How to Open a Vending Machine Without a Key: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you’ve lost your keys, accidentally locked yourself out of your vending machine, or purchased a vending machine without a key, this post is for you.
Nothing can be more frustrating than being locked out of your own vending machine. Luckily, there are several ways to open a locked vending machine without a key.
In this article, I’ll show you how to open a vending machine without a key for tubular locks. I’ve listed three easy-to-follow methods in this post, but the easiest method is with the help of a tubular lock pick.
Simply push the pick inward while turning it to the right, as if you’re unlocking a door. Eventually, the pick will activate a spring. Continue pushing inward until the lock opens.
Note: This post is for educational purposes only, and shouldn’t be used to illegally break into a public vending machine.
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How to Open a Vending Machine Without a Key?
As a vending machine owner, there comes a time when you have to break into your own vending machine. Regardless of the reason, I’m here to help.
But before I proceed, allow me to set the record straight. The methods shared below are to be used for people who have accidentally locked themselves out of their vending machine, lost their keys, or purchased a machine without a key.
Don’t ever use these methods to break into someone else’s vending machine without their permission. This is illegal and you may potentially face jail time.
With that out of the way, let’s start with the first unlocking method.
Method # 1: Tubular Lock Pick
Tubular locks are the go-to locks for securing bikes, ATM machines, payphones, lockboxes, and, of course, vending machines.
Unlike regular keyed locks, tubular locks can’t be picked open with a traditional lock pick because they have circular keyholes.
To remedy this, experts designed a special type of lock pick called tubular lock pick (not very imaginative, but it serves its purpose). The tubular lock pick has a handle attached to a piece of circular metal that will fit the key-way, allowing you to open a vending machine with a minimum of effort in very little time.
Step 1: Purchase the Right Lock Pick
Tubular lock picks are available in seven-pin, eight-pin, and 10-pin variations. They can be purchased online or at a hardware store.
Most vending machines come with a seven-pin lock, but it isn’t rare to find a machine with an eight or a 10-pick lock.
Examine the lock of your vending machine to determine how many pins it has. The pin count of your lock pick must match the pin count of your vending machine lock. Otherwise, it won’t work.
Step 2: Prepare the Tubular Lock Pick
With the lock pick on hand, loosen the lock pick’s tightening bolt by twisting it to the left. Then, press the head of the pick gently against a flat surface to adjust the pins to the proper lock picking position.
Step 3: Tighten the Pick
Place the pick in the lock and make sure all seven pins are evenly lined with the notch. Then gently twist the bolt to the right and tighten it just until it stops twisting.
Step 4: Insert the Lock Pick in the Circular Keyhole
Gently insert the pick into the circular lock. While pushing it inward, turn the lock to the right until it presses against a spring. Continue this push and turn motion until the lock pops open.
Method # 2: Ballpoint Pen
This lockpicking technique has been around for ages, but it still works well with most tubular locks. If your vending machine’s lock was manufactured before 2005, this technique will likely work.
Step 1: Find the Right Pen
The hardest part of this technique is finding the right-sized pen. The ballpoint pen should fit your vending machine’s tubular lock. It must be of the same width or a touch slimmer than the lock’s opening.
Also, make sure the pen is made of strong plastic so it can resist the force exerted when manipulating the pen inside the lock. Usually, a regular plastic BIC pen will do, but it might take a bit of trial and error to find the right pen.
Step 2: Remove the Ink Tube
Using a pair of sharp scissors, cut the head of the ballpoint pen and discard the ink tube. If the pen has a removable head, simply take the cap off and remove the ink tube without cutting the body.
Step 3: Push the Tip of the Pen Inside the Tubular Lock
Gently push the tip of the pen inside the vending machine’s tubular lock. Push it in as much as it can go. If the lock stops the pen from sliding in, create four vertical notches at the back of the pen with a pair of scissors and slide the cut end into the lock.
When the pen slides in, hold it with your less dominant hand and shake the lock with the other. Do this for several seconds and put some force into it. Eventually, the lock will pop open.
Method # 3: Call a Locksmith
If neither of the methods above work or if your vending machine has a different keyhole, the only solution here is to call a locksmith to open the vending machine for you.
Sometimes, it’s cheaper to call a locksmith than to purchase a tubular lock pick, especially since this specialty lock can cost around $150.
While you’re at it, ask your locksmith for a replacement lock or purchase a replacement lock online and ask him to replace the lock for you.
Conclusion
If you’ve locked yourself out of your vending machine or lost your keys, you can easily “break in” with the right technique.
You don’t even have to call a locksmith to open the machine for you—unless it has a special key lock that can’t be picked.
Since most vending machines are secured pin tubular lock, or, similarly, a barrel lock, the tubular lock pick, and ballpoint methods should work just fine.
