What’s the difference between lock picking and lock bumping? When buying locks you might see products listing that they are anti picking or bumping. While you may be familiar with the term lock picking, bumping might be something that has you a bit confused.
Most standard home door locks have a pin tumbler design. The lock mechanism of it is made up of several small pins in two lines. One line is referred to as key pins and the other is the driver pin line. Your lock pins are configured in a certain way and your key mimics the order that these pins need to be released. By releasing the pins in your lock back to the shear line your door can be opened.
Locksmiths may either use the lock picking or bumping techniques to unlock your door for you when you have been locked out.
Lock Picking
To pick your lock a locksmith with use two tools. A wrench and a pin. The wrench is used to create tension on the pins while the pin tool is used to release the pins to the shear line.
Lock picking is used to avoid any damage to the lock.
Lock Bumping
Instead of wrenches and pins being used a bump key is utilised to open your lock. A bump key is inserted into the keyhole of your lock and bumped with another tool. In a similar fashion to picking your lock this action causes the lock pins to go to the shear line. To open the door, rotational force is applied to the bump key.
The effect of both of these techniques is the same, allowing a lock to be opened without a key. Cheaper locks are easier to open using either the bump or pick methods. High security door locks have been tested for their resistance for both picking and bumping. Locks come in a variety of standards and some are designed to be anti-pick or anti-bump locks.
Contact us with any questions you have about the safety of your locks against unwanted lock picking and bumping.
