How hard to strike

[riffman2525]

Hello guys, I have another quick question. Can someone please explain this statement to me....."Try hitting the key and then straight after turning the key". It sounds a little unclear... does this mean put a little pressure, strike,and then strike again??? I just got my kebump hammer in today and I am trying to refine my technique....The only time I've had any sucess bumping is when I give the key a pretty hard whack. (with a wooden spoon) I know many of you have said hitting the key that hard is not needed. I dont want to damage my new hammer. Any clarification would be appreciated.....thank you

[VashTSPD]

I would change the "stright after" to "right after that", I've never used a bump key so anyone else feel free to yell at me if I'm wrong.

Lightly "bump" the key with your hammer then as soon as you bump it, turn the key to open the lock.

so it should read something like this: "Try hitting the key with the hammer then immediately turn the key clockwise"

[jimb]

Think about what happens inside the lock when you bump it. When you hit the key the pins will bounce up. You need to catch the pins at the shear line to successfully bump the lock. The pins will bounce up and come down quickly, so you need to turn the key just a split second after hitting it.

The amount of force will depend on the springs in the lock. A stiff spring will require a harder hit than a weak, light spring.

I have bumped locks with just a very, very light tension on the key, but this has only worked on a small percentage of the locks I've bumped.

[raimundo]

stick the tension bar into the hole in the key, and press very lightly on it, this will allow a very light tension and not put your fingers at risk. the tension should be so light that you do not even flex the bar.