bumped my first lock, but...

[VTEC]

Hi all

First, the good news ( for me ): I bumped my first lock today, and could do it repeatedly ( though only on one side... ).

Problem: After some bumping, the small protruding metal piece at the base of the key ( I could not give the correct english word, sorry about that ) that stops the key against the lock, eventually breaks, and the bump key becomes unusable, as it goes too far into the keyhole.

And this is the second time it happens, I broke two bump keys that way.

Anybody had the same pb? Do I hit too hard ( BTW, I use my right shoe, but it may work as well with the left one...)? Is it normal?

I found out that I had to hit pretty hard to bump my lock open, but maybe this is due to a lack of practice.

Any advice about that?

ThX

[ComTech]

I think you may have two basic problems.

The shoe is probably fairly heavy, thus a lot of mass, so yes you are probably hitting it to hard, also the heel of a shoe is probably too soft a material to make a good bump tool.

Did you remove a little material off the shoulder of the key? (the think you keep breaking) You didn't say which method you are using, the pull back method, or the direct method (shoulder and tip filed and put it all the way in then bump)
I think you'll find a hard plastic screwdriver handle will work better than your shoe.
Try doing a search on bump keys, there is a lot of information already out there on bumping.

[linty]

aluminum keyblanks maybe?
aluminum is good for containing delicious carbonated beverages and not opening doors.

[FiapFiak]

Hey, another shoe bumper!
Welcome!
My question is: what kind of shoe are you using?
This is important acutally. Are they hard or soft and flexible?
Are you hitting with the heel?

I am guessing you are using the minimal movment method, or else you wouldnt be as concerned about the key going in too much.. tho, i cannot be completely sure about this, as i dont know how much of the key you're losing after the damage.

I'd say yes, you are definitely hitting too hard.

Remember, the more force you put with your thumb turning the key, the more you bind the pins, and the more force you need with your shoe to overcome that binding force, and the more likely you'll break your key.

Since i dont know if it's you're just hitting too hard or putting too much force on the turn, you'll have to play with this. Keep on hammering it, and apply less force each time.

If you find that it doesnt work as well anymore, then apply less pressure with your finger on the side to turn the key.

Then go back to reducing the amount of force you need to bump. etc

[melvin2001]

delicious carbonated beverages.... mmmmmmmm good.

besides that i don't have anything useful to add to this... carry on.

[d_goldsmith]

I thought you weren't supposed to put any turning pressure until after the hit. If you're turning the key during the hit, it would have to resist binding forces and still give enough oomph to launch the top pins only.

[SEVEN]

light pressure I find before the bump works best for me.Agree about the beverage though.

[ComTech]

I find that if I use a light gauge wire though the bow, similar to a standard paper clip that’s been straightened out and apply VERY VERY light pressure it works great. You only use just enough pressure to start to turn the plug. Pressure this light does not bind the pins enough to make it hard to bump. This way you don’t have a timing problem.

[Krypos]

besides linty and melvin2001, this thread is full of fresh meat.

HOWEVER...... you guys are doing nicely. so congrats, usually in a thread with so many users with fewer posts dont get very far, but you guys are doing well.

the part that is breaking....is it the shoulder itself? or is it the key i snapping in half? definately try switching to a screwdriver id say. ive used screwdriver before and it works well. personally, i have found that plastic handles with rubber coating tend to do well, but thats me, and i dont have a lot of bumping xp.

if you could post pics of your:

key
broken keys
shoe
lock
the locks keyway.

that would be VERY helpful. in doing this, we can tell you what and where its going wrong, how badly you need to ditch the shoe, what kind of lock it is, whats inside it. if its your lock, if its in use (dont do either of those last two things!)

post that stuff, and we can almost definately help you. oh and fill out the lower half of your profile so we all know whereabouts you live (locks and such ARE regional/continent specific.

thanks!

[melvin2001]

lol the best part of this thread is the fact that none of the people with a significant amount of posts are of any help...

you CAN put pressure on the key while you hit it... although this DOES cause the pins to bind slightly and require a harder hit.

that being said it does work and it works well. some people turn the key while they hit it some people turn the key immediatly after the strike. its all about personal preference. also putting a wire or tension wrench in the bow of the key and putting gentle pressure does work in many cases...

its all about what works for you and whatever works for the lock. stop using your shoe use something with a wooden or plastic handle. although i have heard of shoes working i dont really think its a recommended way...

[d_goldsmith]

Didn't me saying that get replies that did add to the thread though

[VTEC]

Hello there...

Some additionnal infos:

"shoulder" is the word I was looking for, and that is the part that broke off twice. Also, I've been using a trainer shoe ( airwalk ) and pull back method. My previous experience on the same lock, with the minimal movement method and a lighter and more rigid shoe, had been unsuccessful in opening the lock, but successful in breaking the first key's shoulder.

I also found out I had been applying too much of a torque. So my guess is I should hit with lesser torque and less force.

I've also been able to open it only in one way...?

But first, I have to have another copy of the key made by my locksmith ( who's gonna begin to wonder if I eat keys ) and file it...

Thanx for infos...

[JackNco]

im my experience u will break any key using it as a bump key in the end. i always get mine cut on HD keys. the aluminum ones snap VERY fast