North Carolina Locksmith Practice Exam

What is the function of a bump key in lock picking?

1. To forcefully engage the pins in the lock

2. To unlock electronic locks

3. To create a duplicate of a key

4. To measure the depth of key cuts

The correct answer is: To forcefully engage the pins in the lock

A bump key is designed specifically for the purpose of manipulating the pins within a pin tumbler lock to unlock it. It operates using a technique known as bumping, where the key is inserted into the lock and then struck with a tool to generate a quick, forceful impact. This impact causes the pins in the lock to jump, allowing the lock to turn and thereby unlocking the door. The mechanism relies on the unique design of the bump key, which has cuts that correspond to the pin heights of a standard key for that lock. When the key is bumped, the force causes the bottom pins to move just above the shear line, permitting the lock to turn. In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the function of a bump key. It does not engage the pins forcefully in a way that could be confused with traditional lock picking tools; it's not meant for unlocking electronic locks; it does not function to duplicate keys, which is performed through different processes using key cutting equipment; and it does not measure the depth of key cuts, which is a task handled by different locksmithing tools. The proper understanding of a bump key's role in lock manipulation is essential for those studying locksmithing and security systems.