Quote Originally Posted by GeorgeB View Post
I got a gumball machine last week from a business relocation, alone with 2 tons of scrap metal.

The machine is in great condition, and my in laws said they wanted it for their body shop. In return, we can split the profits from it, after buying the candies to put in it when it needs filling up, etc.

2 questions though.

  1. How do open it at the top to replace the candy. I am sure it will need to be re keyed or something.
  2. How do you open the change compartment. We looked and couldn't find any release switches, key holes, or anything.


Since I am sure, it will need to be rekeyed, who can we call for that. Just any normal vending machine company, or would a lock smith do?
I use to run a bar with the wife and have had a lot of experience with vending games/machines.

The answer is no locks are "rekeyed", they are just replaced.



It is much cheaper to have someone open these and replace them yourself.

You have to call the locksmith and vending company to get quotes for your area. I would just take the whole thing to a locksmith shop, walk it in and ask them to open it.



1. You can do it yourself. There are 2 types of locks used. The first one is a standard lock which uses a flat key. These are easy to open. You can take a bobby pin bent into an "L", insert it into the lock and apply light steady pressure to the left, they take an unbent paper clip and rake back and forth of the insides of the lock until you have all the pins pushed in. The lock will open. The second type of lock used is a tubular lock. These are the ones that use a round key. To open these you need a "tubular lock pick". These are fairly easy to use and run about 60.00 online.

Once you opened the locks on the bottom is a hex nut that is holding the lock in place. You unscrew the nut and the lock comes out. Replacement locks can be found about 2-5.00 on ebay (obviously with the keys). You plop one in the hole, put the nut back on, and your ready to roll.

2. You could go to a vending company. You should be able to find a few in your area that place machines at business and often sell them. They COULD do the same, they are sometimes hesitant to do this unless you can prove you are the rightful owner. My guess is this would run you about 80.00 a machine.

3. You could go to a locksmith. If you took it to a locksmith's shop they should be willing to open the machine in the 50.00 range. It will take him all of 2 mins to do. If you asked him to replace the locks, you could easily approach 100.00. I would consider just putting in new locks myself.