Lock Bumping Keys

The master key is designed by the manufacturer to open a number of related although different locks.  This is often sold in with a series of high-priced locking mechanisms to business and expensive homes, where different corridors and entrances may use different keys.  Typically, homes have one key to open a front and side or back door.  Businesses can open all entryways using one key.  The pricier systems may have a different key for each corridor or portion of a complex.  This is usually done while using patented keys that must be special ordered from the manufacturer.  The master key is provided so that high-ranking or security personnel only need one key to unlock multiple entries. Master keys, like bump keys, are designed to work with tumbler lock systems.

There are two types of skeleton keys.  Neither type designed to work with tumbler locks.  A skeleton key is crafted to work with a warded lock.  Warded locks are either old or very inexpensive.  In older buildings, where one can actually look through the keyhole, we will see one type of skeleton key.  These are typically long iron keys that have a bulbous although hollow head to grip when turning the key.  They are thought to have gotten their name from the way they look like a skeleton.  The other type of skeleton key is similar in that it is made for more simple locks.  Filing cabinets, bike locks, and other low end devices use what are known as warded locks.  These are a predecessor to the tumbler locks, simply requiring the right fit to grab hold of and nudge the actual locking mechanism to the side.  Skeleton keys were designed to be able to fit multiple wards and are considered the predecessor to the bump key.

In either of these cases, the bump key differs drastically, because the master and skeleton do not require force or skill to use.  They are designed to fit multiple locks and work.  Both skeleton and master keys were produced by the manufacturers while the bump key was designed and made mostly by locksmiths.  While the bump key is meant to defeat security systems only some skeleton keys are made to the same.  Of the remaining skeleton and master keys, they are legitimate pieces of hardware meant to work in accordance with their locking mechanism’s design.

Bumping Key Articles
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