Making a Bump Key

[crusaderman]

Just wondered if anybody here has ever tried to make a bump key using a manual key cutting machine? Ive tried a number of different methods, but its quite difficult to get the pitch, profile and depth of cuts exactly right to match the pins in a lock. My machine only traces the original key, and has no real "indexing" facility.

I had thought of a few ideas, but all seem very time consuming. The obvious answer would be to create a "Template" but how could this be done?

Has anyone attempted to make any "bump" keys successfully using a machine? I have a Silca dual machine.

[GWiens2001]

Just buy one, or more usefully, buy a set of depth and space keys for that key. The lowest cut will be your bump key, and you can duplicate it.

Gordon

[RubberBanned]

So if I were to buy a set of bump keys, I could take them down and get copies of them?

[Altashot]

Find a key that has a 9 or whatever the deepest cut is and duplicate THAT cut in every position. You'll have to move the blank and/or original key to achieve this but with care, you will end up with almost a bump key. For good measure run a pipping file in each cut 2-3 times to bring it down to about a 9 1/2 depth then file the shoulder back 1/16" to 3/32".

M.

[lockjock50]

If you had a bumpkey you may be able to have it duplicated at the hardware store. Although i refuse to cut them. I refused to copy a 999997 (factory cut) just as a precaution. Im new to the idea of lockpicking being a hobby. Ive been a locksmith for about 10 years in a small town so there hasnt been anyone else close by with much knowledge in the business.

[minifhncc]

Although i refuse to cut them. I refused to copy a 999997 (factory cut) just as a precaution.

Why? The person would then just go somewhere else and get it cut...

[lockjock50]

Like i said, im new to the idea of lockpicking being a hobby. Another locksmith i talk to agreed. Sometimes you have to trust a gut feeling. I dont want to help anyone that may be "up to no good". I know its not my place to judge people.
The same went for a car i refused to open. He smelled like alcohol and i didnt want to help him drive that way. No im not a law enforcement officer and didnt offer him a breathalizer, but im not going to do something i feel may be wrong.
The idea of locksport is taking some getting used to. You can get picks from the snap on tool truck. I started locksmithing in carolina where it was highly illegal to possess any pick, bump key or Slim Jim.

[minifhncc]

Yeah I get your point. If the person then wasn't able to get a bump key cut from other shops then that's understandable. But the thing is that the person will probably just go next door and some not-so-viligant person who couldn't care less, aslong as they were paid, would just cut it and that means a lost profit for you...

[Squelchtone]

Yeah I get your point. If the person then wasn't able to get a bump key cut from other shops then that's understandable. But the thing is that the person will probably just go next door and some not-so-viligant person who couldn't care less, aslong as they were paid, would just cut it and that means a lost profit for you...

yeah, but if the coppers show up to his shop saying he sold or made a bump key to a known local criminal, is that hassle worth the $5 dollars in lost profit?

I believe every shop keeper is free to turn away anyone who's intentions they don't trust 100%

Squelchtone

[GWiens2001]

@squelchtone

+1

Trust your instincts. How would you feel if the next home broken into was yours? Go with your gut feeling.

Gordon

[minifhncc]

yeah, but if the coppers show up to his shop saying he sold or made a bump key to a known local criminal, is that hassle worth the $5 dollars in lost profit?

Well the criminal would've been in posession with at least one bump key anyway. So I'd doubt that the shop owner would be held responsible. If the shop owner code cut a criminal a bump key, well then that's a different story...

[Capt_Tom]

Like i said, im new to the idea of lockpicking being a hobby. Another locksmith i talk to agreed. Sometimes you have to trust a gut feeling. I dont want to help anyone that may be "up to no good". I know its not my place to judge people.
The same went for a car i refused to open. He smelled like alcohol and i didnt want to help him drive that way. No im not a law enforcement officer and didnt offer him a breathalizer, but im not going to do something i feel may be wrong.
The idea of locksport is taking some getting used to. You can get picks from the snap on tool truck. I started locksmithing in carolina where it was highly illegal to possess any pick, bump key or Slim Jim.

What part of the Carolinas? Are you still there now? I am in Conway..... just west of the "Beach"

[lockjock50]

I was in Mooresville. Im in Georgia now.

[brinard]

I made my first few bump keys by hand with files from old keys. I use the web for reference, just keep trying til youre close and make a copy w your duplicator.