Bump Key

[ijkirsc]

I ask for detailed info about making (better) bump keys and am wondering if any one can suggest where to buy impressioning tools. Namely the clay.

I've made two bump keys, from blanks, that only kind of work. There are videos out there, ive googled this, but can't seem to find any info in terms of key plans determined by lock style, etc... In my head I envision a keyring of bump keys w/ generalized teeth more specific to the style lock (name on key).

Is there a go to guide, encyclopedia or handbook out there full of useful knowledge to everything locks? I prefer at least one hardcopy so I can read at work or on the bus.

[MacGyver101]

. . . wondering if any one can suggest where to buy impressioning tools. Namely the clay.

I think what you're looking for is information on "key casting", rather than "impressioning"?

"Key casting" starts with taking an impression of an original key into some sort of a casting material (clay, putty, etc.) and then pouring in a liquid casting agent (metal, epoxy, etc.) to make a duplicate. Looks good in the movies, and you can buy a few commercial kits... but very few people do it in practice.

"Impressioning" starts with a standard key blank, and you use a hand file (and feedback from the lock) to file the blank down into a working key.

. . . can't seem to find any info in terms of key plans determined by lock style, etc... In my head I envision a keyring of bump keys w/ generalized teeth more specific to the style lock (name on key).

If you search for "Depth and Space" guides, they will give you information on the dimensions of the cuts for each blank.

Is there a go to guide, encyclopedia or handbook out there full of useful knowledge to everything locks? I prefer at least one hardcopy so I can read at work or on the bus.

The "bible" of locks is generally considered Locks, Safes and Security by Marc Tobias. Bring a heavy backpack if you're taking it on the bus, though: it's a two-volume set that's about 1500 pages and probably weighs about 10 pounds. There are a lot of other, more targeted books, though, if you're interested in a particular aspect of locks (e.g., high-security lock mechanisms, lock picking, lock impressioning, etc.).

[ijkirsc]

thanks for the info much appreciated. I did use the wrong wording but I did still mean impressioning

I figured I can make a clay mold then file key blanks down to size using the mold as a template. it would come in handy when dealing with broken keys and not relying on the orig key to duplicate.

I will definitely look into the book seems like a good source for reference thanks again

[Evan]

thanks for the info much appreciated. I did use the wrong wording but I did still mean impressioning

I figured I can make a clay mold then file key blanks down to size using the mold as a template. it would come in handy when dealing with broken keys and not relying on the orig key to duplicate.

I will definitely look into the book seems like a good source for reference thanks again

@ijkirsc:

Clay is not involved in impressioning a key at all, just a key blank, a file and a holder so you can turn it in the lock to get the "impressions" which you file until they stop marking...

When dealing with broken keys, if one knows what they are doing, one can put the broken pieces in the vice of a key duplicator and make a copy without any problem -- it is something I have done hundreds of times... Or you could read the pieces and code cut a key depending on what equipment you have access to...

The Locks, Safes and Security book by Marc Tobias comes in two volumes each of which could stop a bullet (small ones anyway, bigger ones if you have both volumes together)... They are not very handy for portable study... It is also not cheap the going rate for it is $230-ish bucks for a new copy...

As far as your bump keys not working very well, sounds like they are not EXACTLY to spec and are off by just enough to not work 100% of the time... "Key Plans by lock style" LOL... Do you mean bitting specifications ? That information is out there on lock manufacturers websites in their cylinder/keying service manuals, all you have to do is look in the right place...

I think you need to reevaluate why you are interested in this hobby if you think you should be walking around with a ring of bump keys... I am kind of surprised that the moderators haven't jumped in on this thread from a first time poster asking really specific questions about impressioning and bump keys but personally you have triggered by spidey senses somewhat with your initial questions... Wanting to know about bump keys right out of the gate doesn't sound like a lock picking hobbyist, sounds more like a teenager or young adult interested in being able to open doors he/she shouldn't be...

Welcome to the site, hang out and read and post about some more basic questions and leave the intermediate-advanced stuff like impressioning until people around here know you a little bit better...

~~ Evan

[raimundo]

forget bump keys, I have a snapper made from bicycle spoke that can do that and its not hard to carry around. you just have to know how to use it, angle it to accomodate the shape of the keyway at the tips of the pins,
why would anyone want bumpkeys when a snapper is the same effect and so much more versatile.