miscellany

I found a video via Digg last night and it's amazing and disconcerting. A quick search on ebay turned up only one auction for a small set of these keys. Still, they're available on the web and easy enough to make. Hell, I found a key grinding machine on a retail website for $325! According to the video, a steady hand can create these keys with a file. A larger (and original) version of the animated graphic shown here is located here. A PDF on bump keys, produced by the same folks in the above film, is available here. Here is a large set of bump keys available for $50. Fortunately, the seller requires locksmith credentials for purchase. Still, I have to wonder just how difficult it would be to acquire such a set of keys.

I'm half-tempted to take an extra key for my home and try my hand at creating one of these with my Dremel. It's one of those things that the geek in me wants to see it work for myself. I suppose upon learning of the efficacy of the bump key, I'll be looking for a "bump key proof" lock for our home. What am I saying??? Silly me! We already have "bump key proof" locks installed! No need to stop by Mr. Would-Be Burgler; we're immune to your puny attempts! (Whew! Dodged that one...)