Tubular Lock Help

Zud

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Ok I have a Rowe change machine with a tubular lock. Well wouldn't you know it: I go to clear some space in my basement and the change machine is locked, no key. Now I cannot remember if I had a key or not. Looked and no go. How do you open a locked tubular lock? Are these able to be drilled? Is there a Master Key somewhere? Please help a frustrated guy early on a Saturday. :001_ssad:
 
It probably won't help but I have a tubular key on Donkey Kong. I can't imagine what the odds would be that it is the same as your Rowe machine.

Key is a TB4249. Takigen

Murph
 
Your best bet will be to try and drill it, but most do have a middle shaft made of hardened steel. I have read that a small hole saw will work, but never tried it.

You can also buy a pick that will open it pretty easy, but they range from 60-70 bucks. Or you can try picking it by hand which I have done, but is very tedious. (I've only done this while practicing, with access to the back of the lock for the twisting force needed, Its a lot harder with the lock installed)

They aren't impenetrable, I am sure you could get through with a few drill bits and a little patience.
 
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Just get a good drill bit and go to it. I have drilled dozens over time (mostly bike locks) and they go pretty easy. I have drilled a few on my previous arcades and they all succumbed without much effort at all.

The problem with forcing the tumblers is that they will stay that way - opened - so you can't close it again. Not sure if a lock pick will do the same thing or not.
 
Ive seen that before. My lock is just a bit wider then a Bic pen. :(
If you still want to try, you can just slit the end of the pen about an inch up so it can expand. I've also used them on a smaller lock by cutting a slot out so the end can compress.
 
Try using a thing of canned air upside down so only the coolant comes out to freeze the lock, then hammer a screwdriver through the middle. I did this with a cylander lock on my Turbo mini, it took a few tries but ultimately it broke the lock in half without damaging the door at all.

Oh and what did I find in the coin box after all that effort? A dime, and the keys to the lock I just destroyed. :(
 
I had to drill tube locks on about 8 meatouch's, had no problems at all... Just make sure you use a good bit, I went threw 3 bits for the 8 machines!
 
You can try this:

Screw in a good quality 3/4" to 1" sheet metal screw (Slightly larger than the opening) about half way in where the nipple of the key enters the lock. Take a hammer and with firm force (quick jerking) pull the screw like you would remove a nail. The inner cylinder will pop out. Then you can use a small flat head to turn the inner cam.

I know this works on most of the ace style locks as I had some jerk do this to a good number of equipment on route. I finally got it on video at one location with him doing it and I tried it myself on a few different locks. Once you get the hang of the movement, they pop every time.

Needless to say all location locks now have Abloy pull-dogs and padlock covers.
 
Drill it. I've drilled about 100 arcade and pinball locks over the years. Practically every other game I buy from a non-collector is locked with no key, it's totally normal to drill 'em.
 
oxy-acetylene torch.. works every time lol

is it just a round lock like youd see on a coin door or is it the round lock in the middle of a t-handle?

if its a regular lock, just grind the outside part down to paper thin then punch ther lock into the cabinet with a hammer and punch..
 
You gotta liquor that lock into submission. If your at it again tomorrow let me know. I have the morning and early afternoon available. I could come down and swear at it with you if you need some help.

Murph
 
You can try this:

Screw in a good quality 3/4" to 1" sheet metal screw (Slightly larger than the opening) about half way in where the nipple of the key enters the lock. Take a hammer and with firm force (quick jerking) pull the screw like you would remove a nail. The inner cylinder will pop out. Then you can use a small flat head to turn the inner cam.

I know this works on most of the ace style locks as I had some jerk do this to a good number of equipment on route. I finally got it on video at one location with him doing it and I tried it myself on a few different locks. Once you get the hang of the movement, they pop every time.

Needless to say all location locks now have Abloy pull-dogs and padlock covers.

Yep, that works. For those fancier locks, there are other methods...
 
oxy-acetylene torch.. works every time lol

is it just a round lock like youd see on a coin door or is it the round lock in the middle of a t-handle?

if its a regular lock, just grind the outside part down to paper thin then punch ther lock into the cabinet with a hammer and punch..

Round lock in the middle of a T-handle

You gotta liquor that lock into submission. If your at it again tomorrow let me know. I have the morning and early afternoon available. I could come down and swear at it with you if you need some help.

Murph

Stop on by. I actually dont remember if I swore at it or not. I usually do, but since the lock is not open, I will assume I didnt.
 
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