Determining distance between pins

[Forsteen]

Hey!

I'm a complete beginner to lock bumping, but I have done some research both here on the forums and elsewhere.

I want to try to make a bump key for my garage door, but I can't seem to figure out the distance between each pin on the key.

I checked the key number and it has 5 digits, that must mean that the cylinder has 5 pins, correct?

Now my key, however, has 8 tips and 7 valleys, that just seems so weird to me.

My key number does begin with 0FG, but I just figured that was some sort model number, rather than actual pin depths. Could it be that these the cylinder actually has 8 diffrent pins?

Help is appreciated!

[jimu57]

Picture of the lock and key?

[GWiens2001]

Please do not bump locks in use. Bumping, especially with someone new to bumping, is highly likely to cause damage to the lock. Then you will not be able to use the lock to your garage.

The code is a blind code, and has no bearing on how many pins are in the lock.

Due to number of peaks and lands described, have my suspicions about the lock itself (not necessarily the OP's motives). Look in the keyway with a light. What shape is the first pin you see? Does it look rounded, or like it is flat with a flat edge that contacts the key?

Gordon

[Ralph_Goodman]

I have to agree about making a bump key for a lock that is in use.

One of the basic rules for lock picking, and I consider practicing using bump keys part of that, is to not pick a lock that is currently in use.

Locks wear out. And when you open them with lock picks or bump keys, you speed up that wear.

I would recommend changing your locks or getting a new lock just for the purpose of bumping. A standard cheap Kwikset would work, and then you know what type of key blank to get, and there is a lot of info out there about depth charts and all that.

Seems like that is where you would want to start instead of trying to work blind on your first outing.