(Topic ID: 125968)

Open Locked Back Box Without Key

By Jopper

8 years ago


Topic Heartbeat

Topic Stats

  • 22 posts
  • 17 Pinsiders participating
  • Latest reply 8 years ago by luch
  • Topic is favorited by 1 Pinsider

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#1 8 years ago

So I got a new game in recently. The key was supposed to be in the cabinet somewhere. We haven't been able to find it. It apparently fell off the hook during shipment. We can't unlock the back box. It was suggested we use a screw driver. But want that essentially destroy the lock and potentially do other damage? Any ideas on how to get it open?

It's a Judge Dredd.

#2 8 years ago

Which game? Some are easier to access than others.

#3 8 years ago

drill out the lock and replace or call a lock smith

#4 8 years ago

Depending on game, you can use the screwdriver to move the mechanism holding the glass in by pushing it in from above the glass.

Make sure the spare key isn't screwed inside the cabinet.

Pick the lock.

Many will tell you to just drill it out.

#5 8 years ago

replacements are cheap. drill it out or try and pick.

#6 8 years ago

What game - name ? You may get more help.

LTG : )™

#7 8 years ago

Yeah, name will help.

Some games, have this intricate locking mechanisms and if you drill out the lock and the cam falls off, your stuck.

Some games its a case of simply removing the 2 torx security screws.
Some games you can remove the vent panel on the back of the head.

Best thing is to learn how to pick a pinball lock

#8 8 years ago

If it's a modern DMD game you can remove the security torx screws holding the whole lock assembly.

If you have to drill the lock, start with a very small bit and move up one size at a time until you can twist it with a screwdriver.

Sometimes the whole lock can be twisted with a screwdriver enough to release.

#9 8 years ago

I scored a giant coffee can full of pinball keys from an old operator a while back. I haven't had to drill or pick a lock since

#10 8 years ago

I got one of those coffee cans too, but it is always the last key you try before you get it opened.

#11 8 years ago
Quoted from pinwiztom:

I got one of those coffee cans too, but it is always the last key you try before you get it opened.

Hahaha I thought I was the only one with that coffee can.

#12 8 years ago

I agree with these suggestions. Before you go the drill route, just try a screwdriver. You can put a flathead in the keyhole and wiggle it back and forth. If you stick with it for 10 minutes or so it should loosen up. I've had that work on older games at least. Unless you're routing it, you probably won't even need a new lock for it. If that fails, then look up how to drill out a lock on youtube.

#13 8 years ago
Quoted from pinwiztom:

I got one of those coffee cans too, but it is always the last key you try before you get it opened.

That's because you stop trying after you open it lol.

#14 8 years ago

As strange as this sounds, and it's not for the faint of heart or novice, but I have with some Wms game (early 80s) lifted up on the bg channel and with a dead blow hammer hit the top of the cabinet! Some way some how this worked. Did it more than once and didn't break a bg. Lucky I know.

#15 8 years ago
Quoted from pinwhoo:

...with a dead blow hammer hit the top of the cabinet! Some way some how this worked. Did it more than once and didn't break a bg. Lucky I know.

I must confess, Pinwhoo, I don't have a dead blow hammer in my pinball toolbox...

#16 8 years ago
Quoted from cody_chunn:

If it's a modern DMD game you can remove the security torx screws holding the whole lock assembly.
If you have to drill the lock, start with a very small bit and move up one size at a time until you can twist it with a screwdriver.
Sometimes the whole lock can be twisted with a screwdriver enough to release.

This -
If it's a DMD game, just remove the whole lock assembly. Really easy. Especially if you already have the Torx bits. (Which.. IMHO, everyone should..!)

#17 8 years ago
images-1.jpegimages-1.jpeg
#18 8 years ago

They sell the torx bits at harbor freight in Michigan.

#19 8 years ago
Quoted from MrArt2u:

Which game? Some are easier to access than others.

It's a Bally Judge Dredd.

#20 8 years ago
Quoted from Jopper:

It's a Bally Judge Dredd.

torx.jpgtorx.jpg

#21 8 years ago

And if you don't have a torx bit, you can use pliers or vice grips. Obviously a little slower, but will get the job done.
At least you don't have to go the hammer way.

#22 8 years ago

where's Fonzie when you need him!

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