What does root depth # mean ?

[lukesteele]

Hi all, Im a newbie and interested in making a bumpkey. Ive found some instructions to make one but dont understand what the rootdepth# means...I get the idea of deepest root depth measurement but cant figure the number # part out. Thanx in advance and Cheers!

[JackNco]

Normally it winds me up a treat when some ones first post is about bump keys. but good on you, you obviously have done some searching if u have the root depth spec. And this information is on the site but probably buried in 100s of other posts.

A root depth is the distance between the bottom of the key and the bottom of the pin cut or valley.

But at least try real picking, its much more satisfying.

All the best

John

[Eyes_Only]

It's still good to have a deeper understanding of what goes into making a key for us locksport enthusiasts and hobbiests. Like an auto mechanic who also has an understanding of automotive engineering will be able to do a better job, even if he doesn't need to have any engineering background to do his job right.

[lukesteele]

hi Jack and thanx for ur reply...now I got a spec page here that tells me the deepest root depth in inches for different models of keys, which is the distance u mentioned from base to valley....and also the depth #..from 1 to 10..but the measurement of deepest root depth per model doesnt correspond to the depth # for each brand..so thats got me confused now..shouldnt root depth# 9 be a consistent distance from base to valley for all models of lock? For example..STD Arrow lock has a Depth #9 with a deepest root depth of .186"...a STD Dexter has a deepest root depth of .185" but also has a depth#9...so whats that mean plse? Thanx in advance and Cheers

[Eyes_Only]

I think I understand what you mean but most every make of locks uses a different sized key so the root depth will be different 90% of the time. I think if this wasn't the case, measuring the root depth wouldn't be so important. Did I get your point right?

[lukesteele]

Ok I think I got it now thanx..the no.9, in this example is each manufacturer's way of saying the distance between their individual key's valleys and base distances I hope lol..Happy Easter!

[Shrub]

you obviously have done some searching

I disagree, the dictionary thread would have answered the question for this thread and thats a sticky,

Anyone can print a sheet off the net and read off whats across the top of it,


We dont need another bum thread, i think the question has been answered and theres tons of the same threads all over site if it hasnt been,

Ive had a change of heart and unlocked it as its not a question often asked i suppose,

[JackNco]

you obviously have done some searching

I disagree, the dictionary thread would have answered the question for this thread and thats a sticky,

OK so he didn't look for long, but even getting to the stickies is better than a lot do.