Mills slot machine locks.

[David Walz]

As most of you know I am a locksmith safe and vault technician, I started in 1978. Some cabinet locks are easy peasy to make a first fit key, other cabinet locks are impossible to make a first fit key. Age can play a factor in availability of the key blanks, construction of the locks, tumblers, etc, (actually, I enjoy safes a lot more, they are the ultimate challenge).

Mills slot machine locks are relatively easy to take apart, make a first fit key. I worked on them back in the 1970's when they were popular. The only problem is that today I don't have the key blanks readily available. The replacement pins are another issue. The depth set is non existent.

I am going to be in need of two Mills locks to be keyed alike for my Mills slot machine and I will be updating my progress.

[David Walz]

Two that need to be keyed alike.

[David Walz]

So, update I am still moving forward with the Mills locks, however the seller is trying to pull some s*it on me by wanting to trade one single part for making 4 Mills locks first fit keys. That is  simply

I have offered him to send me 6 Mills locks no keys, and I'll send back 4 to him with keys. I keep two locks for myself. Think about it, 4 Mills locks each with a key worth $75.00 EACH vs Mills locks with no keys, and not worth anything. 

[David Walz]

Well, no word from the guy with the mills locks. I have a couple of Mills locks that I can work on, I have a set of keys coming in keyed alike. 

[David Walz]

After a couple of mills locks came in the mail, I took them apart and orientated myself to them. Sadly, some bozo filed down the brass pins down. 

 

[David Walz]

This is the takedown.

[David Walz]

Takedown continues.

[David Walz]

Getting the key machine cutter for the mills locks. I don't know what happened to the one I had.

[David Walz]

After a long time waiting, the set of keys came in, and a unmolested lock. I was able to rekey the lock correctly to the new set of keys, no butchering the lock, a awesome outcome.

 

[David Walz]

Sweet, it is smooth turning the key, just like the factory.

 

[Rob in AK]

If you still need locks. I have two locks and a single key that works both locks. Key key works one lock one way and the key needs to be flipped upside down to work the other lock. I'm here local I gave you that S+ bell harness last year. Let me know if you want these locks. I'll make you a sweet deal on them. Also have a BUNCH of Mills parts that I'd like to sell off.

[David Walz]

I'm using all Mills factory parts. Most locks have been ground down and not rekeyed to fit a key (if the numbers don't match) which takes a couple of hours to accomplish, this is keeping it original, and the integrity of the single key only working. I am still looking for the meter for the Mills slot machine.

Thanks for the offer.

[Rob in AK]

I'm using all Mills factory parts. Most locks have been ground down and not rekeyed to fit a key (if the numbers don't match) which takes a couple of hours to accomplish, this is keeping it original, and the integrity of the single key only working. I am still looking for the meter for the Mills slot machine.

Thanks for the offer.

The two locks I have are Mills Locks. I'll look for meter.

[David Walz]

I've found everything for the Mills slot machine except for one unmolested lock and a meter. If I can get those I am a happy camper. The locks that are not touched, can be rekeyed and still be secured like the original locks.

[Rob in AK]

I've found everything for the Mills slot machine except for one unmolested lock and a meter. If I can get those I am a happy camper. The locks that are not touched, can be rekeyed and still be secured like the original locks.

David these are the locks I have. The one key works both. I know little about mills. I assume they are legit. If you want them let me know. Im looking for meter still. Not sure if I have one or not.

[David Walz]

I've found everything for the Mills slot machine except for one unmolested lock and a meter. If I can get those I am a happy camper. The locks that are not touched, can be rekeyed and still be secured like the original locks.

David these are the locks I have. The one key works both. I know little about mills. I assume they are legit. If you want them let me know. Im looking for meter still. Not sure if I have one or not.

Thanks, however they have been worked on before. Meter is big on my wish list.

[David Walz]

I've located 2 more unmolested locks, I will be able to rekey them to the door key. My goal is to have the slot machine keyed alike, as well as the base cabinet.

[David Walz]

I figured out that the key blanks for Mills is to short. I thought that the  locks had keys that were 6 pin and 8 pin and I was correct.
Bell locks have more pins than the Mills locks, so the key blanks are different lengths.

[David Walz]

Found another Mills lock in excellent condition. I rekeyed it, without butchering the lock.

[David Walz]

I basically cleaned up the cylinder, using a file to clean up the burrs, 400 sandpaper for cleaning. Nothing was wrong with the lock except for the brass had to be cleaned. The pins to remove the back cover are in excellent condition. Overall everything is good, the rekey keeps the security of the lock.