BUMP KEYS RAISE DANGER OF ILLEGAL ACTIVITY
Industry Association is discouraging sale of bump keys over the Internet

NEW YORK, NY –Bump keys are devices that can be used to open cylinder locks without the use of a proper key.  Bump keys are made from keys that have been filed down in such a way that when they are inserted into a cylinder lock and then rapped with a mallet or hammer, they create a separation between the top and bottom pins of a pin tumbler cylinder and allow the lock to be opened. The bumping method of picking locks is receiving new attention, due in part to lock picking clubs and lock picking “how-to” sites on the Web. Certain depth keys that are used by professionals to make keys to manufacturers’ specifications can also be used as bump keys. These keys are sometimes called 999 keys.
Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA), the national association representing door hardware manufacturers, believes that bump keys are properly categorized as lock picking devices. In the wrong hands, bump keys can be used for illicit purposes. According to Peter Rush, executive director of BHMA, “The association is concerned about the growing attention to bumping and the availability of bump keys and instructions for their use over the Internet. Unauthorized persons can gain access to bump keys and instructions. And, despite what members of lock picking clubs may think, lockpicking is not a harmless pastime.”

BHMA and its members are actively seeking to prevent the sale and distribution of bump keys to persons intent on using them for improper purposes. The association is sending cease and desist letters to vendors who sell bump keys on their Web sites. BHMA is also working with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to modify the BHMA/ANSI A156 series standards for cylinder locks to include warnings for locks that are susceptible to bumping.

Although states regulate the use and possession of lock picking devices in general, BHMA wants to encourage them to explicitly include bump keys in their statutes in order to make unauthorized purchase and use subject to criminal penalties. BHMA also wants to encourage state attorneys general to increase oversight of the sale, distribution and use of bump keys.

Despite the increased attention bump keys are receiving, people should not panic about their security, says Mr. Rush. “Individuals who are concerned about the vulnerability of their security systems should keep in mind that locks are only one kind of security. BHMA recommends the use of high security cylinder locks that meet ANSI/BHMA standards in addition to a secondary item such as a restricted keyway.”

About BHMA

The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) is an industry leader in building safety and security. BHMA is the only organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and maintain performance standards for locks, closers, exit devices and other builders hardware. The widely known ANSI/BHMA A156 series of standards describes and establishes the features and criteria for specific types of hardware products. In addition, BHMA sponsors third-party certification of hardware products, which is a requirement for a product to bear the “BHMA Certified” mark — insuring that the product meets the ANSI/BHMA standard. For more information on BHMA, please write to BHMA, 355 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1500, New York, NY, 10017 or visit the Web site at www.buildershardware.com.