Do gumball machines have universal keys?

Dozens of vintage Chicago Lock “gumball machine” brass keys are available on websites like eBay, but no, there is not a universal key that opens all gumball machines (that would defeat the purpose of putting a lock on the machine in the first place!), so buyer beware: not all gumball machine keys are the same.

Are all candy machine keys the same?

Only Vending Machine Master Key is Universal Although there is no such thing as a truly universal vending machine key, a vending machine owner can mimic this effect with the use of a master key. A master key is a special type of key that is designed to be compatible with multiple locks.

Are most vending machine keys universal?

This is a common and perfectly reasonable concern among vending machine owners. You would be relieved to know that there is no such thing as a universal vending machine key . Manufacturers now produce so many different types of machines.

Does a universal key exist?

It's a common misconception that universal keys can open any lock they encounter. In reality, a universal key can only operate a specific type of lock or a limited range of locks .

Is there a vending machine master key?

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a master key for vending machines . If they're lucky they'll have a spare key, but in dire circ*mstances, a vending machine lock needs to be opened without the key. Thankfully, there are a few ways to accomplish this task.

Are there two identical keys?

No two copies of keys are exactly the same , even if they were both made from key blanks that are struck from the same mould or cut from the same duplicating/milling machine with no changes to the bitting settings in between.

What vending machines make the most money?

Bulk Vending Machines One of the most affordable types of vending machines with the biggest profit margin is the bulk machine. Bulk machines are those low-tech dispensers of gumballs, other candies, and toys you see at playgrounds, parks, and restaurant waiting areas.

Is a gumball machine a good investment?

Vending machines make great side hustles. A gumball machine business can help you generate reasonable, semi-passive income without stealing time from your main job or business .

Are gumball machines still around?

Today, people still use these machines , and many choose to have them at home. Doing this enables you to enjoy your favourite colour gumballs in a gumball machine that's specifically for your use! Now you know the history of gumball machines, let's explore some other popular vending machines out there.

Is a gumball machine considered a vending machine?

A gumball machine is a type of bulk vending machine that dispenses individual gumballs in exchange for money.

How do you prevent gumball machine theft?

Install Security Cameras Additionally, installing security cameras around your vending machine locations can act as a strong deterrent against theft and vandalism. Visible cameras can discourage criminal activities, while hidden cameras can help identify perpetrators if an incident occurs.

Are all coin laundry keys the same?

Other than the tubular style of keys, the keys used on coin operated laundry equipment are proprietary to the original maker of the coin box .

Where can I buy a key for a gumball or candy machine? (2024)

Home / Articles / Where can I buy a key for a gumball or candy machine?

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Apr 14, 2015

Written by Spencer Williams

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Apr 14, 2015

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Do you have an old gumball or candy vending machine that you've lost the key and want to buya replacement? Ithappens all the time.

Types of Vending Machine Keys

The first thing you need to know is that there is no such thing as a universal key that will open all machines.The most common vending machine keys are either tubular or flat.

The tubular version, sometimes referred to as a barrel key, has a hollow, cylindrical shaft with grooves of varying length cut into the exterior surface at the end of the shaft. These grooves cause the pins in the lock to slide to the end of the groove and open the lock.

The flat key looks like your typical house key and can have teeth on one or two sides, the latter being more secure.

Where to Buy a Replacement Key

Vending machine manufacturers havemany versions of lock and key sets and they assign key codesto distributors and end users randomly across the country. This practice is to prevent route operators in the same area from having the same key. How'd you like it if your competitor "serviced" your machine and cleaned out your hard earned cash each month?

Ok, here's the good news. If you happen to know the manufacturer of your machine AND know the "key code" that was stamped ONthe key (not the lock), then you might be in luck. The following manufacturers sell individual keys without locks:

Carousel - no longer produced and now considered an antique. Shop ebay
Wizard Spiral Gumball Machines- click to buy
Northwestern

If you don't know the "key code" then you will be forced to drill out the lock (click for instructions on how to do this). Unfortunately, the number stamped on the lock face is not useful and will not help you determine which key code is required. We offer a comprehensive selection of gumball and candy machine lock and key sets, click the link to shop.

Comments on this post (46)

Jun 10, 2024
I need a replacement flat key YP 113. Help!

— Lisa
Jan 22, 2024
have a machine no key1633792

— MAR SIM
Jan 16, 2023
I have an old play and score machine I need a key for

— Andy crough
Jul 12, 2022
Need replacement key or lock and key set for 60’s-70’s Ford gimbal machine

— Brian
May 02, 2022
Seeking bottom key for Advance Gum Ball Machine Model D . 1923

— Robert
Jan 03, 2022
I need a replacement key for a 1923 1-cent gum ball machine manufactured by M. Brodie, Long Beach, CA. The key unlocks the coin box as well at the top of the machine where gum balls are added. Any thoughts?
Thanks! Skip

— Skip McDowell
Dec 20, 2021
Hi have 5 Wiz Kid spiral machines that don’t have keys the barrel lock has 75012 on it. is it possible to just get keys from you?

— Scott Tyler
Oct 04, 2021
I have 2 tubular keys that have CPP on one side and 663 on the other side. Any idea what these might go to?

— Charles Barfield
Jun 22, 2021
I received an Astro gum machine as a gift and need a key. Can you assist me with getting a key? Thanks.

— Lou
May 03, 2021
i need a barrel key NWC5

— archie domaschk
Apr 19, 2021
Hello,
We have a key stamped 0025. It’s for a candy vending machine with 8 different compartments for candy. 4 on top and 4 on the bottom.
The key is small rounded top and teeth on both sides. Right now I don’t know the name of the machine (Do I need that?) How do I get another key?
Thank you, Susie

— Susan
Apr 19, 2021
I have a northwestern 33 peanut machine, but no key for the bottom to retreive the pennies. The lock has PCA stamped on it. Any ideas as to where I can get a key?

— Mike
Nov 16, 2020
I need a key for gum ball machine
T-002
Thanks

— Jim goodwin
Oct 22, 2020
We lost the key to our 25-year-old Northwestern gumball machine when our house flooded. We’d love to find a key so we don’t have to drill out the lock but I have no idea what the key # was. Any help or ideas would be appreciated!

— Laura
Oct 22, 2020
I have had a gumball machine for over 20 years that we picked up in an abandoned storage locker. It still has some candy and change in it. Unfortunately, I have no key for it and do not know who manufactured it.
I have taken some pictures of it, including the key slot, hoping a knowledgeable person can identify the maker and help me find a replacement key.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Dan…

— Dan Skomsky
Oct 20, 2020
looking for the bottom key to open an advanced 1 cent gumball machine circa 1930’s. or a sketch with the measurements could also work as i have a place that can machine 1 out..thanks!

— Kris Oswald
Oct 21, 2020
I need a new key for my gum ball machine code B152f eagle key 2 sided

— Charles malone
Oct 20, 2020
I HAVE A MULTI CHOICE VENDING MACHINE BY XYZ VENDING. ANY CHANCE YOU HAVE KEYS FOR IT?

— ROBYNE G LINDLEY
Oct 20, 2020
Can you provide wizard replacement keys based upon the machine serial number?

— Terry Cook
Sep 21, 2020
Hi Todd,
We have this lock in stock. Please visit: https://www.gumball.com/products/universal-lock-and-key

— Spencer
Sep 21, 2020
Would you have a replacement key for a 1950’s Ring Ding Space Ship 1C Cent Gum Ball Machine made by the L.M.Becker Co.? The key number is said to be 1216713.

— Kyle Brown
Sep 21, 2020
Looking for a barrel key with the number T – 003

— Todd
Sep 21, 2020
I have a gumball wizard machine, with no key.

— Michelle Dalton
Sep 21, 2020
How does the lock and hot work on a 4 ft wizkid gumball machine

— DALE DELUCCHI
Sep 21, 2020
I have a Carosel gumball machine SN 1157 It’s locked and I don’t have the key
Can I get a replacement or do I need to drill it out and replace it

— Paul

Where can I buy a key for a gumball or candy machine? (2024)

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