A German engineer has revealed how to make 3D-printed 'bump keys' (shown). These devices can be used to break into popular pin tumbler design locks.

Their DIY software Photobump requires only a picture of the lock in question, and couple of pieces of readily available information such as lock’s depth, to design a ‘bump’ key that can pick ...

And even without a high-quality 3-D printer, those specialized bump keys can be mail-ordered from 3-D printing services like Shapeways or i.Materialise that have no restrictions on printing keys.

For years, locksmiths have used "bump keys." With a tap, the key can pick nearly all residential locks in seconds. Houston Safe and Lock manager Cory Hoffman has perfected the pick.