This technique for defeating home key locks was previously unknown to me. I'm passing this along for your information.
John
YouTube - Major Home Security Issue
John
YouTube - Major Home Security Issue
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Home security alert: "lock bumping"
- Thread starter PALADIN85020
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DeathGrip
US Veteran
Wow,I guess I never thought of that.Now I'll have to rethink my security.
John,Thanks for the heads up.
DG
John,Thanks for the heads up.
DG
truckemup97
Member
It's been around for a while, but obviously not everyone has heard of it. Thanks for the reminder.
aquagear
Member
Locks only keep the honest people out, they just slow down the bad guys. My doors are locked, but Smith & Wesson protect my house.
Well, I had never heard of this, so thanks for the education. Now I need to do something to upgrade my home security. (Though my best security remains the clear lines of sight to my house from the streets front and back, and my attentive neighbors.)
Farmer17
Member
The cheap locks are pretty easy to bump but the expensive locks are very difficult.
Lock bumping has been around for a long, long time. It was a forgotten method that resurfaced about 5-6 years ago.
It really does work if you practice. However it's not a method I use in front of customers.
High security locks are the only way to stop this type of attack.
Locally I have seen many, too many homes that were robbed with no signs of forced entry. We suspect bump keys were used.
Consequently, we have been selling a lot of Medeco deadbolts. They are expensive, but what is your safety and piece of mind worth?
It really does work if you practice. However it's not a method I use in front of customers.
High security locks are the only way to stop this type of attack.
Locally I have seen many, too many homes that were robbed with no signs of forced entry. We suspect bump keys were used.
Consequently, we have been selling a lot of Medeco deadbolts. They are expensive, but what is your safety and piece of mind worth?
Grog
Member
The last gunshow I went to (Mesquite) had a guy asking me if I wanted bump keys as I walked by. I gave him a dirty look and kept walking.
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A CHAIN IS ONLY AS STRONG AS ITS WEAKEST LINK. What's the purpose of having a high security bump proof lock on a door that is directly next to a pane of glass (door lite or window)? Most thieves do not pick locks, they break a window, a rear slider or a basement window. According to police in my neck of the woods, most thieves do not go through the front door. If you live in a sixth floor apartment with a steel door and that is the only entrance, then yes the better locks will provide better security. Not saying you should purposely buy cheap locks, I just doubt that a Medeco lock is going to keep a thief from kicking in a basement window. Just saying............
Regards,
Chief38
Regards,
Chief38
^ +1. Most people who are gonna do a B&E (That doesn't stand for bacon and eggs) are not smart enough to buy/make lock pick sets or bump keys. They are gonna break a window, kick in a door, etc.. A security alarm going off would scare off 50-60%. A few bullets would take care off the rest. Criminals are very stupid, but can get creative. A gun or ten is the only good defense
Lee in Quartzsite
Member
I recently installed 2 steel security doors and all new locks, so the video was a bit disturbing. I did some checking and found out my new locks were designed to guard against "bumping". The video was made in 2007, so hopefully other lock companies have designed locks that resist bumping.
Other means of entering are stolen garage door openers aided by a vehicle registration complete with address, doggy doors for larger dogs, and poorly installed window air conditioners.
Doesn't really matter...if someone is determined to get your stuff they will always find a way...but first they will have to deal with my 2 Labs and a Mossberg 12 gauge.
Other means of entering are stolen garage door openers aided by a vehicle registration complete with address, doggy doors for larger dogs, and poorly installed window air conditioners.
Doesn't really matter...if someone is determined to get your stuff they will always find a way...but first they will have to deal with my 2 Labs and a Mossberg 12 gauge.
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The local TV news trash, in the public interest, gave a "Lock Bumping 101" seminar for all the local bad guys here last year. It revolted me at all the detail they went into.
There are different types of bump-proof locks. The best types have two sets of tumblers and security controlled unusual keys. They can run $60-$80 per lock. Don't forget to include security lighting and trim back bushes that let thieves hide. As noted the best alarm is an ill-tempered dog. Most prospective thieves just move on to something easier once they know a dog is present (they aren't worried about the dog as much as who he might wake up).
Buck
There are different types of bump-proof locks. The best types have two sets of tumblers and security controlled unusual keys. They can run $60-$80 per lock. Don't forget to include security lighting and trim back bushes that let thieves hide. As noted the best alarm is an ill-tempered dog. Most prospective thieves just move on to something easier once they know a dog is present (they aren't worried about the dog as much as who he might wake up).
Buck
Lee,
They don't even need that. They can slip a hook through the gap at the top of the garage door and pull the emergency release. Make sure your house doors into the garage have deadbolts and security locks.
Buck
rburg
Member
Medeco locks cost a small fortune. I'll let you know in a few years if I like them or not. They sure are smooth and positive. And the keys are huge! 
Of course anyone can bash in a window, be it next to the door or someplace else in the house. Your only protection against that is sensors that detect breaking glass, and alarms on all the ground floor windows and doors. Motions everyplace else. Overlapping coverage to the extent anyone getting in will surely trip multiple zones.
But your first line of defense is still the door locks. Discount store locks provide little or no security. Most locksmith brands do little more. Medeco is about as good as it gets for less than a 2nd mortgage.
Of course anyone can bash in a window, be it next to the door or someplace else in the house. Your only protection against that is sensors that detect breaking glass, and alarms on all the ground floor windows and doors. Motions everyplace else. Overlapping coverage to the extent anyone getting in will surely trip multiple zones.
But your first line of defense is still the door locks. Discount store locks provide little or no security. Most locksmith brands do little more. Medeco is about as good as it gets for less than a 2nd mortgage.
I've been selling and installing high security locks for years. Medeco is the best and worth every penny.
Some of you folks mentioned other ways of breaking into a house. There are many ways of doing so. Nobody said to buy good deadbolts and stop there.
Secondary or auxillary locks do exist for patio doors and windows. 3M makes an extremely strong window film that will stop the quick smash and enter.
Home security needs to be done in layers. Skimping or simply ignoring certain layers will make it easier for the bad guys.
Contrary to popular belief, there are other good locks out there. People don't know about them because they don't ask. They go to the local big box hardware store and believe what the sales guy says and run with it. Your local locksmith should be able to provide you with an excellent section of strong high quality locks. If they can't then they are not true security professionals. Seek a reputable locksmith.
For example, people think that Schlage locks are the best. They aren't. Their commercial locks are very well made but there are better. Their residential line is a joke. Simply don't buy into it. Schlage is owned by Ingersoll Rand. They can afford to spend a hell of a lot more money promoting thier products. And I have yet to see any locks sold by any home center that I would put on my house.
I've been a professional locksmith for close to 20 years. Don't claim to be an expert. But I know what I know from doing it every day. I am certified and insured and have more training than most of my contemperaries. I not only secure homes and business, but I am also a very good automotive locksmith.
Need help? Send me a PM.
Some of you folks mentioned other ways of breaking into a house. There are many ways of doing so. Nobody said to buy good deadbolts and stop there.
Secondary or auxillary locks do exist for patio doors and windows. 3M makes an extremely strong window film that will stop the quick smash and enter.
Home security needs to be done in layers. Skimping or simply ignoring certain layers will make it easier for the bad guys.
Contrary to popular belief, there are other good locks out there. People don't know about them because they don't ask. They go to the local big box hardware store and believe what the sales guy says and run with it. Your local locksmith should be able to provide you with an excellent section of strong high quality locks. If they can't then they are not true security professionals. Seek a reputable locksmith.
For example, people think that Schlage locks are the best. They aren't. Their commercial locks are very well made but there are better. Their residential line is a joke. Simply don't buy into it. Schlage is owned by Ingersoll Rand. They can afford to spend a hell of a lot more money promoting thier products. And I have yet to see any locks sold by any home center that I would put on my house.
I've been a professional locksmith for close to 20 years. Don't claim to be an expert. But I know what I know from doing it every day. I am certified and insured and have more training than most of my contemperaries. I not only secure homes and business, but I am also a very good automotive locksmith.
Need help? Send me a PM.
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Where to spend the $$$$$$$ on security
As someone just stated, MAKE SURE you have a steel door and high security locks on the door that goes from your garage into your house (if you have one). It's easy to get into a garage and the overhead doors are often not alarmed. Once in an enclosed garage, a thief can take his time (unseen) and get into the house. It's also important to have a wireless radio that sends a secondary signal to your central station, because most theives know how to cut a phone wire where the primary signal would normally go to the central station. In fact, if your houses are like most, you probably have a glass lite right next to your front door, so if a thief does want to get through the front door, he's not going to bump the lock, he's going to break the glass and open the door. Most likely he'll go around back and get in through a basement window or a patio slider. So the best thing (IMHO) is to make sure you have a GOOD STRONG gun safe. Not the kind they sell in the discount stores with the fancy gold plated wheels, but a real good strong one. Above all, make sure it's bolted to the ground and if you keep the safe in a closet, alarm that door with a separate keypad and separate alarm code.
chief38
As someone just stated, MAKE SURE you have a steel door and high security locks on the door that goes from your garage into your house (if you have one). It's easy to get into a garage and the overhead doors are often not alarmed. Once in an enclosed garage, a thief can take his time (unseen) and get into the house. It's also important to have a wireless radio that sends a secondary signal to your central station, because most theives know how to cut a phone wire where the primary signal would normally go to the central station. In fact, if your houses are like most, you probably have a glass lite right next to your front door, so if a thief does want to get through the front door, he's not going to bump the lock, he's going to break the glass and open the door. Most likely he'll go around back and get in through a basement window or a patio slider. So the best thing (IMHO) is to make sure you have a GOOD STRONG gun safe. Not the kind they sell in the discount stores with the fancy gold plated wheels, but a real good strong one. Above all, make sure it's bolted to the ground and if you keep the safe in a closet, alarm that door with a separate keypad and separate alarm code.
chief38
In addition to your post regarding the house to garage door. Security experts agree that this door should be treated as a perimeter door. Unfortunately many of those doors are 1 3/8 inch hollow core doors. Those doors should be replaced. Also, don't leave tools in the garage which will help the bad guy. Stuff like axes, chain saws, hammers, pry bars etc... Lock them up if you can.
george minze
Member
Personal observation: If you have kids get a Airedale pup and have him grow up with the kids. Airedales will die defending their master but try and hit a kid in front of one. (No Way) tough dogs, impervious to pain and fearless, yet not vicious by nature, Whoa be to the intruder that brakes in. As a kid in Ohio we raised Beagles and Springer spaniels. Around hunting season we had thefts of some pretty good dogs. My dad an old hard head to say the least bought an airdale and built a secondary run around the kennels, and let Bruno stay there when we were not home and at night. He had his own plush accommodations built into the run. One night we heard screaming from the kennels. some once a year hunter had snuck in to the area of the kennels, Beagles and Springers love every body. when we went out to the kennel a guy was hanging from the fence with Bruno holding on to about 6" of his butt and as terriers will do was shaking his head that was attached to his butt, each shake a little more flesh came loose...No more intruders...period..the deputy sheriff that responded was laughing so hard he almost puked. He told that story through out the county and Bruno became famous. We had nothing else taken from the property. hunting season or not...I loved that dog. He finally got old and sight going got hit by a car I was in the Marines when it happened. He mated every female dog within 5 miles and whipped the males. AND my dad couldn't touch me if Bruno was around....Sorry for the story I just had to tell it. I have had many Airedales since then and all have been great. "They will guard their pauper master as if he was a prince"
