Pachinko Locks and Keys

Pachinko Machine Keys and Locks

Where can I get a key for my vintage pachinko machine? The short answer is, you can't. read on for more information and possible alternatives. The good news is that most people don't even need a key.

Why can't I get a key? Pachinko machines were exported out of Japan without the keys because the pachinko parlor owners wouldn't want someone getting a key that could open machines still in service in the pachinko parlors.

Can I have a key made? Not very likely. We have been to many locksmiths and even some national distributors to see if we could have keys made for these vintage locks and the answer was unfortunately no.

I remember that my machine from the 60s had a key! We have heard this from a few people, however none of them have been able to produce the key. It may be true that some keys did make it out of the pachinko parlors but we have not been able to locate any.

Didn't someone report on their website that they had a key made? Yes. They had a fairly modern Nishijin B style lock that take a key similar to those for filing cabinets. The locksmith was able to drill out a portion of the lock and get a key to work. We have not had any success with this option.

So what is the lock for anyway? When these machines were in Japan, they were mounted in a wall. The pachinko parlor attendants would walk up to the machine and use a key to open the machine and service them. As long as your machine is not mounted inside a cabinet or wall, you don't need a key because you have access to the back of the machine.

What if I put my pachinko machine in a cabinet or wall mount? You have three main options: 1) remove the locking mechanism so you can open the door and access your machine, 2) create a way to open the lock without a key or 3) replace the lock with a modern lock and key.

Pictures of various lock and key options.

Option 1 There are a few ways to disable the locking mechanism. Typically when you would insert a key and turn it, a lever would move on the back of the machine that would then release two catches. With these catches release you can swing open the machine from the frame. You can manually release the catches with your hand, open the machine and then remove the catches or other hardware. You can still leave the actual lock in place so you won’t have a hole on the front of your machine. With the catches removed you can swing the machine open freely and close it as often as you like. The disadvantage is anyone can do this and you may not want children or others to do so.

Option 2 Here are a few solutions in no particular order. A) Drill a hole in the side of your cabinet with a door knob hole saw so you can stick your fingers in the hole and release the catch. B) Remove the lock and run a string/wire/chain through the hole and attach it to the catch. Then attach something on the end hanging out the front of the machine so you can pull on it when you want to release the catch. C) Drill a hole in the bottom or top of the cabinet run string/wire/chain through the hole and attach it to the catch. This is similar to the previous solution however you can hide the device on top or below your cabinet and leave the lock in place.

Option 3
We have purchased some locks and installed them on a few machines. It requires removing the original lock, the catches and all related hardware as there are no new locks that will work with any of the existing hardware. The lock has a latch that will turn into the frame when you turn the key. You will need to cut out a hole in the frame for the latch to engage. The diameter of the locks we currently have are 3/4 inches and work on many machines without the need to drill a bigger hole. Some machine have smaller diameter locks and would need a bigger hole drilled. With this solution you may have to remove the plastic from around the original lock to make room for the new lock.

Replacement Locks for sale.

Comments from a fellow pachinko fan's attempt to locate a key: I even tried Hong Kong, Shanghai - China and Japan for these keys with no luck. As you know, these games are found only in Gambling Parlors in Japan and therefore the security for keys must be at the threat of death! The first problem between similar keys here and there is metric versus English and the second is the indexing for each tumbler location. The funny thing about these simple locks is that I can put pressure on the Actuating Lever and "pick" the lock by pushing in on the tumblers. Consequently, I can open the Lock and then know the depth for each Tumbler. Now, if I could just get someone to make a Key!