Bump Key
By Mike C Tucson Locksmith Service • 0 Comments

Lock Bumping

When you are locked out of your home, the thought of lock bumping is probably going to cross your mind. If not, you need to know that it is a common technique used for those wanting to gain access to your home for all of the wrong reasons, to break in. Lock bumping requires a special, filed-down key and an object that can be used for blunt force. If you try it yourself when you are locked out, you risk leaving damage to your doors or locks. You’re better off calling a locksmith to get you back inside. The locksmith may actually use a bump key to open your lock, but will not typically leave damage behind. However, it is interesting to understand how lock bumping works, so you can have your locks evaluated and assess how safe and secure they really are.

 

Also known as the “999 Method”, lock bumping has been around for decades. To bump a lock, a special key is placed inside the keyhole and then manipulated. Lock bumping requires the use of a bump key. Bump keys can be purchased online or made by carefully filing down the right parts of the key. A bump key has a straighter edge on the prong side. They are used on spring-loaded pin stack locks. When the bump key is inserted into the keyhole, you use force to bump all the pin stacks into an open position so the lock is able to be turned.

Lock bumping takes a lot of patience and skill to ensure all of the pins are lined up in the proper position before applying force. With a bump key you may need to use a bump hammer to get it done properly. The bump hammer is smaller than a regular hammer. It is used to gently bump the key until the lock is opened.

Bump Key - Lock Bumping

Bumping a lock is a common technique used by would-be burglars. To ensure your locks are safe from lock bumping, take some steps as follows:

Make your home unattractive for crooks by keeping the landscaping around the doors and windows clean and trimmed. If a crook has no place to hide, he or she will move onto the next home.

Install security cameras. Successful lock bumping thieves are often so skilled in their work that they leave behind no evidence of break-in. If you have video surveillance footage of them breaking in, your insurance company will be more likely to pay the claim of damage since you have proof.

Install anti-lock bumping devices on your locks. One of the quickest and most effective devices is one that has a bar that prevents the thumb lock to turn. You may also consider installing security pins or high security locks. Ultimately, keyless deadbolt locks are among the highest security against lock bumping since there is no key to physically insert for bumping.

Transponder Key
By Mike C Car Keys • 0 Comments

What is Transponder Key

Keyless entry systems or electronic key fobs for vehicles has been standard now for decades, but now there are automobiles that operate with something called a transponder key. What is transponder key and how do they work? More importantly, what do you do if you need a replacement transponder key?

 

What is transponder key –

The term transponder is made up of two words, “Transmitter” and “Responder”. The transponder key fob transmits a signal that is received and responded to my a receiver inside your vehicle. In newer vehicles, there is no need to insert a key into an ignition and turn the key to start the car. There is keyless electronic ways of doing this instead. As long as the transponder key is in your hand or pocket, you simply step on the brake and push the button to start the car. If you are trying to open a car door or lock them, you press the button on the key fob. They operate on a remote electronic signal and function only when charged with a battery.

 

The key fob for the transponder key has a small short range radio transmitter inside that communicates with the corresponding receiver inside your vehicle’s locks. When you push the button on the key fob, it sends a brief signal to the vehicle to signal whether you want to lock or unlock the doors or start the ignition. Some transponder keys are programmed to encrypt and rotate signal codes to make it more difficult for car thieves to intercept and duplicate the signal to gain access to your automobile.

Transponder Key Programming
Transponder Keys
What happens when you need a new battery in your transponder key?

You follow the steps to replace the battery which usually mean opening up the key fob, buying the proper size of battery, removing the old one, replacing it with a new one and reassembling the key fob unit. Sometimes, an extra step of reprogramming the transponder key is needed.

 

With the exception of classic cars or those made before electronic key technology, gone are the days when all you needed to open up a locked vehicle was a coat hanger and time to patiently jiggle the lock open. While transponder keys make a vehicle more difficult to break into or steal, when you lock yourself out of your automobile that operates with a transponder key, you need to take other measures of getting back inside.

 
Transponder Key Services

If you have lost your transponder key, you will need to get a replacement which will require programming. A qualified automotive locksmith is able to do this for you and typically charges much less prices than those your car dealership will charge. A locksmith is also able to handle repairs to the inside of your transponder key fob such as re-soldering components that work loose.

When you want to know what is transponder key and how to get one reprogrammed, it is time to contact a knowledgeable locksmith technician who will be able to answer all of your key questions and get your key programmed on the spot.

Key Stuck in Lock
By Mike C 24 Hour Locksmith Tucson • Emergency Locksmith • • 0 Comments

Key Stuck in Lock

Locks and keys are a part of everyday life, and we usually use them without any trouble. But, when something goes wrong with a lock or key, it can sometimes go terribly wrong. What could be worse than losing your keys or locking yourself out of your home, office, or car? Turning your key to lock or unlock the door only to find your key stuck in lock or worse, broken off with part of the key stuck inside.

Key cylinders are spring loaded with a series of pins that allow the cylinder to be turned when the proper key is inserted. Keys get stuck or won’t turn when the key grooves have become worn, the wrong key is inserted, it has been re-keyed improperly, screws have become loose, or there is dirt or grime preventing the key to insert properly or the tumblers from turning smoothly. Sometimes, this will  cause the key to either become stuck or to break off entirely inside the lock.

 

Key Extraction

When your key is stuck inside the lock, the first and most important thing to do is to not panic. Think clearly, and assess the situation. There are do-it-yourself methods, but the most time efficient way to get the key out without leaving damage to your locks is to contact a professional locksmith.

 

Methods for extracting a key include:

  • Using a key extractor tool
  • Tapping the lock
  • Using a probe and pull method
  • Pushing the key
  • Icing the lock
  • Lubricating the lock
  • Using tweezers or scissors
  • Using a mini saw blade
  • Last resort is drilling

 

Key Stuck in Lock
Key Extractor Tools

 

A professional who is skilled at key extractions will show up with the tools and technology needed to get the key out of the lock without damaging your locks. The skilled expert will show up and probably use a key extractor tool. This is a fast and simple way to get the key safely out in about 15 minutes. The technician will first determine whether or not the key is stuck or if the blade has broken off deep within the lock. The expert will also provide you with a spare or new key and make sure your lock is in working order or recommend a change of locks or a re keying.

 

Car Ignition or Trunk Key Extractions

When your key is stuck inside your ignition or trunk, a professional locksmith will be able to extract the key but with a slightly different method than the ones used on home or office door locks. An expert can usually remove your key from your car door, trunk, or ignition without leaving any damage.  This requires the use of a special key extraction tool.

 

Preventative Steps

There are preventative steps to take to make sure your key never gets stuck in the lock. Often, a key breaks off in the lock because we are in a hurry and turn it with more force than usual. Slow down, and take your time to lock or unlock your door smoothly. As simple as it sounds, make sure you are using the right key. If you carry several keys on a key chain, this is easier to confuse one key for another than you might imagine. Another tip for preventing a key stuck in lock is to make sure your locks and keys are properly maintained by cleaning out dirt or debris and making sure they are properly lubricated. If you notice wear and tear on your lock or your key, look into having it repaired, a new key cut, or new locks installed. Even when you take preventative measures, keys can still get stuck or break.

 

When you find your key stuck in lock, it’s time to contact a professional locksmith who will be able to show up at your location in no time to extract your key without damaging your locks and provide you with a duplicate key, change or re-key your lock on the spot.