Bump Key HAMMERS--please post ideas, designs, pics, info etc

[Omikron]

:?

Yuk comes to mind...

The rubber bit at the end is really squidgy if it's like the stuff the have at my school... I drove one of my mate's head into it and it literaly bounced! In my defence it was provoked, an eye for an eye and all

So yeah - I think the rubber would absorb almost all the the impact so meaning you'ld have to make the handle onger ad swing it like a mace to get the lock to bump.

If it works then that's cool.

I'm going to have to agree with illusion on this one. The design looks like it's going to absorb a good deal of the kinetic energy during the strike. While it will probably work to some degree, it may require more hits than what is otherwise necessary. All this does is put premature wear on the lock and on the key. I would recommend finding a different material to use for your striking surface that is solid through-and-through and trying it out to see the difference.

[maxxed]

my tool of choice is a peice of 3/4 " copper tubing, so far it has worked better than various hammers, handles of hammers,screwdrivers, and broken drumsticks that i have tried.
My bump key for original schlage locks is paterened as a 11,11,11 key the cylinders are drilled .010 deeper than this so the pin is still making contact with the bottom of the key, I'm not sure if the schlage copies ( Cal Royal, Dorex, LSDA etc.) are drilled the same or not, will check it out later.

[brian_cusick]

you can hit the key with almost anything. as a locksmith i always have a spare night latch with me. have a look at this video to see me bumping an era lock

[brian_cusick]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WexoP5ZDWgg

[illusion]

Era locks are easy to pick, and even easier to bump... I expect that although you don't damage the mechanism of the lock, it leaves marks just above the keyway, since you seem to whack it quite hard.

[sams choice]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WexoP5ZDWgg

I love the videos where the person doesnt say anything. Its like, there is nothing to be said. All visual. It's fun.

[LostGunner]

I was intrigued by Sublime's (On page 3 of this thread, Oct 16, 2005) idea of using a doctor's hammer, also known as a reflex hammer. I borrowed one from a friend (the only identifying marks on it are "Miltex 1-202 Taiwan") the hitting portion is orange rubber that is pretty compliant. I bought a 4-pin masterlock, got some extra keys cut for it, filed one down to 9999 bump key size, filed a little off the shoulder slipped it (with a little trouble) into the lock banged it a couple times and voila! it opened. There is still much to be learned for me, but a Physician's Reflex Hammer seems to be reasonable choice for a first bump hammer. And at as little as $2 a pop it's pretty economical... Obviously you get the bonus of making sure that you have reflexes.
I know it's a pretty crappy 9999 key, so no need to hassle me, it was my first. Also sorry for the size/low resolution, my dig camera is busted right now so all I have is my phone...

[vjbeau]

Went to a craft store today. In the states we have a large chain called "Michaels".
Wandering around I found, "Over Door Hangers" by Panacea Products Corp. Selling for .99 cents. These look like they were actually made for our purpose of the springy metal base for the bumping tool. Had a curve in the bottom and all. (Sorry, no cam at the moment)

At the next aisle were small 1.5" hard wooden blocks/cubes for .69 cents. Also looked like they were meant to be. I drilled a hole, screwed the cube to the handle thingie and not only does it work like a champ....It looks like a professional job. Like ones you'd pay 20 - 30 bucks online for.

Wherever you are....find large crafts stores and wander. You will find all kinds of stuff that can be used adapted for use in our hobby/obsession.

V

[stealthlocks]

try a rubber dogs bone, They work a treat, From a pet shop near you

[LostGunner]

vjbeau - I'd love to see a picture of your creation!

[Mr. Glass]

Wow, this is a great thread. I don't have too much to add at the moment, but I wanted to subscribe. Also, as kind of stated earlier, another great handle material is on of those over the door hangers [as stated earlier by vjbeau], but the plastic version, which may or may not have greater elasticity. We sold them at a hardware store I used to work at, but they might be hard to find now as they were originally designed to be used as a christmas item for hanging wreaths.