How to clone a key with a pippin file?

29th February 2020


	How to clone a key with a pippin file


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			Pippin files are ideally shaped for turning key ‘blanks’ into working keys through a process called ‘impressioning’.

			Key blanks are the right shape to fit into a lock. However, they are uncut, and therefore will not open it.

			For this process you will need a key blank, a pippin file, a pair of grips and large doses of both brute force and patience.



			Step 1 – File key edge flat Using a flat edge on your pippin file, make sure the top of your key is flat. You may not have to do very much filing at all to achieve this.

			Step 2 – Insert key blank Slide your key blank all the way into your lock.

			Your key is now in contact with the security pins that keep the lock from turning if the right key is not inserted.

			Your mission is to turn your key blank into the right key!

			Step 3 – Bump key against top and bottom of lock
			Use your pair of grips to hold tightly onto the head of the key. Give it a really good wobble around several times so that the thin edges of the key bump against the edges of the lock as much as possible.

			Make sure the key stays all the way inside the lock at all times.

			While you’re wobbling the key up and down, alternate between turning it right and left as far as it will go. Don’t worry if it’s not very far.

			Step 4 – Check for marks Remove your key from the lock and hold it up to the light to check for marks. There should be a mark for each security pin in the lock.

			Most locks have five pins.

			Step 5 – File at location of marks Using the round side of your pippin file, file a couple of strokes at the location of each mark.

			This should give you a series of grooves across the edge of the key.

			Step 6 – More bumping and filing! You now need to bump your key again.

			This time, you’ll need to check to see which of the grooves in the key are showing clear marks. Only file those grooves, and deepen them by just a couple of strokes with the file.

			Continue this process. Don’t be surprised if you find a mark in a groove you had not previously been filing part way through the process. This happens often.

			Step 7 – Success You’ll know when you have succeeded in your efforts as the lock will open as you turn the key to one side during bumping. Well done!