Hey guys, I have a bunch of fragramatics combo vacs, they all have the van style lock/key. One of the vacs is pushing 15 years old and the lock is broken. It will not unlock. I've tried multiple spare keys. I called fragramatics, she told me that my HH model locks are stainless steel and cannot be drilled out. She sold me a reset key. That didn't work. Any advice on how to get in there? It's been like this for a few weeks. But wouldn't you know it, I just got a quarter jam and there's no way to get in there haha. I need tips on how to break in!
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Need help vandalizing my vac haha
- Thread starter Crommel62
- Start date
I.B. Washincars
Car Washer Emeritus
MEP001
Well-known member
Just pry the door open and break it. Use a couple of flat bars and take tare and you won't leave any visible damage to the unit. It's not worth the time, effort or cost to drill them IMO. I just had a whole Fragramatics unit ripped off the island and dragged into the weeds behind the wash and the front door broken into, and there's no visible damage to the unit except for the dome decal a little scuffed up and all three locks broken. The unit was not even wired and had no hoses or coin tray - hopefully the guy felt like an idiot.
MEP001
Well-known member
I will always use that expensive lock with the funky key after learning about the tool that will allow anyone to open a tubular key lock in five seconds. The Van lock is one of the most difficult locks there is to pick open, so you'll never have to worry that someone opens the door and sticks something in your machine to catch your coins. I will never have only an unprotected tubular key lock protecting anything.
MEP001
Well-known member
No one's hit any of my equipment with the tool, although I expect it to happen at some point. I just don't want to leave any exposed since someone could open the door and close it again without damage. So many things like that are happening nowadays, like card skimmers put into gas pumps because they all take the same key. FWIW I have replaced the Van locks with Gem cam locks on a Fragramatics unit and they fit and work great at about 30% of the cost.
