A customer recently brought in an Eagle brand countertop vending machine they picked up second hand. Despite its approximate age of 30 years, the vending machine was in great shape.
The customer wanted a key made for the machine. (Image 1) We have worked on many of these locks over the years, so I had a good idea about how to tackle the project. Nevertheless, even with experience the locks can be time-consuming. Adding to the challenge, our local area was undergoing utility repairs, so we were without electricity for the duration of the project.
The lock cylinder screws into a steel rod that runs through the entire machine. (Image 2) The lock uses a double double-sided key which uses different key cuts on each of the two sides. Picking these types of locks requires skill, luck and patience. The best approach is to place a tension rod in the middle of the cylinder and one hook pick on either side of the cylinder. The result is a “rabbit ear” look, with the tension rod acting as the driver (Image 3). The lock’s design only allows for it to turn one-quarter rotation at a time, and moving each pick independently is necessary at times.
Back in Service
After the lock cylinder was removed (Image 4), we checked to see whether the vending-machine lock cylinder made by CompX would be a suitable replacement for the original-equipment cylinder. However, the CompX lock face is a smaller diameter than the OEM cylinder, so servicing the original cylinder was a must to put the machine back in service.
After we removed the wafers from the lock cylinder, the key cuts were identified as 31313. However, not all Eagle vending machines use the same key, because the manufacturer uses a series of key codes for their products. The proper key blank for the project was an Ilco 1025R that required modifications to ensure proper functionality. (Images 5-6)
Not having electricity made servicing the key a challenge, because using a key machine to make modifications wasn’t an option. A tungsten carbide burr bit and a battery-powered drill (Image 7) provided the necessary machine power, as well as a huge time-saver from the traditional hand file.
After the key modification was complete, the wafers were reinstalled in the lock cylinder, (Image 8) which allowed for reassembly of the lock into the machine. (Image 9) Caution is required if you move the machine while the lock is removed to ensure that parts of the machine aren’t dropped or a shift in alignment occurs. These issues can affect proper reassembly. Proper machine operation also can be affected by overtightening the lock cylinder.
Three hours later, the customer had a working key to their vending machine, and another vintage machine was back in service. (Image 10)
Herman Manzanares III, RL, is co-owner of Los Alamos Lock & Key in Los Alamos, New Mexico. He has 25 years of locksmith experience. He can be reached via the web at www.losalamoslock.com.
