CoinOpCollectorForum.com

Hi There,
I have an antique Mills nickel slot machine that has been in my family for 70 years. I have somehow misplaced the key to get into the back of the machine and cannot seem to find a replacement key. And now I can't get the lever to move, most likely because it needs to be emptied. Can anyone help me? I really don't want to drill a hole in back, my mother will turn in her grave

You really should exhaust all avenues to find the original key. These Mills locks are pretty much pick proof and there are thousands of variations on the keys. If you finally give up on finding your key, you would be best served by purchasing another Mills lock with key and drilling your lock out. Some machines will give you another issue as some have a lock on the cash box as well.

Good luck,
Fred

I can make a key for it need to have the lock to do that. I have original mills locks and key for $100.00 in New Jersey . You may have to drill out that lock to get it open.

So how would I drill my lock out...go right thru the lock? I would need a locksmith for this right? And if you send me a new key, would I need a locksmith to install that as well?

These locks are extremely hard to pick. There are hundreds of key combinations. There is a number on the lock and the key would have the same number. Without that number you won’t get a key to fit unless the lock is removed and rekeyed. Even if you knew the lock number, chance of finding a key is nearly impossible because of the number of key combinations.
I would continue to look for the key or drill it.
George

Drill the center of the lock and get all the tumblers out then turn the lock with a large screw driver to open it. You might need a 3/8 or 1/2 drill bit.I have the mills locks with working keys for $100.

I'm not too clear on all the options, but I think that if you search this site (using "search" in the upper right corner) you may find some hacks for getting that back door off; if you can get that precious Mills lock out intact, it is a surprisingly simple matter to re-key it. One of the more interesting suggestions that I barely recall involved breaking some reel window glass (easily and cheaply replaceable later) so you can insert a long, sturdy screwdriver and, with a flashlight, locate and remove the two big screws holding the Mills lock onto the inside of the back door. I haven't searched for that posting but you might find it using the right search terms...