In recent years, the phenomenon of " squatting" has gained a lot of prominence. There is not a week that goes by without a robbery or a squat being mentioned in the news, to the point that companies specialising in evicting homes have become extremely popular.
However, the rise in crime is compounded by the vulnerability of the locks found in most homes. A technique called bumping is enough to force a standard lock. According to security studies, 8 out of 10 of today's locks are vulnerable to this technique. There are also techniques such as lock picking or impressioning , the most modern, but we will discuss them in depth in other articles in the future.
Now, what is bumping and how can I prevent it?
Bumping (or ramping) is a technique that consists of inserting a generic key called a bumping key by means of small blows with a hammer or similar that activate the pistons of the lock cylinder, which take advantage of the vibration to adapt to the pattern and allow the key to turn , opening the door easily and quickly without leaving any signs of having been forced. This technique is used in locksmithing to open doors in an emergency legally.
See how easy it is to access your home with the bumping technique !
As you can see, it is an extremely simple, silent and effective technique, which is why it is very necessary to protect your home in good conditions given that not only the possessions inside the house are at stake, but also the integrity and ownership of the house itself .
The solution: the anti-bumping lock
If your home's lock cylinder is inexpensive, we recommend changing it and installing anti-bumping lock cylinders in your home to prevent easy access and achieve greater security.
Note . When we refer to antibumping locks , we are referring to cylinders that include this "antibumping" security element. In the end, what is violated by the bumping technique is the cylinder and then it is through this that the lock is activated.
How an anti-bumping lock works
The anti-bumping lock cylinder is characterized by having several irregular pistons and resistant material to make it difficult to manipulate. Normally the springs inside the anti-bumping "lock" are quality springs whose manipulation is almost impossible. This without taking into account that the points to be violated are much more just because of the type of key used (points). A point key has many more security "points" than a serrated key and not only that but point keys can be complicated in any way by making difficult combinations, varied reliefs and greater entry barriers .
(Locks with a point key are not always anti-bumping, BE CAREFUL!)
In addition, anti-bumping locks are made from high-quality, durable and solid materials, making them resistant and difficult to manipulate. Furthermore, the anchors to the door are greatly reinforced, making their removal difficult.
Finally, they allow changes and updates, so they adapt to new techniques for manipulating them.
Additional anti-bumping features that your lock needs to be secure
As we have already mentioned in a variety of articles, a lock can have 2 extra security elements apart from the cylinder itself: the escutcheon and the bolt .
The security shield is an extra protection that is given to the cylinder on the outside of the door to make access to it even more complicated. We can find an infinite number of security shields but in general as long as the shield is solid it will perform a notable protection function.
On the other hand, there are security bolts. This element is installed at eye level and is a mechanism that works separately from the door lock itself, providing an extra point of security. It is not a basic security element but it is recommended to install it if you want to make it difficult for people outside your home to access your home.
Best anti-bumping locks
Historically, brands such as Diamond, Abus, Tesa, Amig, Ezcurra, MCM, Lince and many more have been the ones that have stood out in the manufacture of this type of locks, but the characteristics (mentioned above) of a cylinder are more relevant than the manufacturer.
Some of the best security locks are from these brands already mentioned, such as the Schlosser Technik Eurocylindro, the Tesa Assa Abloy TK100, the Diamond DOM cylinder or the ABUS MX PRO.
To choose between all these options, it is essential to keep in mind 3 factors : The type of door (whether it is metal or wood ), the dimensions of the cylinder and the characteristics and level of security sought. We explain these concepts in more detail in articles such as this one: " How to install a security cylinder ".
Our recommendation on anti-bumping locks
Don't put your home's security at risk! With increasing crime and techniques such as bumping, it is vital to have at least a high-quality anti-bumping lock. Explore our selection of the best brands and models on the market adapted to your needs. Protect your home and sleep peacefully knowing that you have made the best decision ! Visit our store and choose the lock that will give you the peace of mind you deserve. Don't wait any longer, and ask us any questions you may have.
