How does my key look? First try

[TickTockMyLock]

It's a SC1.

I used a file with what I believe to be a 60 degree angle. Should I be using a 90 degree angle instead?

[Squelchtone]

I have a tip for you. Get some schlage keys that have a 9 in the bitting code stamped on the bow. such as 57968 or something like that.. the more 9's the better. Now, of the two keys you get that come with your lock, keep one as is and file the other down to all 99999 cuts by placing the keys over each other and keep shifting the key that has a 9 cut on it to each position of the key that you want to file down into a bump key. The key that has the 9 cuts, color the valley with a sharpie, so when you are filing the other key you dont file your 9 key and when you do start to scratch the sharpie, you know you can stop filing the other key, and shift the key to the next position needing filing based on the center of each valley being directly lined up. To hold the keys together used mini visegrips and clamp the keys together so they do not slide up down left or right.

much better than just using a triangular file to make what 'looks like a proper' bump key.

Something tells me I need to do a tutorial with pictures of the above explanation.

Squelchtone

[Squelchtone]

see if yours looks like this:

all 9 cuts, no offset, no shoulder or tip modification.


good luck,
Squelchtone

[TickTockMyLock]

I have a tip for you. Get some schlage keys that have a 9 in the bitting code stamped on the bow. such as 57968 or something like that.. the more 9's the better. Now, of the two keys you get that come with your lock, keep one as is and file the other down to all 99999 cuts by placing the keys over each other and keep shifting the key that has a 9 cut on it to each position of the key that you want to file down into a bump key. The key that has the 9 cuts, color the valley with a sharpie, so when you are filing the other key you dont file your 9 key and when you do start to scratch the sharpie, you know you can stop filing the other key, and shift the key to the next position needing filing based on the center of each valley being directly lined up. To hold the keys together used mini visegrips and clamp the keys together so they do not slide up down left or right.

much better than just using a triangular file to make what 'looks like a proper' bump key.

Something tells me I need to do a tutorial with pictures of the above explanation.

Squelchtone

It only matters that the part that the valleys are low enough. The top of the ridges can be as tall as it was before? I just see a lot of bump keys online where the ridges are tiny.

Also, some of the schlage keys have wide valleys with little tiny ridges in them. Do I just start shaving down in the middle of each valley?

[Squelchtone]

It only matters that the part that the valleys are low enough. The top of the ridges can be as tall as it was before? I just see a lot of bump keys online where the ridges are tiny.

If each valley is properly filed, it will automatically reduce the height of the peak in between each valley. lower peaks will ultimately make operation much smoother and so that the energy transfer to each pin is uniform.

Squelchtone

[TickTockMyLock]

It only matters that the part that the valleys are low enough. The top of the ridges can be as tall as it was before? I just see a lot of bump keys online where the ridges are tiny.

If each valley is properly filed, it will automatically reduce the height of the peak in between each valley. lower peaks will ultimately make operation much smoother and so that the energy transfer to each pin is uniform.

Squelchtone

Lol. thanks. I gave in and just purchased them.

[Squelchtone]

It only matters that the part that the valleys are low enough. The top of the ridges can be as tall as it was before? I just see a lot of bump keys online where the ridges are tiny.

If each valley is properly filed, it will automatically reduce the height of the peak in between each valley. lower peaks will ultimately make operation much smoother and so that the energy transfer to each pin is uniform.

Squelchtone

Lol. thanks. I gave in and just purchased them.

If you're into hobby lockpicking, they'll get boring after a day or two.. Get a set of lockpicks instead, its a lot more fun than bumping locks.

Squelchtone