Opening door on Bally E2303-4

[tsanchez123]

I just bought a slot machine without keys.  The previous owner drilled out the door lock and had it opened.  Unfortunately in transport the door closed and now will not reopen.  Do I just jam in a screwdriver and turn as instructed? I tried this but it didn’t seem to catch, not sure how hard to force it in, don’t want to do any further damage.  Maybe there is another way to get in (disassemble the wooden case?). Also, once open does anyone know where I can purchase a replacement lock and reset key? Any suggestions are appreciated!

[Chris-socal]

Is the tumbler portion of the lock completely removed? In other words, can you stick a finger inside?  If not, that should be your focus, get the tumbler completely out so you can see inside. Drill it out with a slightly bigger drill bit if necessary.  Be careful not to force a drill bit deep inside, you can drill through other stuff. Put a spacer or something to prevent it from slamming into the machine.
Once you get the tumbler portion of the lock out you can usually get a finger inside enough to push the door latch unit up and open open the door. The lock on most machines (I'm not completely familiar with your model) is a bar that goes from the bottom of the door to the top and drops onto latches in two or three places. That bar slides up and down when you turn the key....if the tumbler is removed you can replicate that action with your finger. You might need to use your little finger or borrow a smaller person.

In general, you will have difficult time taking the wood case apart, these machines are designed not to be easily penetrable. You might have to break glass. Having said that, I haven't run into a situation where I couldn't move the locking mechanism with my finger. I typically work on older machines though.

If someone is more familiar with your specific machine they will jump in and clarify more.

Last minute modification:  I re-read and saw you said the lock was set so you can turn with a screwdriver. Try lifting the door a little and turn the lock with a screwdriver, it might relieve some of the load. If the tumbler is drilled out and the lock turns with a screwdriver that should work.

Best of luck.

Chris

[tsanchez123]

Thanks, I will try these.

[tsanchez123]

Oh, any idea how to purchase a replacement lock and a reset key?

[Chris-socal]

Most of the door locks can be replaced with off-the-shelf barrel locks but you can buy "keyed alike" on ebay. That makes it easy.  I think I saw a Bally 6000 specific barrel lock on ebay. I'm sure our supporting businesses sell the locks and keys also. You might want to post a WTB and I'm sure someone will jump in.
 
As for the reset key....did they drill that lock out too?  Almost all electronic slot machines have the same reset key (2341) I'm not sure about the lock mechanism itself. They are usually intact on machines. The keys are readily available on Ebay or from our supporting shops.

Chris

[tsanchez123]

Thxs!

[tsanchez123]

I found the door key for Bally 6000 on eBay but they do not know if it also fits the E2303-4 model.  Do you know if they are the same spec’s?

[Chris-socal]

Sorry no. Once you get the door open you will be able to see how long the barrel needs to be. Usually 5/8" or 3/4" length. 

[tsanchez123]

Ok

[slcjeeper]

The 6000 lock will not fit the E-series. This link is to seller “zapage” on EBay who sells the correct lock with the correct cam. https://www.ebay.com/itm/185019986552?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=cCC42UL3Rn-&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=lUIUjtr-RXK&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY