Metal Files for bump keys

by **qwerty125** » 14 Sep 2005 11:35

Could anyone post what kind of files they use to make their bump keys and where they got'em? I'm trying to see what kind of files are being used out there and where they are obtainable. (I read someone got a set from walmart but since theres no walmart in my state and they dont have it online, i cant see what it looks like)

by **Chrispy** » 14 Sep 2005 11:40

The best type of file to use is some..... Swedish file..... give me a couple of minutes.....

by **Chrispy** » 14 Sep 2005 11:45

A Swiss file. Very fine, round Swiss file.

Swedish? :roll:

by **qwerty125** » 14 Sep 2005 14:58

lol.. ok anything cheaper? I just googled swiss file and theres a bunch of sites that have a swiss file set for $200+.. I just want a small file to file down keys.. anything over like 15 is not an investment i want to make.

by **digital_blue** » 14 Sep 2005 15:32

A good Swiss cut #4 (I think it was the #4 that was recommended) is usually recommended for impressioning, but I don't think you really need anything that fine for bumping. I've been experimenting with just a square needle file (generic, off the shelf) that seems to work alright. The courser the file, the quicker the job. Just be careful not to cut too deep, but remember that Barry mentions that a "10 cut depth" seems to work well, so you really gotta go deep to get too deep for it to work. Everything I'm seeing tells me that it's not actually all that important to be that perfect with your cuts.

db

by **Fah_Cue** » 14 Sep 2005 17:57

i use this one i picked up at bunnings it has a triangle file which works well. got $5 cheap and sweet

fah_cue

by **Fah_Cue** » 14 Sep 2005 17:58

sry my first pic posted

didnt take size into count :oops:

by **vector40** » 14 Sep 2005 18:09

I have a 6" Swiss #4 for impressioning (progress: grim), and I assume it would work fine for hand-crafting bump keys. But it would: 1) take forever and 2) be somewhat challenging to take off excess material between cuts, since there's no real flat surface on it. (The sides are fairly flat, but still...)

by **raimundo** » 14 Sep 2005 19:54

hey vector, I bet you don't need flat surfaces, my guess is that its not so twitchy to get a bump key, they may not all strike the pins in the same nanosecond, but close enough to get by with a fast horse and a dark night.

by **n2oah** » 14 Sep 2005 20:41

My file has a horrible angle for making bumpkeys. It makes the cuts steep and sharp. I like bumpkeys to be sharp a not too steep. What kind of cut does a swiss file make? I'm assuming a U-shaped cut, I like my files square (for bumpkey making--I haven't ventured into impressioning yet), but my current file is a V-shape.

by **vector40** » 14 Sep 2005 20:55

Swiss is pear-shaped; a smoother, round curve on one end and a sharper point (but still rounded) on the other.

ray, I've been scared to give it a try, but I'll see if I can cook up a homemade bump key soon.

by **Chrispy** » 14 Sep 2005 20:58

Gotta love Bunnings. :wink:

by **qwerty125** » 15 Sep 2005 7:04

I like that file.. anyways.. anyone have any recommendations on where I can obtain such a file in the US? I'm going to avoid the swiss #4 if it's only going to make it difficult for me.

by **sublime progie** » 15 Sep 2005 9:22

you can get an array of files from ace hardware. you could also find one at lowes or homedepot i would presume.

Also it would help everyone help you if you filled out your profile. Location to be more specific.

by **keysman** » 18 Sep 2005 1:12

Check here for locksmith files, and related equipmet

www.lockshop.us

Metal Files for bump keys

Metal Files for bump keys

bumpdebump

Great selection of swiss type files

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