how destructive is the use of a bump key?

[vinnie]

Is it truely a non-destructive method of entry? Or does it pose risks to the lock. I read one post on here were someone said using a bump key put burs on all the pins causing them to get stuck. Is that a common occurrence? I'm quite enthralled about this method of entry and am about to make a set of bump keys, but should I set aside specific locks for bumping that I don't care about getting wrecked?

[GWiens2001]

Bump keys can be quite destructive, or hardly destructive at all. The factors involved on destructiveness will be the lock itself, the type of metallurgy in the components of the lock and bump key, the actual cuts of the key, the skill of the bump-key user and what is used for a hammer, to name a few. Most locks will sustain damage from repeated bumping, and some from any bumping at all.

Personally, I played with bumping for a very short time, but stopped when I started noticing degrading operation with a key on most of the locks I was bumping. These were all locks on practice boards or padlocks I bought for the express purpose of bump practice. Luckily, I did not bump locks in use!

Gordon

[ARF-GEF]

I agree with Gordon, here's my 2 cents:
Often repeated bumping is harmful to a lock even if done gently. If you are a beginner chances are that your methods will be crude at the beginning, and that can definitely lead to damage.

[MrAnybody]

Gordon summed it up nicely, and I don't think you'll find many people in disagreement with that. I'll just add my own gist on it.

No doubt, bumping does damage locks. But saying that, an equal argument could be put that picking can damage locks. However, the difference in degree and possibility of damage is huge.

If the bump key is being used by some one who has not got a handle on their technique (AKA not sure what they're doing), then damage to the lock will occur at a much quick rate just as more force and repeated attempts are needed to pop the lock.

While bumping is an effective technique, and it is a NDE in the short-term and if the gods are with you, in the long-term the lock is going to be messed up. No doubt about it, in my opinion. Pin tumblers just ain't designed to hold up to the stresses that repeated bumping puts on them.

Mind you, not why I've typed this out now Gordon put it much better.

[ARF-GEF]

One thing I forgot in my original post:
To answer your question:

Is it truely a non-destructive method of entry?

, Yes it is. If you consider that bumping a a lock once, when done correctly will not leave any damage on the lock to the naked eye.

On the other hand classical destructive entry like drilling and breaking tend to leave a mark .

[Luissen]

I find that if i don't miss the cut blank key, Its not too destructive... the worse I've damaged a lock by bumping would be bending springs, which is annoying but not permanently debilitating, though certainly destructive

[daniel22747]

From what I understand bumping a lock is not a method that a lock smith would normally use to get some one back in their house.

[Luissen]

From what I understand bumping a lock is not a method that a lock smith would normally use to get some one back in their house.

Though not very professional looking, it is another tool in our arsenal.

[cledry]

From what I understand bumping a lock is not a method that a lock smith would normally use to get some one back in their house.

It isn't the first choice, but it does get used in the course of normal work. Time is money, if bumping gets the job done fastest why not employ it?

[yono]

bumpkeying if applied properly and legally is less destructive. the intention to bump a lock to open as part of your locksmith job is quite alright. you wont be damaging the lock cylinder pins by applying 5 to 10 gradual strikes, HOWEVER, if you are bumpkeying the lock cylinder too many times as in practice...OF COURSE, you will destroy it in the short run. regards

[Calismth]

Is it truely a non-destructive method of entry? Or does it pose risks to the lock. I read one post on here were someone said using a bump key put burs on all the pins causing them to get stuck. Is that a common occurrence? I'm quite enthralled about this method of entry and am about to make a set of bump keys, but should I set aside specific locks for bumping that I don't care about getting wrecked?

Bumping does cause damage to the lock (however most of it will be aesthetics and not hinder the operation of the lock). That being said, for example on the 'new' Schlage F-series knobs, if that lock is bumped, it does put tiny indentations on the "t pins" which are above the regular pins that can cause the cylinder to stick and be a bit problematic in future use.

[Calismth]

From what I understand bumping a lock is not a method that a lock smith would normally use to get some one back in their house.

It all depends upon the locksmith honestly. There are a handful that I know that rarely if ever bump (i'm one of them), but that's because we generally choose other methods of bypassing first =)
It is an effective approach however. Time IS money like others have said.

[IndigoChild]

Well put. There is plenty of alternative entry techniques which allow access to the back of the lock for dissemblance. But once in a great while there is a lock that just cant be gotten nor can you pick it. In the end you pull out a bump key.

[YouLuckyFox]

Read the following link awhile ago and found it to be interesting:
http://www.lockpickingforensics.com/bumping.php
Hope this is a contribution in some way !

[swampy3524]

I only use bump keys in the event that I can not open the lock any other way. I had a bunch of padlocks and residental knobs and deadbolts to play with. I noticed even with a good deburred bump key and o-ring with bump hammer did little damage by eye some of the locks got kind of sticky when using the key to turn the cylinder. So even if you can't see the damage some is happening to the pins and springs. Still if someone is locked out and it is freezing outside I know I can bump it faster than picking. I will use a bump key to get them in and in the future replace the pins and springs for them if need be.