Lock may be broken

[retrofitz]

I have a washing machine with a coinbox on it that looks like this one found on the Greenwald Industries site. I made a rough drawing of the key, it is flat with a varying groove on both sides (different on each side). I have the correct key to open it but now the key does not work anymore. I am the landlord and the tenants that recently moved out may have tampered with it and damaged it but I don't know that for sure. I'm not exactly trying to pick it, as I know the key used to work, but would like to find out more about the lock to see if I can get it open without a locksmith's house call fee. I have tried graphite lubricant, but when I push the key in there is no resistance at all, it goes all the way in, but will not turn. The key has no company name, the box says Greenwald Industries. Anyone familiar with how this lock works? Any guesses what might be wrong and whether it can be fixed?

[ThE_MasteR]

That would be a lazer cut key. I only know lazer cut keys for cars, not for washing machines, I can't help you here, i am sorry.

[n2oah]

That would be a lazer cut key. I only know lazer cut keys for cars, not for washing machines, I can't help you here, i am sorry.

They aren't actually cut out by lasers, thats what locksmiths believed.
There isn't supposed to be any resistance when the key enters the keyway, most of the time these locks have two sidebars that operate with sliders-- call a lockie, you won't be able to pick this very easily.

[vector40]

I believe Master is mistaken.

However, I believe this was also answered before... lemme see...

viewtopic.php?t=7281

Hmm, doesn't look like we figured out what the actual mechanism was. However, I know that the "wavy track" type of key you drew is a known one -- someone with better memory than I could identify it.

[n2oah]

Basically the same thing as the Evva 3KS except with only 2 curves and a few less pins. http://www.evva.com/Images/3ksE.gif

[retrofitz]

vector40 Yes I did see that thread when I searched. The difference I noticed was the keyway in the other thread was shaped like a half circle. Mine is a rectangle shape and the key is flat. Yes, a "wavy track" is a good description.

n2oah Will look at that Evva site.

[Chucklz]

I beleive the locks were originally made or popularized by Bell and are popularly known as Bell locks. There, thats all I can offer.

However, the similar style of locks found on cars can be easily damaged. Perhaps you are dealing with a damage situation. If so, the locksmith would be the best option.

[retrofitz]

Yes, the diagrams of the evva 3ks help explain how it works. The key does look pretty similar except mine's just one track on each side and smooth on the top and bottom.

Will probably need a locksmith, but I've got to give it a try myself first.

Thanks all!