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Lock bumping is a lock picking technique for opening a pin tumbler lock using a specially crafted bump key, rapping key or a 999 key. A bump key must correspond to the target lock in order to function correctly.
In this manner, what does bumping a lock mean?
“Bumping” is a lock-picking technique that refers to the repeated striking motion used to dislodge the pins inside a lock. Doing this requires a specially cut key, known as a bump key, that with the right application can be used to force open 90% of cylindrical locks.
Correspondingly, do bump keys damage locks?
The "bumper" needs to bump the key hard enough to jar the pins, but not so much that the lock or key is damaged. Bumping the key causes the pins to jump slightly. As long as the shear line is unblocked, the cylinder can turn and the lock will open.
Generically, a “999” key is a key cut with all pin stacks assumed to be the lowest “factory” depth cut. Depending on lock, that could be a key cut to code as 999999 or 777 depending on the manufacturer (or other codes as appropriate). They are similar to a bump key, but not the same.