Does it break your lock when someone attempts to "bump" it?

Question

I came home from the movies today and my key spun around in the lock... is this what happens after someone uses the "bump key" method to break in your house... or could i be over analyzing an already old lock?

Answer 1

Bumping does nothing more than push the tumblers in place as does your key. To me it sounds more like the tumblers are sheared. In a cheaper lock you can shear them by using a s***w drive in the key slot and twisting it real hard.

Answer 2

No, bumping doesn't damage the lock, it just opens it.  Sounds like you have a broken spindle.  Locks wear out.

Answer 3

Whatever it may be, Get a locksmith to look at it and at the same time change to lock.