ball bearings

[Rjohn16]

Hi, I remember ball bearings in high usage locks to reduce key wear. Would the use of them reduce the odds of bump key success ?

[Safecrackin Sammy]

I wouldnt think so as bump success is dictated basically by the laws of Fig Newton...

I cant see how a ball bearing versus a pin would change that.

[Raymond]

This is purely speculative on my part but I think there would be an effect on bumping. Instead of the bumped gap being between the bottom pin and top pin, you might find the gap between the build-up pin touching the ball bearing and the top pin. If you ask Bosnian Bill he will tell you how much harder locks are to pick with bearings. Don't forget to adjust the top pins to prevent the use of a comb pick.

[Rjohn16]

I was thinking that the ball rolling might take some of the force away from the bumping to the pins.