key with computer language

How We Prevent Against Skeleton Key Access

July 23, 2021

Are you looking for a way to protect your home or office against unauthorized access? If so, then you need to be aware of skeleton keys. A wood skeleton key is still a significant threat, even to a master key lock. Therefore, it is important for everyone to make sure their property is protected against skeleton keys.

What are skeleton keys, and how can a professional locksmith help someone protect against skeleton key access? There are several important points everyone should keep in mind.

What Is a Skeleton Key?

A skeleton key is a key that has been specifically cut to bypass numerous security mechanisms that are built into the vast majority of traditional locks. This includes pin and tumbler locks. Skeleton keys are often called bump keys or 999 keys because they have a lot of ridges that are designed to maximize the death in a specific machine used to make keys.

The keys are generally easy to produce. For example, it may take a professional only a few minutes to produce a skeleton key. In addition, they are not that hard to acquire. For these reasons, skeleton keys are still a significant threat. It is important to understand how a wood skeleton key works.

How Does a Skeleton Key Function?

Before discussing skeleton keys, it is important to understand how a pin or Tumbler lock operates. These are devices that use something called pin stacks. These are stacks of pens that are loaded with springs. They are designed to prevent the lock from being turned unless the appropriate key has been inserted.

Usually, there are two sets of pins. One is called the key pins while the other is called the driver pins. Every stack within the lock is occupied by a single key pin and driver pin. Both of these have to be pressed against each other in order for the lock to turn. If a key has not been cut to meet the specific stacks, then the lock will not turn.

A skeleton key has been designed not to properly align with the pins; however, a skeleton key has been designed to disrupt the pins when a skeleton key has been struck by a hammer or screwdriver. Essentially, the energy produced by striking the skeleton key is transferred to the pins inside the lock. As a result, the pins jump temporarily, allowing the intruder enough time to turn the lock and open the door.

Because a skeleton key is not hard to create and even easier to use, it is a significant threat to traditional locks. That is why it is important for everyone to understand how to prevent this kind of threat.

How To Protect Against Skeleton Keys

Skeleton keys have actually been used by locksmiths for a long time. This is one of the tools that locksmiths use to legally help people access their property when they have been locked out. In the age of the internet, pretty much anyone with a connection has been able to watch videos to learn how to make skeleton keys and use them. As a result, it is important for people to understand how to prevent unauthorized access using skeleton keys.

Ultimately, the best way to do exactly that is to replace a traditional lock with a specific keyless lock, such as a mechanical keyless lock. Or property owners need to invest and locks that have been designed to prevent skeleton key access. Both of these options are furnished by professional locksmiths. Therefore, it is important for everyone to invest in tools they can use to prevent people from accessing their property. That is where our team can assist you.

Contact Express Locksmith in Houston

Ultimately, it is important for you to make sure that you protect your property against skeleton keys. The reality is that skeleton keys are still a significant threat in the modern era. Fortunately, there are lots that have been specifically designed to prevent this type of access.

At Express Locksmith, it is our honor to provide everyone with professional locksmith services in the local area. We can help you take a look at your lock and devise a strategy to protect against skeleton key access. Furthermore, if you have emergency locksmith requirements, we can help you address this concern as well. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, please give us a call today!

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