What Is a Bump Key and How Does It Work?

The legality of bump keys can vary significantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

In general, owning lock picking tools, including bump keys, isn't necessarily illegal in and of itself in many jurisdictions, but it can be seen as suspicious and can become illegal when there's intent to commit a crime. In the United States, for example, the law varies from state to state. Some states allow ownership without restrictions, some states allow ownership but with restrictions, and some may prohibit it outright.

In many countries, like the UK and Australia, ownership of such tools can be seen as prima facie evidence of criminal intent unless you can demonstrate a legitimate use for them (like if you're a locksmith).

However, laws can change and vary widely, so it's important to consult with a legal professional or do research within your specific jurisdiction for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Bump keys can work to open a wide variety of pin tumbler locks, which are a common type of lock used in many residential and commercial settings. The technique involves inserting a specially cut key into the lock and then 'bumping' it with a mallet or other object. The shock causes the pins in the lock to jump, and if the key is turned at the right moment, the lock can be opened.

The bump key itself is a key that's cut to the 'maximum depth' for each pin in a specific type of lock.

It requires some practice to perform effectively. The person using the bump key needs to apply the right amount of torque to successfully open the lock.

Bump keys, if used correctly, generally do not cause permanent damage to a lock. The technique is designed to temporarily align the pins within the lock without altering or damaging its components.

However, improper use of a bump key can potentially damage a lock. For instance, using too much force when striking the key, or using a bump key on a lock that isn't compatible with the technique (like a lock with security pins designed to prevent bumping), can potentially harm the internal components of the lock, rendering it unusable or more difficult to operate with the correct key.

The most common type of bump key is often referred to as the "Kwikset" bump key. This is because Kwikset is one of the most popular residential lock brands in the United States, and many other manufacturers use a similar keyway design. The keyway is the part of the lock that the key slides into, and its shape determines what kind of keys can be inserted.

Another common type of bump key is the "Schlage" bump key, named for another popular lock manufacturer.

Both types of these keys are common in our sets, starting with the Basic set going all the way to the Premium Set.

A bump key is cut to the "maximum depth" for each pin in a specific type of lock. This means that the cuts on the key are as deep as the lock mechanism will allow. The exact depth can vary depending on the type of lock the bump key is designed for.

In terms of specific measurements, locksmiths use a "key bitting specification" to determine how deep to cut keys for a particular lock. The depth is often measured in increments known as "depths" or "cuts". For example, a Kwikset lock (a common residential lock in the U.S.) has 6 possible depths for each pin, numbered from 1 (shallowest) to 6 (deepest). A Kwikset bump key would be cut to a depth of 6 at each position.

Most bump keys are made from various types of metal, with brass being one of the most common materials due to its durability and ease of cutting to the right shape. Brass is also relatively resistant to corrosion, which is important for a key's longevity.

Some keys might be made from nickel silver, which is a more durable material that's harder to wear down. Nickel silver is an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc. It's more expensive than brass, but it's also more resistant to wear, making it a good material for keys that see a lot of use.

There are also steel keys, often coated with a layer of brass or nickel for corrosion resistance. Steel keys are very durable, but they can be more difficult to cut than brass or nickel silver keys. Not only are steel keys more difficult to cut, instead of the damage going to the key during bumping damage can be caused within the lock itself.

Some modern "smart keys" or electronic keys might be made of plastic or other materials, but they typically still have some metal components.

Yes. Many padlocks, especially those that use pin tumbler mechanisms, can indeed be opened using a bump key, provided that the key is correctly cut for the specific lock model.

However, not all padlocks can be bumped. Some high-security padlocks use mechanisms other than pin tumblers, such as disc detainer mechanisms, which cannot be bumped. Even some pin tumbler locks have security measures such as security pins (like spool pins or serrated pins) that can make bumping more difficult.

Moreover, many newer or higher-quality padlocks have protections against bumping and other forms of lock picking. These can include complex (controlled) keyways that restrict access, or advanced pin designs that make it harder to set the pins correctly by bumping. For unique pin designs that makes it more challenging, not impossible.

Identifying whether a lock has been bumped can be difficult because bumping a lock usually doesn't leave obvious external signs of forced entry, like broken windows or damaged door frames. However, there are a few potential indications you could look out for:

• Scratches around the Keyhole: A person who is not skilled at lock bumping may cause scratches around the keyhole while attempting to bump the lock. Note: This can be potentially eliminated by using Bump Key O-Rings.
• Lock Malfunction: Sometimes, bumping can damage the internal components of the lock, causing it to function improperly. If you find your key is not working smoothly or if the lock is behaving unusually, it might be a sign that it was bumped.
• Missing or Damaged Pins: In some cases, the force of bumping a lock can cause the pins inside to become damaged or even to fall out. A professional locksmith can dismantle the lock and inspect it for such damage.
• Unusual Circumstances: If items in your home are missing or have been moved, but there are no signs of traditional forced entry, it might be an indication that a less obvious method, like lock bumping, was used.

Remember, these are just potential indicators and aren't conclusive proof that a lock has been bumped. If you suspect unauthorized access to your property, you should notify the local authorities and have a professional locksmith inspect the lock. Always ensure your home is protected by using high-quality, bump-resistant locks and by considering additional security measures such as alarm systems or security cameras.

A bump key can potentially be identified on a keychain if you know what to look for. Here's how a bump key typically differs from a regular key:

• Uniform cuts: Unlike a regular key, which has a variety of cut depths across its blade, a bump key has uniform cuts all made to the maximum depth for a given lock. This creates a "sawtooth" or "zigzag" pattern along the key.
• Special marks: Some people mark their bump keys to differentiate them from regular keys. This isn't a given, but if you see a key with unusual markings, it may be a bump key.
• No specific lock: If there's a key on the chain that doesn't appear to match any of the known locks, it could potentially be a bump key.

Remember that these are only potential signs and not definite proof of a bump key. Contact us and we can provide a more certain identification.

While bump keys can technically be made from any metal, they are most commonly made from brass or nickel silver. These materials are typically chosen for keys because they're fairly soft and easy to cut, yet durable enough to withstand regular use.

When it comes to bump keys specifically, these softer metals have a couple of advantages:

• Shock Transmission: Brass and nickel silver transmit the kinetic energy of the "bump" very effectively, which is crucial for the bump key method to work.
• Durability: While steel is stronger and more durable than brass or nickel silver, it's also more likely to damage the pins in the lock during the bumping process, potentially rendering the lock unusable. The softer metals are less likely to cause this kind of damage.

Yes, it is possible to find and purchase bump keys online, often from locksmith suppliers or websites that specialize in locks. One might even suggest taking a look at the site you’re currently browsing and check out their full line of bump keys, which are available for sale.

Bump key O-rings, also known as "bump rings" or "dampening rings," are used in the lock bumping process to help control the key's reset after the "bump" has occurred. When you bump a key, the idea is to create a separation between the key pins and driver pins within the lock, which allows the lock to be turned. After you hit the bump key, it needs to reset so you can hit it again if the lock didn't open on the first try. An O-ring helps by acting as a kind of spring, pushing the bump key back out to the starting position quickly.

While O-rings can be helpful in the process of using a bump key, they are not strictly necessary. The use of an O-ring helps to automate the resetting of the bump key to its initial position, which can make the process easier, particularly for beginners. However, with practice, it is possible to learn to manually reset the bump key to its initial position after each strike, effectively accomplishing the same goal without the need for an O-ring. With manually resetting you may spend a bit longer time to actually ‘reset’ the key after each bump attempt. For that reason bump key o-rings are suggested.

The lifespan of bump key O-rings (bump key rebound rings, or dampenders) depends on a variety of factors, including the quality of the O-ring, how frequently it's used, and how much striking force is applied during the bumping process. Over time, the O-rings and rebound rings may wear down and need to be replaced. Always check the condition of your tools and replace them as needed to ensure they function properly.

Yes, a bump key can be reused multiple times. Bump keys are not one-time-use tools; they are designed to be durable and withstand repeated use. However, like all tools, they can wear down over time and may eventually need to be replaced.

Kwikset SmartKey locks use a different kind of technology compared to standard pin tumbler locks, and they are designed to resist lock bumping. The SmartKey system uses a series of sliders and a sidebar instead of the traditional pin and tumbler system, which makes the bump key method ineffective. However, like all security devices, no lock is completely invulnerable, and there are other ways skilled locksmiths or security professionals could potentially bypass the lock if necessary, but these techniques generally require specialized knowledge and tools.

No. Bump keys are specifically designed for pin tumbler locks, which are commonly found in many residential and commercial door locks. Bump keys exploit the mechanical nature of pin tumbler locks to align and manipulate the lock pins, allowing for quick and easy unlocking.

However, bump keys are not typically effective for use on car locks. Most car locks, especially modern ones, utilize more advanced locking mechanisms such as wafer locks or sidebar locks, which are more resistant to bumping techniques. Car locks are specifically designed to provide higher security and deter unauthorized access.

Attempting to use a bump key on a car lock is unlikely to be successful and may even cause damage to the lock or the key itself. We do stock jiggler keys which are indeed manufactured for vehicles.