Questions on blanks for bumping.

[Pandawdy]

I'm new here so I don't know where to post this question:

I've never handled a spacer key.. and have only seen pictures of them. I think they are required for some key cutters if you are going to cut a new key by code. I know the cheap Foley Belsaw key cutter requires these or another micrometer attachment to space the cuts correctly.

My question is, doesn't the spacer key look awfully similiar to a bump key? I'm not sure because I've not measured the depth of the cuts or the height of the teeth.

[mercurial]

My question is, doesn't the spacer key look awfully similiar to a bump key? I'm not sure because I've not measured the depth of the cuts or the height of the teeth.

Yes they do look awfully similar, and with good reason!

A bump key IS a space and depth key for the deepest cut(usually #9) for the lock in question. Some people have made slight adjustments and modifications to them - eg when using the minimal movement method, the key is altered slightly (shoulder and tip).

Some also file the cuts a little below the deepest depth, to help deal with the pins (#9s) that correspond to the maximum cut depth. Some people get better results by radiusing the cuts.

...Mark

[Bibble]

i'm in the USA for those who need the info.