Is my bump key faulty or me?

[Moosemoosemoose]

I just got a small number of bump keys to learn/ practice with, but i can't manage to bump the lock. It fits the keyway and slides in and out smoothly but none of ny bumping attempts have succeeded.
From looking at the actual key for the lock i was attempting, one pin seems cut very high, barely even cut into the key at all. Is it possible it is too high for the ridges of the bump key?
Also i read on some pages that is less easy with a sharp shoulder at the end of the key, and i have noticed it catching sometimes. Should i file this down? Im also wondering if i need to file down any burrs on the key. I was hoping the key was cut professionally and would work easily but it doesn't.

[Divinorum]

Pictures would go a long way to help us see what you are describing so we can give you the best possible advice. Bumping may look easy peazy but It does take some practice and there is some technique involved as well as a learning curve. Also, what lock are you trying to bump open? Pictures of the lock my help as well. - Div

[Moosemoosemoose]

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-hb1TB ... p=drivesdk

That's the bump key at the top and the actual key for the lock i was practicing with. The lock is a brand new era 5 pin cylinder

[Moosemoosemoose]

I was just reading the thread viewtopic.php?f=32&t=63732
And mine seem to be more like the 999 keys shown there with the taller front ridge, i might try the suggested alterations of cutting the shoulder back and making the front ridge match the others. Also where do folks find tiny springs that help the bounce back action on bump keys?

[Divinorum]

That key appears to be hand filed to me.....Was it home made? Not too familiar with the difference the front cut makes. I've used both "999" with the larger front bump and the opposite and never noticed a difference. The springs I've seen people use were foraged from spare stuff laying around. I use the rubber castrator rings with the shoulder cut back on the keys.
https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Castrator-R ... B00S8JVLOO

[GWiens2001]

That key appears to be hand filed to me.....Was it home made? Not too familiar with the difference the front cut makes. I've used both "999" with the larger front bump and the opposite and never noticed a difference. The springs I've seen people use were foraged from spare stuff laying around. I use the rubber castrator rings with the shoulder cut back on the keys.
https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Castrator-R ... B00S8JVLOO

The difference is that it may be kicking the pins at the tip of the key too high.

Gordon