What is it? It has been a known technique for at least the past 50 years. Once correctly used, this technique can be immensely powerful, as it allows a large variety of locks to be opened.
Bump Keys are keys in which all the cuts are at maximum depth. Therefore, any used key for a given lock can be converted into a bump key.
How to?
there are actually two known methods. The first, which is called “The pull-back method“:
1) insert the bumpkey all the way.
2) pull it back one pin.
3) hit the back of the key with a hammer.
4) turn the key a split-second later.
note: timing is critical, so you’ll need to practice.
The second is called : “The minimal-movement method”
Problems: It is easy to damage a lock or a bumpkey using a bumping method, simply because the force needed to transfer enough impact energy to the pins can cause the shoulder of the key to make a dent on the front of the inner cylinder. Or the bump key can get stuck in the lock due to minor deformations after the shock.
Advice: get a bump key made out of the hardest metal available.
Resources:
- Bump Key video (youtube)
- Lock-Pickin’ Business Card
- http://www.toool.nl/bumping.pdf
- http://www.google.com/search?q=key+bumping
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lock_picking/
October 23rd, 2006 at 3:24 pm
Creepy stuff if you ask me :S - This actually means that 90% of residential doors can be opened easily with this technique..