Tubular lock- need help!

[excalibur1210]

Hey guys. I have a 7-pin tubular lock on the side of my slot machine that I can't get to unlock. The lock was purchased and installed a couple months ago. Its made by the Chicago Locking Co. and the key says ACE on it.

I don't know anything at all about locks, but I've been playing around with it and it seems like the problem is that the spring isn't working on the first pin. If I push it all the way in with a push-pin, it pops back into place, but there's not really any tension behind it.

Anyone know what I can do??

Thanks,
Cassie

[poor paperclip picker]

First post a picture of the machine with the key and show that the key works and the machine is yours. Otherwise some people might think you are planning on breaking into the machine.

(just wanted to let you know before this thread gets locked)

[excalibur1210]

Thanks, PPP.

Here's the machine and the key. Can't show that the key works, since the problem is that the key isn't working.


(sorry the image is so large. I don't have a photo editor)

[freakparade3]

If the key will not work it's unlikely picking will either. It's also extremely hard to pick this type of lock without the proper tools. By hand you will have to pick it 7 times because the pins will relock into the next hole every 1/7th of a turn. Buying the proper tools will cost more than a locksmith. So in summation, you need to call a locksmith.

[MBI]

First of all excalibur1210, I'd like to complement you on the towel you're wearing. How do you manage to get your whites so white?

One thing you could try (assuming you can do this safely) is to lean the machine pretty far over towards the side that has the lock and have someone hold it there while you try the key again. Insert it very carefully and if it doesn't turn, wiggle it gently back and forth a few times. If the lock has a weak spring it could be letting the pin slide too far in when you insert the key and leaning the machine over could help gravity do the job that the spring is supposed to do.

If you do get it open, don't relock it again. Get the lock replaced while you have it open. I know that's stating the obvious, but I figured I'd say it just in case. Better safe than sorry.

If that doesn't work then I'm afraid freakparade3 is correct, time to call a locksmith.

[excalibur1210]

First of all excalibur1210, I'd like to complement you on the towel you're wearing. How do you manage to get your whites so white?

Why thank you. There's a little trick most guys don't know about. Don't throw your whites in with your colors.

One thing you could try (assuming you can do this safely) is to lean the machine pretty far over towards the side that has the lock and have someone hold it there while you try the key again. Insert it very carefully and if it doesn't turn, wiggle it gently back and forth a few times. If the lock has a weak spring it could be letting the pin slide too far in when you insert the key and leaning the machine over could help gravity do the job that the spring is supposed to do.

If you do get it open, don't relock it again. Get the lock replaced while you have it open. I know that's stating the obvious, but I figured I'd say it just in case. Better safe than sorry.

If that doesn't work then I'm afraid freakparade3 is correct, time to call a locksmith.

This sounds promising. And perhaps a little dangerous-- the machine's 300lbs. I'd like to avoid calling a locksmith though, so I'll give it a shot this evening when someone gets home.

Thanks for your help!

[mh]

If the spring pushes the pin all the way to the front again, it should not prevent you from opening the lock.

What else can you tell about the lock stopping to work for you?

Did it work well all the time and then stopped working? Or degraded slowly?

Is this machine in your living room, or did other people have access to it? Do you notice glue or anything?

Stupid question, but are you really sure it's the right key?

Cheers,
mh

[freakparade3]

Stupid question, but are you really sure it's the right key?

Cheers,
mh

I had a lockout call just the other day that was just the customer using the wrong key. A quick "F" for front door stamp and a service call. "That will be $45 please".

[keysman]

MBI has the right idea .. turn the machine on the side.. the other thing you can try ..besides calling a locksmith which will be the easyiest, quickest , and the least amount of hassle, because you will have a working key when he/ she is done.

is... try spraying some WD40 or other cleaner/lubricant into the lock.. don't be cheep with the lube, you almost can't use too much.. use the handle of a hammer to TAP the key into the lock .. the idea here is to work the lube into the " innards" of the lock. repeat the tapping for 30 seconds.
Now try your key

Good luck

[poor paperclip picker]

don't use WD 40 though because it can gum up the internals try a 3 in 1 lubricant

[xayandevorak]

My best idea would to either call a lock smith, and have him drill it, drill it you self, if you know what you're doing.