Category Archives: CT Small Business

CT Commercial Locksmith, CT Residential Locksmith, CT Small Business, Home Safety, Security

What is a bump key and should you be concerned?

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bumping keyPin tumbler design locks are probably the most popular locks in the world. These types of locks come in different sizes and finishes, can be used in exterior and interior doors, and they’re suitable for residential and commercial applications. They can also be picked quite easily with a “bump key,” sometimes also called a “999 key,” which is a normal key cut to a specific code that can then be used as a lock picking tool.

What exactly is key bumping? Security.org describes the technique in this way:

“The term “bumping” refers to the process of forcing the key to interact with the pin tumblers by “bumping” or rapping it with a plastic mallet while it is inserted into the lock. This process entails hitting the head of the key, causing it to rapidly move forward. When the key is struck correctly, each of the bottom pins is “bumped” upward for a brief instant, thus allowing the lock to be opened.”

Bump keys are nothing new. They have for many years been part in a variety of techniques used by legitimate master locksmiths to open locks that are malfunctioning or in instances where the key was lost. Professional and ethical locksmiths did not share this technique with the public.

So what’s the commotion all about then? In 2005, after a television program demonstrated the technique, the video ended up on the internet for anyone to see and by now there are many more videos available on this topic – making it extremely easy for criminals to learn about key bumping and how it’s done.

Should you be concerned? Standard pin tumbler locks offer very little resistance to key bumping, if you have a standard lock contact us. Higher security grade locks offer better protection, but they are not 100% secure if a burglar really wants to get in. Electronic and magnetic locks offer the best protection, a bump key cannot be used with these types of locks.

Finally, key bumping involves a lot of banging and is pretty noisy. Chances are that a burglar will not opt for this method to break into a residence when people are at home or neighbors are within earshot.

Have a question about the effectiveness of your pin tumbler locks in your CT residence or business? Email Jim Arsenault or call him at 860-678-9797.

CT Commercial Locksmith, CT Residential Locksmith, CT Small Business, Technology

Keyless, wireless locks for cabinets and drawers…

…make life easier at medical facilities.

Commercial Lockmsith - keyless, wireless locks for cabinets and drawers

Busy doctors and their staff no longer have to worry about who has the keys when they need to get medications in a hurry from the medicine cabinet. The same applies to the office staff when they need to access patient files that are locked in a drawer and nobody knows where the keys are.

How does it work?

Keyless wireless locking systems for cabinets and drawers consist of a transmitter pad, receiver latch, and strike plate. The receiver latch mounts inside the cabinet and the strike plate locks the door or drawer.

A code is entered into the transmitter which then in turn sends the signal to lock or unlock the cabinet or drawer.

Lost, misplaced or stolen keys are no longer an issue with these systems. The transmitter code can be changed whenever the situation requires it, thereby improving security and making the work environment a little bit less stressful on a daily basis for the staff and owner.

Medical facilities are not the only businesses that can benefit from these systems. The applications range from gym lockers to residential cabinets (baby proofing kitchens and bath rooms for example), to offices that need to secure sensitive information.

Have a question about how keyless, wireless locks could be used for your business or residential home? Email Jim Arsenault or call him at 860-678-9797. Jim Arsenault is a Connecticut licensed Master Locksmith with over 30 years experience. 

CT Commercial Locksmith, CT Residential Locksmith, CT Small Business, Holidays

Happy Thanksgiving

We are always happy when Thanksgiving is coming as it gives us the opportunity to thank our wonderful customers and website visitors. We thank you all for allowing us to be of service to you. – Jim & Sharon Arsenault

thanksgiving

And after Thanksgiving don’t forget to support the many local small businesses that boost our economy. Small Business Saturday® is on November 24th. This day recognizes the importance of small businesses to the local economy and community, it is a day to celebrate businesses in your neighborhood.