Bump Keys

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Bump Keys

• By Bruce Wall, MS, ICPS
• City of Scottsdale

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What Will Be Covered

• What is a Bump Key
• Bump Keys Tools
• How they work
• Why is this occurring now
• Threat Counter Measures
• Impact

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What is a Bump Key

• A Bump Key or 999 Key is a lock picking device
  used to open pin tumbler locks such as Kwik-Set
  and Schlage
• The technique is 50 years old
• The term bumping is from Denmark in the 70s
• Bumping requires no skill

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What Does a Bump Key Look Like
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Bump Key Nomenclature
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About Bump Keys

• After practice, takes 30 minutes to make one with
  a file, 10 minutes with a Dremel, seconds with a
  key cutting machine
• Need a different key for each lock type
• Available on E-Bay as Depth Key
• Set of 8 keys costs 30 but can be purchased
  for as little as 8

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Bump Key Tools

• Tomahawk is used for bumping
• Can also use a screw driver, mallet or other
  device to strike the lock

The Tomahawk
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How It Works
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To Bump

• Insert key and remove one notch
• Apply pressure to key
• Hit the key with your bumping tool may take
  more than one hit
• Each key will wear out after approximately 200
  bumps
• Need a different key for each manufacturer

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Why Now?

• In April 2005, a Dutch television show revealed
  the technique
• Videos started surfacing on the internet in 2006
• Television stations use Bump Keys as a story You
  need to know about

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What is the Threat?

• NO SIGN OF FORCED ENTRY
• Any lock with vertical pin tumblers is at risk
• Most residential homes are vulnerable
• Most businesses are vulnerable
• Most mail box locks are vulnerable

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Counter Measures

• Locks that resist bumping are already on the
  market
• Most require a secondary element
• The secondary element is usually horizontal to
  prevent gravity of bumping
• Some are resistant, while a few claim to be bump
  proof

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Examples of Anti-Bump Keys

• Assa
• Side-bit millings
• Bump resistant not proof

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Examples of Anti-Bump Keys

• Assa
• Schlage Primus
• Side-bit milling
• Resists bumping
• Same inventor as Assa

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Examples of Anti-Bump Keys

• Assa
• Schlage Primus
• Mul-T-Lock
• Telescoping pins
• Some reports of locks picked

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Examples of Anti-Bump Keys

• Assa
• Schlage Primus
• Mul-T-Lock
• Dom
• Embedded ball bearing
• Bump proof

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Examples of Anti-Bump Keys

• Assa
• Schlage Primus
• Mul-T-Lock
• Dom
• Eva
• Uses sliders
• Bump proof

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Impact for Multi-Housing Industry

• Cost to landlord to install anti-bump key locks
  
• One company sells a bump key proof single
  cylinder dead bolt for 130 per lock
• Larger apartment communities may have to use key
  cards like hotels and deal with the hassles

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Impact for Law Enforcement

• Officers need training to recognize bump keys and
  the tomahawk or other tool when contacting
  suspects
• If responding to a reported burglary without
  signs of forced entry be aware of bump keys
• Notify detectives if you respond to repeated
  burglaries without signs of forced entry

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Sources

• Security Opening Lock by Bumping in 5 Seconds or
  Less www.security.org
• Snopes Bump Keys www.snopes.com
• The Open Organization of Lockpickers (TOOOL)
  Bumping Locks www.toool.nl
• Wikipedia Lock Bumping www.wikipedia.org
• City of Scottsdale Neighborhood Safety
  www.scottsdaleaz.gov/safety

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Any Questions?

• Bruce Wall 480-312-7787 or bwall_at_scottsdaleaz.gov