A professional would utilize a kit and complicated tools to release a secured door, but amateurs and pros alike typically go for the simplest technique, lock bumping. Picking a lock can be done a number of ways, but the most familiar one is by applying a bump key.

How to bump locks

How to Craft Your Bump Key

Lock bumping can be started by using a specialty key and knocking on the lock apparatus. Filing the key to fit snuggly in the lock is the initial step to creating a bump key. Normally, a bump key is a generic one with cuts at maximum depth. Although, if scraping is executed correctly, any key can change into a bump key. Fitting the bump key within the security device and moving it  in a particular way will knock the inner pins and release the lock. The simplest way to come up with a bump key on your own is to revise the shoulder and the tip, and modify the depth of the cuts.

The type of bump key you can manufacture will depend on the kind of security device you want to pick. Confirm that the cuts are at the deepest level possible so as to fit inside the security device.

Acquiring a device that will sand the key according to the cut dimensions will make it easier for you to come up with the bump key. When you have the configurations on the bump key set up, you can copy the bump key on a regular machine to manufacture a duplicate. There are uncut bump keys, called ‘blanks’, you can utilize and these contain cuts at maximum depth when you purchase them.

Secrets of Lock Picking

Picking a Lock Using a Bump Key

Opening a door using a bump key can be tricky. Primarily, your target ought to be to make the bump key slide all the way inside the padlock. Take your time and scrape the tip of the bump key methodically. You may have to adjust the form of the shoulder as well for the key to go in.

Tactics You Can Experiment With for Lock Bumping

1. Push-Pull Method

The goal is to be able to push the key in so that you can fiddle with the inner pins in the security device device. Put in the key all the way, and then pull back slowly, touching one inner pin at a time. Here’s where your persistence will be tested.  Whenever an inner pin gets caught in the cuts of your bump key, hit the bump key right at the position where your hand is holding it before you turn the key somewhat. Good timing for turning the key right after you thump it will make sure you open the entrance without damaging the inner part of the security device. This trick will not work if the pins are pressed in too far by the gap parts of the bump key.

Lockpicking Guides

2. Use the Minimum Movement

Scraping the shoulder and the tip of your bump key a bit more will force the key deeper in the lock. Springs in the security device will push the key out somewhat, until the pins rest on the deepest point on the key’s cuts. You want to confirm that the cuts on the bump key are in direct contact with the pins and not the bottom of the lock cylinder. With this set up, just the most minimal action is required to create a force that will make the pins fall into place.