bump key

noun

A lockpicking tool in the form of a key of the type generally used to open a lock, on which all pins have been cut down to the lowest position, so that striking this key sharply with a hammer while applying turning force at just the right instant after the impact will 'bump' open a lock.

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Meanings

nounbump key (plural bump keys)

plural bump keys

  1. A lockpicking tool in the form of a key of the type generally used to open a lock, on which all pins have been cut down to the lowest position, so that striking this key sharply with a hammer while applying turning force at just the right instant after the impact will 'bump' open a lock.
Cite this entry
APA

bump key. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/bump%20key

MLA

“bump key.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/bump%20key. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “bump key,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/bump%20key.

Source: bump key on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.