http://www.poetv.com/video.php?vid=5653

I've been doing this for a while at work -shhh- to open masterlocks (which are about the easiest, btw), but didn't realize how well known and widespread this was becoming. Interesting, if you've never heard of it.

For the record, I only use my powers for good, on locks I'm allowed, or should be allowed, to open anyway. Urban explorers have been passing around tips on this for a while as well, and somewhere I have a much more detailed video on the actual making of the key. The firefox extension Stumble! brought me to this video.

did you go have keys made or did you just keep trying with your current keys?

Overall it looks like a fun party trick :)

If you want a real laugh about "locks" you should see what you can do with the remote eletronic keys.

Thats interesting. I know how to open a lock using a tension rod and probes, but that blows me away. Wonder if there's any real way to combat it short of redesigning the architectural standards locks are built around.

The video doesn't exaggerate, it really is that easy. You can find plenty of guides. I've got a bump key set I made from some left overs in my office. Masterlocks are easy because they all use that same, short key. I started out doing it just for fun, but it's become somewhat handy around work.

I take that back, it exaggerates slightly. None of my keys will open a lock in one hit. Usually a couple of taps to a few minutes of work however will open most padlocks.

You can make tumbler locks that aren't bumpable, but it requires a multi-stage design. The video does exagerate slightly in terms of time, but not in terms of effectiveness. A single bump key can open nearly any lock of the same class with a few minutes of effort.

This sort of revelation is actually a good thing. These locks have never been secure, and now people know it.