Noob question...

[deathuntome]

Hi all, I have been trying to identify how many pins are in the lock that would use this key? My estimation is 8 pins, but the flat part in the middle and the tip of the key is confusing me.
let's see if my picture attached corrently...

[barbarian]

I see four cuts and can imagine two more in that flat space..

[mcm757207]

That's a Best SFIC key- 7 pins.

[LocksmithArmy]

looks like 7 to me bro...
(mcm rocks)

[lock2006]

Same here
look like 7 pins
i got a similar best key hope this helps.

[deathuntome]

ah, thanks! (and esp to mcm for the clarification)
now an additional question: if I were to get a blank, file all pins down (to the level of the deepest pin i see on this key), it would theoretically work as a bump key right?

[pjzstones]

yep you'd have a bump key. you would probably have to file it a little lower than the deepest cut though.

[ElAbogado]

Hi all, I have been trying to identify how many pins are in the lock that would use this key? My estimation is 8 pins, but the flat part in the middle and the tip of the key is confusing me.
let's see if my picture attached corrently...

Definitely a 7 pin Best key, marked with a SILCA 2000 marker.... I want one of those!

El Abogado

[raimundo]

you describe the job a filing down, but its not the depths that make a bump, its the ski slopes.

[deathuntome]

to raimundo, could u explain what u meant by bump keys are not about depth but about the "ski slope"?

[unlisted]

He is refering to the little "bumps" or "peaks" left on the key after it is cut to the correct biting.

Why do you need a 7 pin BEST bump key? Kinda rare lock to be bumping.. (also next to impossible to bump because of the way it is built..)

[deathuntome]

had this extra key so i thought i'd try my hand at it. also since my door has the lock
You guys have any specific advice on the filing process and what shape to leave the peaks after filing?

[Raymond]

You should be aware that using a bump key on a SFIC can potentially damage the core. Since the key stops in the keyway by the bottom of the tip, in the process of bumping the core, the tip can loosen, knock off the plug retainer, or break the retainer grooves. Most of the time this ruins the core.

Also, since the SFIC has two shear lines, bumping is not dependably effective.