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Has anyone had success picking round Ace locks? I googled it and there are some tools that you can use for this. I just wondered if anyone has tried it ?

It's difficult for me to just drill out a 50 year old original lock if there is an alternative.

Mind posting a picture of the lock?

You may check a local locksmith.  If there is a number on the key core check eBay under ACE lock you be surprised your number may pop up as a listed key for sale...

I've done the eBay search.  This one doesn't come up.
I'll get a picture up ASAP, but it's a round Ace lock like on most all soda machines, candy and cigarette machines.

        Understood, but what good is picking the lock if you don't have it's key to keep using it daily?

        Somewhere in past posts here on the board, someone recommended a small circular hole cutter made to break into the Ace lock.

        I kick myself for not buying one back then, but I'd order one today if someone finds that source.

I just usually punch in the center and use a sharp 1/4" drill bit. But, they make small hole cutting bits for ace locks. Like here - http://www.bumpmylock.com/tubular-lock-drill-bit.html.

Glen, they are easy to re-key.

I can understand drilling newer locks, but I have one that is obviously old and would look good (to me) on the restored machine. That's the only reason that I would go to the effort.

 I saw some circular lock picks on a website, and there are some YouTube videos showing how. I was wondering if anyone here has done it.

i bought the kit to try and pick locks and gave up after about half an hour. But I'm not a very patient individual.

Dave

Find the oldest locksmith guy working in a been there forever storefront. He just may have the correct blank "somewhere".
In San Jose, CA found a guy that had correct blanks and made keys for just about everything I owned at the time. I brought in a Mills gum machine. I was told "I'm too old to fool with the forked key locks".

Take away there was don't buy any uncommon lock without the key.
Creighton

If there's a number a key can be made. If it's a newer Ace two drill it.
Drill the pins with bit a little bigger than the pins to remove the lip on inside and out side ring. The pins are spring loaded and most of it will come out. There will be two pins or maybe three in each hole. Use a long thin paper clip or similar object to work the hole pushing in and out. Tap with small hammer if necessary on face and tilt the machine forward if necessary. Stick a small blade screwdriver in center slit to turn. If it doesn't there are still some pins or spring in hole.

Just drill to the hole and not deep in the hole,,

Also the center lock body can be replaced. They are held in by a spring loaded pin from the t-handle. a lock shop can get what you need.

This is a close up of the lock. It's brass, possibly original to this machine, and older than most of us. I haven't seen many brass Ace locks, so I'd like to save it.
It has a collar around into keep someone from working it over.

How about this method? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsTSHeXkN5Q

Ajf,
Is that code number cx446? Or wcx446, give me the exact number and I'll see if I can get you a code. That's looks like the older Ace that can be picked. Not a job for a newbie at lock picking. It takes a $60-100 plus pick for those and experience. I used a nice HPC pick I miss placed.

UCX446

I'll check on it in the morning when they open and see if a code is known for that number. With the code you can get a key cut by the numbers. You may have to call around to see who can cut it by code. It is different than coping from existing key. It should save you some $ depends on the lock shop.

http://www.lockpicks.com/tubular-lock-drill.html

It has come in handy quite a few times.

No doubt save that lock. I searched failed to find a match for any ACE UCX446 :-(
Creighton

No luck on my end today, call my guy and he didn't have that code listed in his program. Still worth calling around your area first before you drill it. A good locksmith can pick that lock and decode the pick and then cut the key. I done it many times, I locksmithed 15 years. Just trying to save you some extra steps and time. But still if you drill your going to buy a new lock.

Maybe just remove and set aside until find the right key? Use a newer unit until then.
Creighton

Are you sure it is not a W?  Because if it is then this guy may be able to help.  I sent him a key code for a 50's Wurlitzer wallbox and he cut the key for it and it worked perfectly.

http://www.needles4jukeboxes.com/wallbox_keys.htm

Says he can cut WCX1 - WCX500.