Machines at Auction

[Boazcat]

If I buy a machine at an auction with no keys or anything.  What is it going to take to get it operational?

I know of some machines that were abandoned at a location.  They still have product in them and have been on site for over a year.  The company has a yearly surplus auction and has told me the only way to get the machines legally is through their auction process.  The phone number on the machine is disconnected and the location has tried many times to have them picked up by the vendor -- no luck.

Is it just a matter of having a locksmith change out the locks?  They are electronic combos and I won't have any books or anything to help.

Is it possible to make these work?

Thanks,

Michael

[Brassine Vending]

You will have to drill out the lock and get a new lock.

I do not know how to drill out a lock, but have heard it is not much trouble if you have the right drill and drill bit.

You can get locks on ebay. Sometimes they will have 2,3,4 even 10 locks keyed the same, so you can have one key that fits all.

[Boazcat]

So does everyone agree with this thought? Just need new locks? That would be cool.

Thanks,

Michael

[tedk]

I would plug the machines in and see if they work. It wouldn't hurt to throw a few coins in and try a few selections to see if it will vend. I would also look at a the ID plate on the machine for the make, model and serial number. Then call the manufacturer to find out how old the machine is and do they still offer tech support and parts?

Ted

[Boazcat]

Great ideas. Thanks!