Do Most Vending Machines Use the Same Key?

In the vending machine business, security is one of the top priorities. This is not a surprise, since the machines are left unattended practically all the time. As the owner or operator, you would naturally want some reassurance for the safety of your business.

Now, we all know that vending machines come with keys. You use a key to open the machine for refilling, and another key for collecting the money. The big question is whether these keys are unique to each machine. Could other machines be using the same keys as yours? Or could there be a universal key that opens any kind of vending machine? That’s what we will talk about today.

Is There a Universal Key That Opens All Vending Machines?

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. These machines come with different types of lock and key sets. In fact, some of the newer systems are very complex and would only open with a specific key code.

However, this does not guarantee that your key is unique. Many vending machine manufacturers assign key codes randomly. In other words, it is possible that there might be one or more machines out there that have the exact same key code as yours. The chances of this are extremely slim though, and it should not really be a cause for concern.

What Are the Different Keys of Vending Machines?

There are two common types of lock and key sets that you can find on vending machines. Keys of the same type might look very much alike. This is probably why some suspect the existence of a universal key. But even if they are similar, these keys still have different key codes.

Tubular Keys

These are the most common keys for vending machines. The main distinguishing feature is a hollow tubular or cylindrical shaft with different groove patterns. This type of lock is sometimes also called a barrel lock

Flat Keys

Flat keys are similar in appearance to most house keys. They have teeth on one or both sides that correspond to the pins inside the lock. Double-sided flat keys are much more secure than the single-sided variety.

What Can I Do If I Lose the Keys to My Vending Machine?

If you know the manufacturer of your machine and the code on the key, all you have to do is call the manufacturer and request for a replacement key. However, it’s not always that easy. As you can imagine, most vending machine operators do not bother to take note of the key code. In this case, you might have to drill out the lock and bring it to the manufacturer so that you can get a new key.

If you buy your automats from us here at Vending-Machines.ie, you won't have to worry about the machine's security. We use the latest technology to ensure the safety of your machine and your entire vending business. Call us any time to find out more!