How to Drill the Lock? (First Time) NICE Bally Low Boy MONEY HONEY

[Dirty Slots]

Looking for instructions and tips on how to safely drill this lock on the Bally Low Boy. Small drill bit first? Do I have to worry about hitting anything behind it? Do I drill right into the notch in the upper middle of the lock?

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Long version:  I got this off Craigslist for just $250 today., I shined it up. They say it works and they played it alot. It's locked shut and full of nickles. I did repair some really nasty frayed wires at the base and one other spot. I'm glad I didn't plug it in without noticing that. They were just lucky the machine did not blow. The wires were super bad (but not burnt).
Cord is repaired, but I still don't want to plug it in until I open it. I had to put it on it's back for a second when I loaded it. So I don't want to risk a nickle being in the wrong place. This machine is so nice!

P.S. Are these rare with the topper intact?

Thanks -Nate

[Slotman]

Center punch to the very center.
Drill with a 3/16 than a 1/4 until you hear the cam fall from the back or buy a tubular saw like this:

https://mbausa.com/souber-tubular-lock-saw/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwguGYBhDRARIsAHgRm4-4zX_HNtX7FY_wa-OxltR1hYyfENbpn8t5awlZKt9cOKaxToHpgmIaAhzKEALw_wcB

[63mini]

Dirty Slots,

 That's a nice-looking Money Honey.  You got it for a good price.  Personally, I would pick that barrel lock.  It would be quicker and cleaner for me then drilling it out.  It's been quite a few years since I have drilled a Bally.  But If I remember correctly sometimes you need to turn the machine upside down to get the lock bar to release.

 If you purchase a barrel lock pick kit this would be a good test for you and something you can use in the future. 

 As for the marquee a lot of those got broken in handling.  There are a few reproduced ones available out there.

[Dirty Slots]

OK. Do you think a quick tip on the back would spill any coins into a bad spot? or are the vital compartments blocked off? (for the most part). I just tipped it backwards to slide it into the truck, then back up. It's been upright ever since.

[63mini]

 If there were multiple coins in the hopper and the machine was laid on its back, they would come out and go to the back of the machine.  Once you get it opened up just take a few minutes to do a thorough inspection of the floor and back areas for any coins.  This is always a good practice as you don't know what the previous owner has done, and you would be surprised how and where coins can actually go during operation.

[DavidLee]

A lock pick tool would be nice if you can get it to open the lock.
Drilling is a mess, but is done a lot when keys are missing.
The actual lock barrel is around 3/4 of an inch.
Lock body threaded area is near 1 inch.
Best to watch YouTube videos on the process.

Re-spilled coins.
Behind the hopper is the transformer, fuse holder, beau-plug and safety timer.
Coins lodged in these areas could be a problem.
The safety timer and beau-plug have limited visual access.
A mirror or iPhone camera would be handy for spotting coins.
Great price on a sought after machine.

[Dirty Slots]

Hey, I decided to for sure do the lock picking thing. I will order the barrel lock pick kit soon and leave it closed till then.

I had to do a few things to get it to this condition. (Major cord repair, not an easy one), and I polished it up. I'm doing a video on the whole process from unloading it off the pickup truck, cleanup, etc...but not sure when I'll get it done.

I couldn't resist, so I plugged it in and tried it. It plays perfectly! No apparent coins anywhere they shouldn't be (inside).

Here is the end result (quick preview video of the machine playing):

Thanks for all the help. I'll start a new thread asking a few questions I have about the machine. Thanks again!

P.S. This is my new Slots Channel dedicated to buying slots. -Nate

[Nurbo]

Hello,

Nice machines and nice video !!!

I have already been confronted with a keyless slot machine.
There is a solution to open from below. Here is the link where I explain the technique, sorry it's in French, but I will translate it soon in English

It's also easier when you know the principle of mounting locks on these machines.

https://www.flipjuke.fr/viewtopic.php?p=761131#p761131

[DavidLee]

Good advice for separating the link from the lock bar.
One of these inspection cameras might come in handy.

[Dirty Slots]

WOW! Great stuff guys! Thank you so much! I'll let you know if I can pull it off.

[RiseLikeRa]

Did you pick the lock yet?  I have an alternative that I have used in the past that does not damage the game.

Ra

[Dirty Slots]

I did order a lock pik kit....but have not tried to pick it yet. I should be a barrel lock expert once I get my pick set. I'm game to hear the method.

Going in the bottom hole and popping off the snap washer holding the lock bar?

The Ball Point Pen method?

 

[DavidLee]

There’s a few videos on YouTube on how to use the lock pick.
But will probably take a few tries to get open.
Maybe the lock bar method will work.

[RiseLikeRa]

I used the loooooong screwdriver 🪛 through the coin drop hole with great success.   If the game is on a stand, as mine was, you will have to pull it forward a considerable amount.  This will allow you to see where you are aiming the screwdriver.   Because your 200 pound machine will now be unstable on the stand and your dome will be under that weight if it should topple over,  I would recommend the assistance of a TRUSTED FRIEND at this point.
I got a Bally AND a vintage IGT open using this method.  Your mileage may vary.  Be safe and keep us posted.

Ra

[Dirty Slots]

Good videos on actual picking it.

Clear demo of 2 ways, easy and harder, cheaper way. Real lock guy: https://youtu.be/eNXhKwiO1OA

Pick with just a PEN body: https://youtu.be/egtn7swD_Jg

[David Walz]

I started locksmithing in 1978. Carl Cloud made a pick for these Chicago Ace cam locks, and A-1 produced them. Several Chicago Ace cam locks have been developed, pin within a pin, offset left, offset right, etc. I have developed my own technique with these Ace locks if they don't pick.

First thing is that you don't want to drill out the lock, the tail piece falls off and then you are in a world of 💩. what I do is drill out each of pins in each chamber, removing the pins from the lock. This way the tail piece is still intact, and easy to unlock. Easy peasy job, 15 minutes tops.