Locksmiths, a question.....

October 22, 2017, 08:11 AM

I've got an old (I remember getting gumballs out of it as a kid in the 70s) Atlas Master gumball machine....but no key.

1) Can a locksmith pick it? Or would it need to be drilled out?

2) If it can be picked, is there a way to determine what kind key it needs and make one, or will I just have to replace the lock entirely?

Thanks!

October 22, 2017, 08:31 AM

davea

Yes a good locksmith should be able to figure it out for you. If he can't key it to what it is now he will rekey it for you.

October 22, 2017, 08:33 AM

kkina

Not a locksmith but I know you can get a lock and key set for Atlas machines off Ebay for like $10.

October 22, 2017, 08:38 AM

a1abdj

I am a "locksmith" but I don't mess with keys. My knowledge here isn't as deep as those who do.

Many companies that make devices with locks make them in a finite variety. Kkina mentioned finding them on E-bay. Perhaps they are all the same. Maybe there are 20 of them. I don't know. If you could find somebody that works on vending machines you may find that they have a set that includes all of the variations.

October 22, 2017, 03:24 PM

jimmy123x

quote:
Originally posted by a1abdj:
I am a "locksmith" but I don't mess with keys. My knowledge here isn't as deep as those who do.

Many companies that make devices with locks make them in a finite variety. Kkina mentioned finding them on E-bay. Perhaps they are all the same. Maybe there are 20 of them. I don't know. If you could find somebody that works on vending machines you may find that they have a set that includes all of the variations.

This. A gumball machine might only have 10 different key codes.....a good locksmith would either have the variations, or could start cutting a key and work his way down the variations and cut a key that will work in it without drilling it. Heck you might be able to stick a flat screw driver the size of the opening in it and turn it. Locks weren't very complex back in those days.

October 22, 2017, 06:56 PM

striker1

If it’s what I think it is, the key is on the front, left of the coin knob?

A competent locksmith will either have a key for it, or will be able to pick it fairly easily.

October 22, 2017, 08:31 PM

NK402

"Who are you and how did you get in here?"
"I'm a locksmith and I'm a locksmith."

October 23, 2017, 07:29 AM

AllenInAR

quote:
Originally posted by kkina:
Not a locksmith but I know you can get a lock and key set for Atlas machines off Ebay for like $10.

I saw those, but I'd still need to get the 'faceplate' off to put one on. And I'd like to keep it original as much as possible.