Bump Keys versus Snap Gun

[Jacob Morgan]

My impression is that pick guns are less destructive to locks than bump keys. Also, one pick gun can be used on any ordinary pin tumbler lock while bumping requires one key per keyway type.

If it was one or the other I would go with the gun. Besides, when you get a key machine (even if only a second-hand Foley-Belsaw and a set of space-and-depth keys) you can cut your own bump keys.

[cledry]

My impression is that pick guns are less destructive to locks than bump keys. Also, one pick gun can be used on any ordinary pin tumbler lock while bumping requires one key per keyway type.

If it was one or the other I would go with the gun. Besides, when you get a key machine (even if only a second-hand Foley-Belsaw and a set of space-and-depth keys) you can cut your own bump keys.

Personally as a locksmith I think bump keys are less destructive.

[cledry]

I ended up with a huge set of bump keys a while back and I have not yet played with them. Need to make a bump hammer some time and try them out. I would like to get a Sparrows double-tap some day too...I have never used a snap gun.

Just try various weight screwdriver handles as a hammer. You will find-d a nice lightweight handle that suits you best. It is all about weight and tension.

[billdeserthills]

My impression is that pick guns are less destructive to locks than bump keys. Also, one pick gun can be used on any ordinary pin tumbler lock while bumping requires one key per keyway type.

If it was one or the other I would go with the gun. Besides, when you get a key machine (even if only a second-hand Foley-Belsaw and a set of space-and-depth keys) you can cut your own bump keys.

Personally as a locksmith I think bump keys are less destructive.

You wouldn't say that if you'd seen some of my bump key practice locks
at least the damage done by a pick gun is internal & can be repaired

[cledry]

My impression is that pick guns are less destructive to locks than bump keys. Also, one pick gun can be used on any ordinary pin tumbler lock while bumping requires one key per keyway type.

If it was one or the other I would go with the gun. Besides, when you get a key machine (even if only a second-hand Foley-Belsaw and a set of space-and-depth keys) you can cut your own bump keys.

Personally as a locksmith I think bump keys are less destructive.

You wouldn't say that if you'd seen some of my bump key practice locks
at least the damage done by a pick gun is internal & can be repaired

.
I think you must be going at it with too much gusto.

[GWiens2001]

Personally as a locksmith I think bump keys are less destructive.

You wouldn't say that if you'd seen some of my bump key practice locks
at least the damage done by a pick gun is internal & can be repaired

.
I think you must be going at it with too much gusto.

It may be the four pound steel bump hammer.

Tap it hard enough and the the plugs on both sides of the door come out the inside of the door, allowing the bolt/latch to be retracted. Oops, that is restricted info.

Gordon

[Silverado]

I ended up with a huge set of bump keys a while back and I have not yet played with them. Need to make a bump hammer some time and try them out. I would like to get a Sparrows double-tap some day too...I have never used a snap gun.

Just try various weight screwdriver handles as a hammer. You will find-d a nice lightweight handle that suits you best. It is all about weight and tension.

I was thinking this would work: https://goo.gl/42TQFo

[billdeserthills]

I ended up with a huge set of bump keys a while back and I have not yet played with them. Need to make a bump hammer some time and try them out. I would like to get a Sparrows double-tap some day too...I have never used a snap gun.

Just try various weight screwdriver handles as a hammer. You will find-d a nice lightweight handle that suits you best. It is all about weight and tension.

I was thinking this would work: https://goo.gl/42TQFo

All that's missing is the 'scar plate' for afterwards

[jamesmolseed]

I never thought I would ever use a bump key but do now depending on the cylinder, I have a Wendt electronic pick gun from Germany which in my opinion is the best available costs £500.00 maybe to buy but it wont open an Iseo R6 dimple lock that I can bump in about 10 seconds normally as the tension and position are so important to it Ive opened an Iseo with another German electronic pick called a Kronos which is now broken only lasted a week until I dropped it on a carpet floor and it would not work afterwards I can manually open them but bumping them is so much quicker so it is kind of like different tools for different situations normally I wont open things quickly as they see how quick you are taking money for so little work they do not put any thought into the experience you have in learning these things but like everything in life you make your own choices as to what tools you use everyday

[AngryHatter]

Sorry for the late bump (oh yeah, I went there) but bump keys mar the lock whereas I have not had the same thing happen with a gun.

One thing I learned early on was there is no panacea.
There are many techniques and I determined the more of the techniques I learned the more jobs I could command and complete.

In terms of difficulty to learn:
Motorized pick gun
Manual pick gun
SPP

They each take time to learn as they have different needs.
You can use ToK tension when SPPing as well as a steady application of torque but you must employ a completely different tension when using a snap gun. That requires a very light intermittent touch. They are apples and oranges.