Bumping As A Locksmith

[freakparade3]

I am planning on being a practicing locksmith, my question is does bumping have any practical use for a locksmith? I don't know much about bump keys and was wondering if it was something I should look into further.

[UWSDWF]

this topic was brought up some time ago in a poll.... I don't remember where it is ATM....
but i think the general feeling was the it can look somewhat un-professional

[zeke79]

It can look unprofessional but if the customer is not around and you have exhausted all other practical avenues why not try bumping before you drill it.

[freakparade3]

Thanks for the info guys. I will make some keys and learn how to use them, just in case. Thanks again.

[horsefeathers]

Is it any less professional than shoving a thin card of plastic in a door to slip a yale?

regards

[zeke79]

They way I see it is if you got the lock open, the customer is happy, and you didnt break anything then it was a job well done.

[Bump]

Everyone thinks they've got to put on a 007 type display when they open the door, the customer expects it and feels a little disappointed when their door is opened in less than five seconds with a leaf of plastic.

I try to get the customer away from the work area (not always possible) especially for the first five minutes or so. First resort is to bypass, next LTB and only then will I consider picking the lock; most Locksmiths I know haven't handpicked for ages and will use an EPG.

There are a lot of key profiles to cover and you need to cut duplicates (don't use the originals) after a few uses. Add to this the bruised finger tips and you can see why they aren't No 1 in my arsenal (never had to use them in anger but they are fun to use in the workshop). The point is that if "Bump Keys" work for you then why not consider carrying them, just don't use them in front of the customer if you feel it makes you look amatuer-ish.

[fsdhy]

I don't carry bump keys in my vehicle and I don't even have a set in the shop. I made a set when I first stumbled on the toool website a few months back, but never got the hang of using them. In fact I don't think I opened a single lock . I threw them in the brass bucket. Maybe it would be good to keep a set around, but to be honest I havn't YET been to a lockout that couldn't be done with another entry method and a little patience.

[Raccoon]

My customers do appreciate the 007 show; especially the women. Seems to make them fell young and helpless or something. But if there's a lock I simply can't pick, I'd much rather bump it open than admit defeat and destroy their perfectly healthy lock.

Fortunately, I live in America, so all the locks I see are cheap crap. Easy to pick and difficult to bump.

[ldnlksmth]

the converse side of that is this: Bumping has had a fair bit of attention lately, and many people know what it is (I got into a discussion on my last Cuban vacation). If you have a nosey customer who won't leave you alone, then by all means bump the lock, and show them how easy it is to do. Then, when they get all panicky, sell them a high-security lock that will be significantly more difficult (nothing is anything 'proof') to bump open. Especially if you're the only one nearby with that key way, you generate repeat business, and if you play your cards right, your customer will spread the word, increasing your high-security sales.

[WOT]

the converse side of that is this: Bumping has had a fair bit of attention lately, and many people know what it is (I got into a discussion on my last Cuban vacation). If you have a nosey customer who won't leave you alone, then by all means bump the lock, and show them how easy it is to do. Then, when they get all panicky, sell them a high-security lock that will be significantly more difficult (nothing is anything 'proof') to bump open. Especially if you're the only one nearby with that key way, you generate repeat business, and if you play your cards right, your customer will spread the word, increasing your high-security sales.

I bought a Medeco and that's the only one that comes to my mind. I saw a post somewhere that those dimple keys are just as vulnerable to bumping, albeit the bump key on a dimple key blank is more difficult to obtain/make.

What other locks offer better bump and pick resistance than a Medeco?

[fsdhy]

the converse side of that is this: Bumping has had a fair bit of attention lately, and many people know what it is (I got into a discussion on my last Cuban vacation). If you have a nosey customer who won't leave you alone, then by all means bump the lock, and show them how easy it is to do. Then, when they get all panicky, sell them a high-security lock that will be significantly more difficult (nothing is anything 'proof') to bump open. Especially if you're the only one nearby with that key way, you generate repeat business, and if you play your cards right, your customer will spread the word, increasing your high-security sales.

I bought a Medeco and that's the only one that comes to my mind. I saw a post somewhere that those dimple keys are just as vulnerable to bumping, albeit the bump key on a dimple key blank is more difficult to obtain/make.

What other locks offer better bump and pick resistance than a Medeco?

I would assume that since they don't use pin tumblers, but discs instead, something like an Abloy Protec would be impervious to bumping. However, I'm an authorized Medeco dealer, my competition does Abloy, so I don't know much about them

[seed]

I am planning on being a practicing locksmith, my question is does bumping have any practical use for a locksmith? I don't know much about bump keys and was wondering if it was something I should look into further.

we've never used bump keys for anything...other than just messing around lol

[lunchb0x]

i dont do it and i wouldent do it in front of a customer, because the next time they lock them selves out they might try it and damage the lock, and then when i go to let them in i also have to repair there damage

[Dr Gonzo]

I have no problem with bumping especially if its:
1)dark
2)late
3)cold
4)raining
5)1,2,3,&4
so long as my customer gets in & i get back in the van.
its no less professsional, no lock damage, customer in mission accomplished.