Mills QT - how to open front lock (lost key)

[jmac]

I picked up a Mills QT, backdoor is missing, front lock is original and no key. Can the front lock be opened without drilling/destroying? I hate to drill a good orig QT lock. Whats the best way to open it, Can it be picked? or does anyone have a mills masterkey? This is In Southern CA.

[slotsdirect.com]

You can always get a locksmith to open it and make you a new key. A little costly but it is an answer

[rogers1313]

One way is to remove the bottom base from the case and slide the metal backing off. This will allow you to get to the lock if I remember correctly.
Let me know if that works.

I did it a long time ago. This may allow the mech to slide out. I can't remember if I was able to reach the back bolt at this point. You may be able to dissassemble part of the case to get to it.

I know this works to get the back lock off too.

Good Luck,
Roger

[nvmos2]

If you are going to horse around with coin operated collectibles, I recommend getting a set of lock picks.

I have found them to be very useful; I got a cheap set for under $30 that came with an instructional video a couple years ago.
Since then, I have picked about 7 or 8 locks on machines; and have not failed to succeed on any I attempted.
Granted the first lock attempted took about 3 hours, but got to where it takes about 30 minutes, whereas an experienced locksmith could do it in just a couple minutes, so you need to have time on your hands. But it beats drilling the lock and comes with a small amount of satisfaction when the bugger unlocks.
I have not yet attempted to pick a Mills double-side cut key; I think they might be difficult and don't know if that is what you have on the QT front.

[jmac]

Ok, took the base off, slid off the back panel and had full access, worked like a charm. Thanks Roger. I can see how you could get past both locks by cutting/grinding off the 4 carriage bolt heads on the bottom. Fortunately my back was already off, so just unscrewed the 4 nuts inside.

The lock is a mills double-side cut key, and I heard picking these mills locks is very tough, and my lockpicking skills are weak.

Next, the lock is stamped "P6327" would anyone have a mills key to match my lock? Is it easier to get a key made to match the lock or change the lock tumblers to match an old mills key?

[rogers1313]

The pick the lock solution is difficult even for a locksmith on a Mills lock.
Now that you have the lock out you can re-key the lock. The way that I learned to do it was to get a mills key, take the lock apart stick the key into the lock and file the edges of the metal sleeves that poke out. When you pull the key out the metal sleeves will still stickout and allow the lock to lock. If you are not comfortable with that operation take it to a locksmith with any mills key that will fix. They can determine if it will work.

I have done this about 10 times with no trouble.

Roger

PS.
I was told that there are about 50000 lock and key combinations.