The most common problem with Pachislo slots is missing door keys. If your key is missing or the lock isn’t working properly, the first thing you’ll need to do is access the inside of your machine without the benefit of a door key.
Once you have access to the inside of your machine, there are three ways to resolve the door lock problem:
1. Find a door key that matches your machine. This can be difficult to do, especially if you have an unusual machine.
2. Install a door opening device. Possible but not easy.
3. Buy a matching door lock and key, and simply replace your current door lock.
The easiest thing to do is to replace the entire door lock and key with a new set. To do this, you’ll need to remove your old machine lock, measure it, and determine which “hook” you’ll need for your machine. There are various sizes of locks and many different types of hooks.
Remove and replace your current lock
1. Once you access your machine, look inside your door. The most common type of lock is held in place with only two screws. Remove those two screws and slide the lock out of the door from the inside. You may also need to loosen the screw on the back of the lock to loosen the hook and give yourself a little wiggle room to get the lock out.
There are also locks that are fastened with a single screw and a single arm and locks that are welded to the two latch bars that run the length of the door. This guide does not cover those situations.
2. Once you have removed the lock, measure the length only. That is the only measurement you will need. Then look at the hook end of the lock. There are MANY different types of hooks. Try and match the hook you have with a lock of the same length. You can find locks online that match what you need.
3. When your lock arrives, insert the end of the hook but do not fully tighten it. Slide the lock back into place, replace both screws and see how it fits. There are times when you need to turn the lock so that what was the bottom screw is now the top screw. When everything is lined up and the key turns the hook which in turn raises or lowers the latch bar and opens the door… you’re done!