Lock bumping sounds alarming, and the internet has made it seem more common than it is. Understanding what it is, and what it is not, helps you spend money where it matters.
What bumping is
A bump key is a key cut to the deepest position at every pin. When struck while turned, the pins jump momentarily, letting the cylinder turn. It works on many common pin-tumbler locks.
How common is it?
Bumping requires some practice and a matching key blank. Most burglars in Canada still get in by kicking a door, forcing a frame, or using an unlocked window. Bumping is real but not the main risk.
Signs your lock may be vulnerable
- It is an older or budget pin-tumbler.
- It has no bump-resistant features.
- The keyway is very common.
What helps
- Bump-resistant cylinders, designed with extra pins or special geometry.
- High-security locks with restricted keys.
- Deadbolts with a strong strike plate, so even a bumped lock faces a solid barrier.
- A door and frame in good condition.
What doesn’t help much
- Covering the keyhole with tape.
- Expensive locks on weak doors.
- Hiding keys under the mat, which makes bumping unnecessary.
Balanced advice
If your locks are cheap and old, upgrading to a bump-resistant model is sensible. But spend equally on the frame and strike. See our high-security lock and deadbolt installation pages.
For landlords
Restricted keys also stop tenants from copying keys at a kiosk, which is a related risk.
Practical steps
Check what kind of cylinder you have. A locksmith can tell you if it is bump-resistant. Upgrading the exterior cylinder is an easy step.
Do not forget the door
Reinforce the strike and frame, add lighting and lock windows. Bumping is one of several methods; the door as a whole matters.
When to replace
If your lock is old, worn or low grade, replacement is more sensible than trying to patch it. See standard vs high-security deadbolts.
Questions about a lock or key problem? Apna Locksmith is a Brampton-based mobile locksmith serving Brampton, Vaughan, Caledon, Etobicoke and Halton Hills. Call (289) 406-1500 or see our service areas.