Chris Dangerfield: Founder of UK Bump Keys, Lockpicking Innovator, and Creator of the Dangerfield Machina
From Childhood Curiosity to Lockpicking Legend
Chris Dangerfield’s passion for lockpicking began early—he picked his first lock at age nine, using a nail clipper to bypass his father’s phone lock. That small victory ignited a lifelong fascination with locksport, which eventually led him to become a world-renowned figure in the lockpicking community.
Innovations in Lockpicking Tools
As the founder of www.ukbumpkeys.com, Chris has revolutionised the lockpicking landscape, both through his business and his inventive designs. His pioneering tools include the shoulderless bump keys - a more effective version of standard bump keys - and the innovative bump key dampeners, which allow for faster, more reliable lock bumping. Chris also developed the dual gauge Praxis set, offering two different pick thicknesses (for both beginners and advanced users), enabling flexibility across a range of lock types. His introduction of TOK (Top of Keyway) tension tools—where BOK (Bottom of Keyway) tensioners used to dominate - gives users greater control, making them a staple in professional lock pick sets today.
Chris’s Dangerfield Machina, an electric lock pick gun, has earned widespread acclaim as a formidable alternative to the industry-leading Multipick Kronos, which has dominated the market for over seven years. Chris has worked closely with Multipick, sharing insights to improve lockpicking knowledge and experiences, which has mutually benefited the locksport community as a whole.
Lockpicking Educator and YouTube Creator
In addition to his tool designs, Chris runs the LockPickingLegend YouTube channel, where he shares tutorials, reviews, and insights. His channel serves as a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced lockpickers, covering everything from the basics to advanced techniques. The channel has built a loyal following, establishing Chris as not only a master lockpicker but also a respected educator (and entertainer!) in the field.
Building the LockpickWorld Community
Chris's journey in locksport began when he founded UK Bump Keys in the early 2000s, after experimenting with homemade bump keys. His passion for sharing knowledge grew as his online forum exploded with thousands of members. That forum laid the foundation for his e-commerce business, which became a go-to source for quality lock pick sets, tools, and educational resources. His commitment to customer service and helping new lockpickers navigate their journey has been central to UKBumpkey's success.
A Diverse and Adventurous Career
What sets Chris apart isn’t just his technical expertise - though he’s certainly got that in spades. As described by The Art of Lockpicking blog, “Chris Dangerfield is known throughout the world for his prolific adventures and storytelling. He is a master of thrills, dangers, catastrophes, and personal enlightenment. A lockpicking expert, comedian, and adrenaline junkie, Chris brings an exceptional blend of experience and enthusiasm to the field."
Commitment to Customer Support and Education
Chris has always been committed to ensuring his customers aren't left in the dark after buying their tools. He believes it’s unethical to sell lock picks without providing clear guidance on how to use them. That’s why UKBumpKeys.com has grown to be more than just a shop—it’s a trusted resource for lockpickers of all skill levels. Chris and his expert team make sure that everyone, from beginners to seasoned pros, can find the support they need to enjoy the hobby and grow their skills.
Collaborations with Locksport Legends
Over the years, Chris has collaborated with some of the biggest names in locksport. He has met and worked alongside legends like Oliver Diederichsen, the German locksmith who wrote the definitive book on impressioning, and Jos Weyers, a many-time world champion in lock impressioning. Chris even organized an impressioning workshop, bringing these experts together to share their techniques with the locksport community.
He has also interviewed key figures such as Marc Tobias, the author of Open in 30 Seconds, who is renowned for his investigative work into the vulnerabilities of high-security locks like the Medeco Biaxial. Chris spoke with Marc on the LockPickingLegend YouTube channel about his book Tobias on Locks and Insecurity Engineering, where they discussed how some lock manufacturers knowingly sell vulnerable locks to the public. Chris’s dedication to exposing the truth about lock vulnerabilities has been an important part of his role in the locksport world.
Guiding Your Lockpicking Journey
Chris has written and curated many of the Lock Pick Set buyer guides, product reviews, concepts, and blogs on this website. We hope you'll continue to appreciate our dedication to providing top-tier tools, expert advice, and a thriving community for lockpicking enthusiasts.
Whether you're a beginner picking up your first set or a seasoned professional, Chris and the team at UKBumpKeys are here to support your journey every step of the way, ensuring you have the resources and knowledge to master the art of lockpicking.
Happy Picking!