Ok, I'll just do both

[Dave M]

I did my homework and read through a few threads. So.. I was going come on here and ask/learn where to buy some bump keys. But if I do that y'all will tell me that I should learn to pick. But alas.. Read the sign out front!! "Something 101" So after reading through here a bit I've decided to purchase a small beginner set http://www.southord.com/Lock-Picking-To ... S-05L.html as well as a set of Bump Keys.

So, Like I said, I did read here so here's why I need bump keys. I'm a Licensed Building inspector and a Licensed Insurance adjuster. Many of my claims and inspections are vacant and are owned by a holding company. yes take backs. The banks put blanket claims on them to gain any thing $$ they can from the supposed asset. So between storms I do daily claims which include many of these types properties.

I was taught how to bump back in the late eighties by an appraiser. It was when we had all of that Fannie Mae property that no body wanted. Anyway, the extent of my bumping is for the cheapest of locks that are usually installed by a preservation company. Right here is where the problem for me begins, as well as the nicks and cuts on my hands tonight. The preservation company seldom has the right keys or the combo box is empty or not there. So I drive 70 miles and can't get in. Not good and bad for my profit margin for sure.

Anyway I decided to give picking a try. What the heck for $16.00 and I have a bunch of locks to practice on.. See where it goes. Still gonna get the bump keys. You guys know its that round 5 pin kwikset key, I think.. only one I ever had. Looks like its the base key to most of the beginner sets..

Thanks for all of the good info that's already here,
dave

[Dave M]

Update: Got my picks and bump keys.

Locks Picked 3
Locks Bumped 0

I'm glad y'all talked me into the picks. I called em back and had the pick set added to the order for the bump keys. So far I've mastered 2 master locks and a and a gun safe lock you get when you buy a gun. The small half diamond seems to work better for me than my actual pick. I haven't raked anything yet. Biggest mistake is I, not being sure I'd get into it like this, ordered a double ended pick/s rake and half diamond/w rake. The double ended thing seemed like a good idea but I'm already realizing that those two picks in particular need to have handles..

Oh I'm stuck on a Chateau C 970. Came off of a storage building seems like when I get my first pin set, and it kicks around a little bit, I loose access to the rest of the pins. May be I just don't have the right pick.. Thanks!

[Warbs87]

Once you figure the bump key out its way easier for a Schlage. I can bump any standard pin schlage in under a minute no problem. Usually takes 4-5 taps and its open. I find it tough on a Weiser though picking is easier.

[Warbs87]

Or just make a shim out of a coke bottle, here most houses don't have deadbolts so its so easy to get in when people lock themselves out.