Keys to the Kingdom

Chapter 4

Bump Keys

Chapter Outline

 Introduction

 Snapping Attacks

 Bump Keys

 Summary

Introduction

Due to the way in which pin tumbler locks function and how their internal components interact, a number of tools exist which can cause a large percentage of these locks to open almost immediately if the right forces are applied with a little care and some precise timing. The techniques of snapping and bumping have been known to locksmiths for years; in the past decade they have also been seeing increased exposure in the press, news media, and as topics of discussion at security conferences.

Many people are amazed when they learn just how straightforward and uncomplicated these attacks are. Because they rely on very simple laws of physics to ...