by Rob-NYC »
Mon Dec 01, 2014 8:45 am
For those dealing with this problem, can be helpful to understand the two main causes;
1) If the key does not turn mor ethan a degree or two and stops hard, the situation is either the wrong or miscut key, or a repinned "operator" cylinder.
2) IF the key turns just a bit and the stop has a spongy feel, that is a case where the internal cam has become jammed. This is a four-point cam operated locking system. Two slots are visible at the bottom and there are two studs slightly to either side of the coin entry casting.
In this second case, one approach is added force by placing a pliers on the key -right up to the cylinder and while laying the box on it's back, simply try to force the key to turn. --It will always turn clockwise about ¼ turn to unlock.-- In the case of jammed cam, it is likely that something has come loose and wedged into the cam. Try placing the box in many different positions while hitting it (not on the glass of course) while attempting to force the key.
Drilling the cylinder is NOT the approach to a cam lock.
If all else fails it will be necessary to take steps that will do lasting damage.
Always start at the top. At the top of the box about ½ to either side of the coin entry casting are the two studs that engage the cam locks. The depth of contacts is only about 1/8th inch so it is possible to pry up the cover to clear the lock pins. Do to pry both sides at once. this will bend the cover which is a casting and may not be fully restoreable.
At the bottom the two slots that engage the cam are visible.
The top two lock points pivot on bearings that are peened into the back of the wallbox plate.
See pic:
http://s1192.photobucket.com/user/Rob-N ... ort=2&o=94http://s1192.photobucket.com/user/Rob-N ... ort=2&o=95Drilling or grinding out the peened heads at the back of the plate will cause the cam assembly to fall apart inside the box and make opening it possible, though the bottom two points may still need to be pried. The original upper lock bearings will not be reusable so some gaffed solution will be needed if the box is to be locked again.
I have just over 130 of these wallboxes and 93 in service. Of all the problems one can have with these boxes, lock-cam problem are by-far the worst. Luckily, I've only had to deal with this three times.....so-far......
Rob/NYC
"If we believe absurdities, we shall commit atrocities" -- Voltaire