Since the Dutch brought back lock bumping in the 1970’s with their “knocking” technique, the method has been sweeping the world of locksmiths, amateur lock pickers, and professionals alike. Until the Internet, one needed to be a locksmith to make bump keys and accessories. Now sites like BuyBumpKey sell bump key sets for cheaper than going and getting a new key cut. With so many different bump keys available, you need to make sure you are ordering the right one, as there are some particulars you need to pay attention to. Here are the things you’ll need to ensure you are ordering the correct bump key.

First thing to look for in a bump key is to make sure you order one for the exact make and model of the lock. Before lock bumping, 2 factors go into determining if a bump key will fit in and open a lock.

1. Getting the correct size of the key. Make sure it’s the right length, width and height for the lock so it will fit into the lock.

2. Check the side grooves, some cheap locks don’t have any, but houses usually do. These grooves run the length of the key and are cut out of the side. There will be a corresponding notch in the lock for this groove. There are now universal sets that are so thin that you don’t need to worry about the groves and are also much cheaper but harder to use than the exact key with bump notches.

If you weren’t using a bump key, last would be the notches cut from the bottom and sometimes the top and bottom of the key which make each key unique. This is what you DON’T need if you have a bump key. But your bump key WILL need at least the first possibly both 1 and 2 so it fits into the lock allowing you to practice your Lock Bumping.