Bump Keys and Vehicles
Bump Keys, scary things. You must have heard of it being used on lots of locks to get them open. You just got a car, and you don’t feel great at all. You think it’s just a matter of time and some criminal will bump into your car. Well, if bump keys and vehicles are your worries, then you’ve got nothing to worry about.
Bump Keys do not work on car locks. Why? Let’s see.
How Bump Keys Work
A lock is made up of the plug (the keyhole and pins) and the bible (that houses the plug). In the plug, there are pins, and these pins are what move when a key is inserted. So, if the incorrect key is inserted into a keyhole, the pins won’t move to open the lock. For a bump key to work, it has to be structured similarly to the main key for that lock. This concept can extend to various applications, including bump keys and vehicles, where the same principle applies. When using a bump key on a vehicle lock, the pins in the lock mechanism must be manipulated in a way that mimics the action of the original key.
Bump keys will only work on pin tumbler locks. Why? Simply because bump keys are structured closely to a pin tumbler lock’s key. The pins in a pin tumbler lock move to a direction (upwards) when its key is inserted. The direction these pins are moved to is called the shear line. The bump keys have serrations designed to move these pins to the shear line too, but an extra force will have to be applied to move these pins in a split second. It’s important to note that bump keys and vehicles are not typically compatible, as most modern vehicles use more advanced locking mechanisms, making them resistant to this type of manipulation.
That is why bump keys work on pin tumbler locks. This isn’t helping you feel safe? How about I tell you that your vehicles do not use pin tumbler locks? We’re getting somewhere right?
Your vehicles do not use a pin tumbler lock so a bump key wouldn’t work on them. So what sort of locks so they use? Would any other types of key work on them?
How Does My Car Lock Work?
Your car uses wafer locks or the more advanced kind, slider locks. Unlike the pin tumbler locks that require all the pins in the lock to move in one direction when a key is inserted, a wafer lock requires this movement in opposite directions. That is why a key for a wafer lock has serrations on both sides of the key. In some cases, bump keys and vehicles are related, as bump keys can be used to manipulate certain types of locks, including wafer locks, making it easier for unauthorized access.
For the slider locks they have sliders in the locks. Their keys have snakelike engravings on both sides. The pattern on the keys should match the sliders in the lock to be able to move them.
Evidently, these locks are too complicated for bump keys to override. Nevertheless, there are keys called jiggle keys that are the equivalent of bump keys for your vehicles. These keys are very similar to the keys of a wafer lock. So they could be used to open your vehicle, especially if it uses a wafer lock. This is where bump keys and vehicles intersect, as these specific keys may be effective in certain situations. Something you can do is upgrade your car locks to slider locks, as these keys don’t work on them.
Do Your Locks Really Protect Your Cars?
A simple honest answer is no. A criminal does not have to go through your locks to get into your car. They could simply use a probe to get your car open. While manipulating locks, such as using bump keys and vehicles, can be time-consuming, most criminals won’t resort to that method.
So, there’s a reason bump keys don’t work on cars and that is simply because they aren’t made to. Bump keys and vehicles are not compatible, as these tools are designed for different types of locks. Instead of spending resources on upgrading your locks, you can try other means to secure your vehicle. Try installing security systems like alarms in your vehicles or even a GPS. Those work. Try your best to ensure your vehicles are not isolated, and if it’s in storage or maybe a garage, then you can invest in good locks for your garage doors.
Have a lock or security concern? Our team at Alcatraz Locksmith is here to help you with fast, reliable, and professional service. Whether you need assistance with residential, commercial, or automotive locksmithing, we’re just a call away. Contact us now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do bump keys work on car locks?
No, bump keys do not work on car locks. Most modern vehicles use wafer or slider locks, which are not compatible with bump keys, which are designed to work with pin tumbler locks.
Are bump keys and vehicles related?
Bump keys and vehicles are related in the sense that bump keys are used to manipulate certain types of locks, like pin-tumbler locks. However, since most cars use more advanced locking systems like wafers or slider locks, bump keys cannot be used to unlock vehicles.
Can Bump Keys and Vehicles Intersect?
While bump keys do not work on most car locks, in some cases, vehicles with wafer locks may be vulnerable to manipulation using keys similar to bump keys, known as jiggle keys. However, these are not as effective as bump keys on pin-tumbler locks.
Are bump keys a threat to my car’s security?
Bump keys are not a major threat to modern vehicle security because most cars do not use pin-tumbler locks. However, criminals may resort to other methods, such as using probes, to bypass your car’s lock. It’s always a good idea to use additional security systems like alarms or GPS tracking.
What types of locks do vehicles use that bump keys cannot affect?
Vehicles typically use wafer locks or slider locks, both of which are more complex than pin tumbler locks and are not affected by bump keys. These advanced locks require specific keys designed to match the unique internal mechanisms.