If you’ve ever been in a situation where your slot machine lock is jammed or you simply don’t have the right key, don’t panic. There are several methods that will allow you to open your machine without a key. Some are easier than others, and some may damage the machine’s door or frame, so it’s important to be aware of what you’re doing before you start.
Drilling out the lock
The first thing you’ll want to do is take your time and carefully remove the machine’s top glass. It’s important to remove the glass so that you can get to the lock, which is located in the upper part of the machine’s top box. After you’ve removed the top glass, use a screwdriver to pry the lock open. You’ll need to make sure that you’re using a screwdriver with a flat head and not a Phillips or Torx head, as these can cause a lot of damage if you’re not careful.
Once the lock has been opened, you’ll be able to access the jackpot compartment and reset the machine. To do this, you’ll need to open the service panel, insert the jackpot key, and then turn it slightly to the right. It’s a simple process that should only take about five minutes to complete, but it is essential to know how the machine functions before you try to reset it yourself.
Picking the lock
Some people who have experience with locks claim that it’s easy to pick the locks on arcade machines because they’re so simple. However, it’s still not something that’s suitable for everyone, and it can be difficult to do on a casino machine without damaging the door and frame. If you’re not comfortable with picking the lock, you can try brute force.
Another option is to replace the belly glass florescent light bulb, which is usually found in the top of the machine. This is relatively simple to do, but you’ll need to ensure that the new bulb is compatible with the slot machine before you begin working on it. Once you’ve replaced the bulb, you can replace the top metal trim strip. Then, replace the two or three raised clips on the back of the metal bracket where the top glass holding track is located. Finally, align the hooks on the back of the strip with the metal bracket and snap it into place.
