We have an abandoned Pepsi machine at our office that's been sitting there unplugged for a year since we rented the place. I plugged it in today and bought a pretty nasty tasting drink, so I know it works.

The problem is that I don't have a key for it. I'd like to get into the machine and change the lock so that we can stock it (and possibly modify it to bypass the money collector.) It has a 7-pin Ace-II tubular lock on it.

So far, in my search I've found some tools that could help get into it:

1. A lockpick
2. A lock-drilling kit

Since you guys seem to have experience with everything else under the sun, I was wondering if any of you have any suggestions...which of those two you'd try or whether there are any other suggestions.

Contact a local vending machine service company, I'm sure they'd be happy to help you get it open, up & running. It's sure to break down some time anyway and this way you'll know who to call.

-Zeke

Why do I find this vaguely disturbing? Not that the lockpicks are available, but that they are so cheap?

Both are great tools for the job, If you are willing to fork out the cash plus I think for both those items you must be a locksmith to order.

All you really need is a drill bit similar to the one pictured in the lock-drilling kit( I'm guessing under $10) to get the machine open. Then just buy a replacement lock w/keys.

plus I think for both those items you must be a locksmith to order

They don't say anything on the site about that. They must not check, as I found them listed on a lockpicking site as a source for tools that anyone can buy.

All you really need is a drill bit similar to the one pictured in the lock-drilling kit( I'm guessing under $10)

They sell it on that same site for $49. I'll look around to see if I can find it cheaper.

They don't say anything on the site about that. They must not check

See terms of sales
All access tools are subject to approval.

I also just found this:
Ace Breaker kit

I also just found this: Ace Breaker kit

Pretty tough stuff!! Might be an overkill for your problem - you might find you can just hammer a screwdriver into it and turn it with a pair of stilsons, but I guess that might damage more than the lock.

My grandad did locksmithing as part of his builders business - my nan has a large bag full of various keys (including some monsters!) and a full set of lever-type skeleton keys which seem to work on quite a few modern locks! There are also lots of bits of wire with hooks bent at angles but I haven't really tried to use them.

It is something that would be pretty neat to get skilled at - these days most solutions for people locked out is to bust the door or window and replace whatever breaks. I expect there is a shortage of "real" locksmiths.

One booming market in the UK would be wheel clamps - there is a guy in Portsmouth who can pick wheelclamp locks in five minutes and charges £40 - to have an unskilled monkey use a key is £99!

edit: I can't help but include these pics taken in Portsmouth of the clampers that the above locksmith is targetting:




Gareth

The soda vending machines I've seen opened has a 4" by 1" lock type thing with a round keyhole kinda like the `keys' that computers often come with (but bigger).

It works by unlocking it with the key, which makes the lock pop out a little. Then you turn the lock counter-clockwise until it's far enough out that the door (entire front of the machine) opens, at which point you just pull it open.

Remember that it's designed for public places and the inherent abuse this leads to, so you won't get too far with violence.

Right. That's the type of lock this is. The actual lock is in the center of the 1"x4" thingy. The type of lock with the round hole is called a tubular lock. It usually has 7 or 8 pins exposed to the outside and is vulnerable to impressioning techniques. Additionally, Ace-II locks (found on many vending machines including mine) have added security features such as a hard face to prevent drilling and differing tensions on the pins and mushroom or spool pins to prevent picking.

I'm still in the process of exhausting the people I know that work at Pepsi. If none of them can get a key for it, I'll try something more drastic.

Well, there's always liquid nitrogen and a hammer...

No, plasma cutters are easier. Cut around the lock, pop it out with a screwdriver, and weld in a new plate with a padlock and hasp. Ten minutes, tops

pca

And thermal lances are even quicker and fun but might be vaguely detrimental to the machine

Awww crap! I left my plasma cutter in my other pants.

See terms of sales. All access tools are subject to approval.

I particularly liked the end of lockpicks.com's terms and conditions.

An interesting note from one customer... "Interesting, Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary says 'bona fide' means: not counterfeit or copied. And, the word 'locksmith' means: someone who makes or repairs locks. Hell, what do you know, I AM a 'bona fide locksmith!'" [/i/

Awww crap! I left my plasma cutter in my other pants.

ROFL