rapping it with a plastic mallet while it is inserted into the lock. This process entails hitting the head of the key, causing it to rapidly move forward. When the key is struck correctly, each of the bottom pins is "bumped" upward for a brief instant, thus allowing the lock to be opened.
(Excerpt) Read more at snopes.com ...
This is of major concern to everyone.
As opposed to someone kicking your door in????
Or breaking the window?
I work in the lock business. If you've ever tried using one of these devices or a key gun, you will find them very time consuming and difficult to use.
If someone is kneeling down, messing with my neighbors front door lock, I'm asking him why.
We also cut glass. If anyone wants into your home, a glass cutter is simple, neat, effective and quiet.
Did you watch the video? The time spent in front of the lock was less than 5 seconds.
Speaking as one who has worked in the lock business, I concur. This kind of device only works marginally on well worn and/or poorly designed locks, and is pretty much useless for higher quality locks.
I saw this last week. It's amazing how effective and simple this method is. Apparently it's been around for a long time. One wonders why the lock companies have not improved their product.
Some locks are immune to this. I have Schalage locks. They cannot be "bumped".
There's also the old favorite, the Kwickout tool.
Note to everyone else - don't have Kwikset locks on your doors or anything else guarding your valuables. They're known as "Kwik-pick" locks for a reason.
A weapon is only effective if you are home.
Wrong. Some Schlage locks can't be bumped, but most of them can.
Just checked - unless you have a Schlage Primus, your Schlage can be bumped open.
I'm glad to hear that, I have those locks too. :)
Maybe I spoke too soon...I guess if someone wants in, they'll find a way. :(
Schlage bump keys: http://www.lockpicks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=696
Of the Schlages, only the Primus can't be bumped open.
Electric toothbrush (slightly modified) and a nailfile.
Thanks for the info. I have one about 4 years old, so I probably don't have the Primus. :(
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