How to Replace a Vending Machine Lock? 4 Step-by-Step Guide
Vending machine business is one of the best ways to generate passive income because all you have to do is place the machine in a proper spot and keep it well stocked.
However, you also need to make sure that the vending machine is secured when you’re not there, and that’s one of the many reasons why you might want to know how to replace a vending machine lock.
Luckily, the process of replacing a vending machine lock is relatively easy, and in today’s article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know in order to get the job done.
So without further ado, let’s dive right in!
How to Replace a Vending Machine Lock?
Now that you know more about the reasons to replace a vending machine lock, it’s time to find out how to get the job done. The process of changing a vending machine lock is fairly easy and shouldn’t take longer than a few minutes, especially if you already have the old keys.
However, if you’ve lost your key, you’ll need to do some extra steps before you’re able to replace the lock, here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Gather All the Necessary Equipment for the Job
You’ll need to make sure that you have all the tools and items needed for the job. First, you’ll need to buy new locks that are compatible with your vending machine.
Since most vending machines use a tubular lock, any high-quality tubular lock that is designed for vending machines will do. You’ll also need a flathead screwdriver or something thin enough to push the latch pin in the back of the lock.
These tools are usually enough to replace the old vending machine lock if you have the key, but if you don’t, you’ll need some extra tools in order to remove it, including:
- An electric drill
- 1/8 and 1/4 inch drill bits
- Measuring tape and marker (optional)
Step 2: Unlock the Vending Machine
With all the necessary tools in hand, all you need to do is access the vending machine through the door lock.
This process will vary depending on whether you already have a key to the lock or not, so here’s what you should do in both cases:
If You Have the Key
To access the vending machine, you simply need to put the tubular key into the lock, which is usually found underneath the vending assembly on one side of the door.
Typically, the tubular lockset will be found inside a T-shaped latch, which some might call it the “T handle”.
To access and unlock the vending machine, you simply need to put your key into the tubular lock and twist it clockwise, this will make the T handle to pop out instantly.
If You Don’t Have the Key
If you don’t have a key or you can’t access the tubular or barrel lock in your T handle, you’ll need to drill it out. Here’s how to do it:
- Using a measuring tape, mark a distance of 1/4 inch from the tip on the two drill bits that you have. This will make it easier to avoid drilling deeper than you should and damaging the machine or the T handle itself.
- Attach the 1/8 inch drill bit on the drill and make a guide hole in the tubular lock and make sure that you don’t cross the marked line
- Remove the small bit and attach the 1/4 inch one, then repeat the same process by drilling through the pre-existing hole. This should break all the parts of the tubular lock, making it easy to proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Remove the Vending Machine Tubular Lock
Now that you have access to the tubular lock, you’ll be able to remove it easily by locating the pinhole at the back of the tubular lock.
Whether you’ve unlocked or drilled the lock, you’ll need a flathead screwdriver in order to push the pinhole and free it from the T handle frame. At that point, you can easily slide out the old lock.
Step 4: Install the New Lock
To install the new lock, make sure that you put its key in the tubular lock first and turn it clockwise so that the end tab is depressed.
After that, insert the whole assembly into the T Latch and twist it so that the pin lines up with the tip.
Once that happens, remove the key, and you should hear a clicking sound that indicates that everything is in place.
Should You Replace the Vending Machine Lock?
Most vending machines on the market come with a standard lock. Ideally, vending machine locks are tubular in shape and are found in the key assembly where you open and close the vending machine door.
There are plenty of reasons why someone might want to replace a vending machine, and it’s always a good idea if you’ve bought a used vending machine because you don’t know the history of the current lock or who has access to the keys beside you.
Additionally, while tubular locks all look the same from the outside, some types on the market are much more secure than others, and the ones that come with vending machines aren’t usually the most secure.
In addition to all that, you might lose your only key access to the vending machine, which keeps you locked out and trying to open the machine.
Similarly, the lock might be broken or jammed, so you need to replace it with a new one. In any of the previous cases, replacing the key is critical for functionality, convenience, and security!
Wrap Up
With that said, you now know how to replace a vending machine lock with a new one for better security and/or accessibility.
As you can see, the process of replacing the lock is designed so that it’s remarkably easy and convenient as long as you have the key to the old lock, so you only need to buy yourself a new tubular lockset and keep the keys in a secure location.
RELATED READ: How to Open a Vending Machine Without a Key: A Step-by-Step Guide
