[Customer Support]

OK - so now you've got some hot new bump keys from http://www.bumpkey.us but have been told you need to file down the Tip and Shoulder.

Well, you're in luck, this process is simple.

We need a few things first:

1 Metal File (Square\Flat) - Hardware store, Leatherman, Gerber
1 Pair of pliers \ vise (only suggested for safety, not needed)
1 Bump Key to file



Here is what we'll be filing down. The parts in red need to be filed. Read on.



Step 1)
Put the key in the vise so the tip is sticking out.

Step 2) File .5 -to 1 Millimeter off of the tip.
This allows the key to go a bit further in once you bump it.

-Remove the key and flip it around so the shoulder is now visible.-

Step 3) File .5 to 1 Millimeter off of the shoulder
This allows the key to go a bit further in once you bump it.

Notes:
The tip is actually the striking slope of the pin that is the deepest in the lock. Shave off enough so that the back pin will sit nicely and raise when the key goes in just like all the others.

Be sure to remove any barbs \ spurs from filing the keys - they are sharp!



That's it. You've got yourself a bump key now. Be sure not to mail it through the mail as this is a federal crime.


Notes: The image is from dpcproductions.com. No Copyright Indicated.

[MrArsonal]

Excellent... now go bump those locks, post haste!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/56/Mr_Burns.png/222px-Mr_Burns.png

[Customer Support]

Quote

Excellent... now go bump those locks, post haste!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/56/Mr_Burns.png/222px-Mr_Burns.png

HAHA I love the Mr. Burns picture. :d

[shk]

What about the bottom part of the shoulder?

It also prevents key from entering further. Fix image? :D

[packrat2]

slickj

your instructions indicate to file .05 mm from the tip and shoulder.
that seems insufficient. per the toool pdf, they say the amount that should
be removed is more like .5mm
did you make a typo?

[Customer Support]

Thanks for the catch... i'll update the above to reflect!

[Key]

Quote

What about the bottom part of the shoulder?

It also prevents key from entering further. Fix image? :D

Yeah, do we need to file the lower shoulder as well? or just the top is sufficient?

[taktikz]

can someone post pics of a bumpkey before filing down and one after?

[digitxm]

The only practice lock i have had is an SC1 (schlage) and it didnt need the bottom part of the shoulder filed. I dont know about other locks.

A related question.

There are some key copying machines (home depot) that you stick the key in until the shoulder hits and then it cuts using the shoulder as a guide. If you were to bring in a key with the shoulder cut down already, and had them copy it, you would have a bump key you wouldnt need to file, correct?

[mrwhite]

digitxm: If you were to do that, the key would only need to be filed at the tip. That's not really an advisable move though...I'd suggest you get it copied BEFORE filing.

[Customer Support]

mrwhite said:

digitxm: If you were to do that, the key would only need to be filed at the tip. That's not really an advisable move though...I'd suggest you get it copied BEFORE filing.

^^^


What he said :lol:

[digitxm]

i have been, i was just thinking hypothetically, i might prompt some interesting questions from the copier though :)

[Kristic]

Copies probably wouldnt be as nice of quality, but do you recommend that we get a set copied, just incase you lose/break/damage one?

A hardware store that I'm around does key copies for 75 cents, so I'm curious

[digitxm]

I bought a set of five "depth" keys off ebay, and i went and made copys of all of them first thing. If you work with your copies (filing and whatnot) and screw up, you still have a template you can go copy again. I havent used the ones i bought at all, only my copies. (just my opinion)

[mrwhite]

Smart move digitxm. I would say you might want to go ahead and get a few copies(3-4 should be more than enough, unless you're REALLY tense, and bend a lot of keys) before ever touching your originals. That way you're covered either way.

[Louisd11]

But would the locksmith not make the copy because it is a Bump key?

[Kristic]

I took mine to Home Depot, and they were oblivious to what it was and copied it, no problem.

[digitxm]

likewise, most of the people who work there are just trained on the machine, not trained locksmiths.

[Louisd11]

HMM i'll try home depot

[nnn]

I gave the fine
people of lowes
my set of five that
havent been filed,
and they did it no problem.