Bump Keys

[lockpicknoob2011]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone could give me a little advice on how to bump key. I have picked locks before, but a friend of mine suggested bump keying as a kinda fun alternative. I recently ordered a 11 key bump set off http://www.bump-j.com. I have a basic idea of how it is done, but a little extra guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[Solomon]

I wouldn't really call it a fun alternative... they're just something extra for the toolbox that you can try before resorting to the drill. As a hobbyist they're cool to fiddle about with, but you'll tire of it very quickly. Not because it's too easy, but because it's tedious and repetitive... after all you're basically just tapping a key with a little mallet and fidgeting with the tension till it opens.

In saying that, it's not as easy as it looks... to be able to bump locks quickly and reliably you'd need to practice like crazy to develop the right feel for it, and you'd need to experiment with different techniques (sping bumping, adding dampeners etc) as many locks will need a bit of figuring out as opposed to sticking with the basic pullout method.

In my opinion your time would be better spent learning to pick locks properly, it's much more versatile and more fun. People have made a hobby out of bumping though, so if it really fascinates you and you don't get bored of it, by all means go nuts.

[lockpicknoob2011]

Thank you for the help, for me it will be a cool addition to the tool box. But are the bump keys I purchased "fit" for bumping? (promptly made, cut correctly, etc) Also is there a recommended technique our style that I should use? Should I try putting on washer thing? Any answers would be appreciated

[keysman]

Also is there a recommended technique our style that I should use? Should I try putting on washer thing? Any answers would be appreciated

Try doing a search for "bump" you will find lots of info

[lockpicknoob2011]

Thank You.

[lockpicknoob2011]

Anymore help?

[Shyfted]

If your after a how-to or different techniques. Do a search for bump key in youtube and there will be a whole heap of results

[Solomon]

Anymore help?

There isn't much to tell really... there is more to it than you'd think but it isn't rocket science. You can use the pullout method, ie. insert the key fully, retract one pin, and bump. Or you can add a spring and use the woodpecker method, pepole file the shoulders down for this but it isn't necessary if you corkscrew it around the shoulder and cut it to the right length. Dampeners are used when the key doesn't match the spacing when fully inserted, that's all there is to it.

[Poff]

Bumping is also really hard on the lock. It can damage the cylinder and pins over time, i.e. practicing. I would get practice locks that you can use specifically for bumping. It is not really that fun, as stated before, it is actually tedious to learn.

[OrangePick]

Not to mention the risk of breaking off teeth inside the lock.

[MacGyver101]

Not to mention the risk of breaking off teeth inside the lock.

Don't hit it with your mouth: you're definitely not doing it right.