Blogs and Keys

Key bumping may be one of the major threats to your home security that you may not know about. It is now a method quickly being made popular as videos are passed around the internet and indirect publicity is created from public news reports. The question that comes to mind with key bumping is the following: Is your home safe anymore with just a deadbolt on your front door? What can you do to prevent yourself from being burglarized using this simple method?

The technique of key bumping originally goes back to at least the 1970s, as locksmiths shared a new way to get into a locked home taking only a matter of seconds and only using a ‘bump key’ to do the job. It quickly became more popular as the media grabbed wind of the method, with burglars and thieves then implementing the idea in their ‘work.’ In short, the idea has gained such popularity and publicity that it is a well-known technique among any common thief. Just search on youtube for example, and you will get a whole host of videos showing the technique. In order to help put a stop to that spread, I will list the basics of how the process works, so that you can get educated.

The locks we generally use on our doors have not changed much since they were first invented years ago. Each basic lock contains a series of pins arranged in stacks, which when misaligned, cause the lock cylinder to not turn. When the proper key is inserted, it makes the pins align, which then allows the cylinder to turn. The basic idea of a bump key is to force a ‘blank key’ to become the key that turns the cylinder. How that happens is by inserting a key that has been filed properly to fit into the lock. Upon applying a small amount of force and ‘bumping’ they key, the pins are aligned for a moment, and the key can enter in, keeping the pins aligned properly. The process takes a matter of seconds once a proper-fitting key is made.

The main threat of key bumping comes from the fact that it is an inexpensive method that works well for most standard deadbolts. So, what can you do to prevent the thief from breaking in? The main thing nowadays that an individual can do is get a high-end lock. While these may be more expensive, you pay for quality here, and the protection that most high-end locks provide is without price. Several brands such as KABA, Schlage, and Kwikset offer ‘bump-proof’ locks, which work by various different ways, but the main idea being to not allow ‘bumping.’ If you are shopping for a new deadbolt, make sure to find one that is advertised and reviewed as ‘bump-proof.’ In addition, there are several products that you can get, such as gels, which act to prevent ‘bumping’ as well.

It is important also to realize that despite having a good deadbolt, most thieves would rather just break a window or door to get in a home since it takes even less time and there are no complications. However, there is also a way to protect against this, and that is employing door or window contacts which can detect the opening of their respective placements. The final idea is to combine all of these different elements in order to cover as many aspects of your home’s security as possible.

Source: http://www.kvbc.com/Global/story.asp?S=8617796&nav=menu107_2

Hi, I would like some help on starting my own home-based locksmith business, and I’m in need of help, suggestions and any information that may be provided.
Thanks,
Duane J

I moved into a home and the garage door keys are not included as the previous owner lost the keys. I have to have new keys made. How much is the going rate for a locksmith to make keys for a lock that has none.

The advancement in the field of science and technology has proved its influence in almost every field from modern day appliances to even providing security to your homes, cars and offices. The refinement of security is an ongoing process and has seen a number of modifications over time. For example, the keyless door lock.

There are different types of keyless door locks that have proved their benefits in the market. They help provide security for your valuable assets and the members of your family. Keyless door locks are available in various forms like the combination door lock, push button door lock, remote control door lock, keypad door lock and keyless deadbolt. Each type of keyless door lock has a set of advantages over traditional key based door locks.

What A Keyless Door Lock Has To Offer

One of the most significant benefits of the keyless door lock is that many are backed by digital technology. This technology makes use of the best guarding techniques to keep thieves and other criminals out of your home. Additionally, keyless door lock sets you free from the headaches of keeping track of keys and a the worry of losing your keys. Also, there is no need to have duplicate keys when you have a keyless door lock. Keyless door locks provides you with the ability to control who enters your home.

One of the significant benefits of the keyless door lock is the incorporation of fingerprint authorization technology. This is a keyless door lock that can be activated by a fingerprint impression. You can authorize a number of people with access using just their finger as the key. Moreover, many of these fingerprint keyless door locks have the technology to record a number of events that have taken place in your absence so you will be able to see who gained access to the premises and at what time.

Also, some keyless door locks have the ability to automatically lock each time the door is opened. This feature is called an “autolock” function and is very beneficial in situations when you might forget to lock the keyless door lock. This function is particularly helpful for individuals with developmental disabilities or for elderly users.

Combination security is another concern for keyless door lock users. Many electronic locks come with millions of number combination posibilities that are encrypted in such a way that it is impossible for thieves to enter the house by cracking the combination. Also, often materials used in the manufacturing of keyless door locks are often resistant to corroding elements so they can be used on outside doors.

Keyless door locks

are helpful in keeping families safe whether its children, elderly people, people with disabilities or simply security-minded families. If you are looking to enhance the security in your home, a keyless door lock may be a great option to consider.

Was recommended a locksmith company to change doorlocks on a new home I’m buying. Is that really necessary? What can a locksmith do that I can’t? The price is $109 for a 2 cylinder change +2 keys. Seems like a good deal, but worth it?

Security locks are very important for residential homes and commercial businesses. In virtually all aspects of living environments from places that conduct business to places where you rest, people have important documents or expensive equipment that they would like to protect. Owning a security safe is one of the best options, but this process is not as simple as buying a safe at your local wholesale store and magically securing your precious items. To install a safe it is best to call a certified locksmith to put one in the best location on the premises. Security locks does not just protect your merchandise, but it protects your employees as well.

Nationwide security companies are becoming cheaper and more assertive. Security and locksmith companies have so much knowledge about all the different types of locks. Locks ranging from electronic locks, combination locks, deadbolts, padlocks, etc?