Looking for a Round Key for 3-Slot payphone

[Dave F]

I'm looking for a key for the round security lock on a 3-slot payphone.

Key code is L20.

Any potential leads would be appreciated.

Thank you!

Dave F.

[Westrex]

If you need to, you can buy a new security lock with key for a WE/NE 233G or 236G here. Alternatively, you can buy others and blanking plugs at Phoneco here.

Sorry I can't help you specifically with the key though, however getting a moderator to move this topic to the Payphone Locks & Keys section might help.

- Westrex

[Dave F]

Westrex,

Thanks for your reply.  My problem is that the lock is installed on the phone, and I can't open it without the key.  Phone is a rare 1234 Touchtone 3-slot, and I don't want to risk damaging it by trying to drill or grind off the lock.

I didn't realize that there was a separate category for payphone locks and keys.

Memo to moderator:  If/when you read this post, please move it to that category.  Thanks!!

DF

[poplar1]

Do you have access to the back of the phone? If so, you can unscrew the bolt that is attached to the barrel lock.

Ref: TCI Library

[Dave F]

Phone is mounted on a metal backboard.  I do not have access to that bolt from the rear.

DF

[HarrySmith]

I have worked on a few payphones with that lock installed. On all of the ones I had the lock just unscrewed with a small screwdriver, no key needed. I am not sure how or why but I was greatly relieved. Have you tried this? This is a very small sample, 3 or 4 phones only.

[Dave F]

Harry,

Lock is securely mounted on bolt and is locked tightly. Will definitely require key to open, without resorting to some sort of destructive intervention (which I would really like to avoid!)

DF

[Stan S]

Dave - If you are a member of Facebook send a PM to a member named John Rousseau, He lives in Massachusetts. He is on most of the payphone Facebook sites.He is the resident lock expert and can help you.

[Dave F]

Stan,

Thank you, but I am not on any social media. Perhaps, the next time you talk to John, you can have him contact me. If you PM me here, I can give you my telephone number. Or, PM his number to me and I will call him. In any case, thank you for responding.

Dave

[Dave F]

Stan,

I have John's phone number and will be talking to him about my dilemma.  Thanks again.

DF

[Dave F]

Update:

I sent the remnants of the original damaged L20 key to John Rousseau, and he was able to get enough information from it to make a replacement. As you can see from the picture, it worked like a charm.  Finally, after a decade of stewing over it, my 1234G is at last unlocked.  YAY!!

John is a real expert with locks and keys, and I highly recommend him to those who have payphone lock problems.

Thanks also to the folks on this forum who replied and offered assistance.

Now, I can look for something new to fret over!

DF

[HarrySmith]

Is it possible to provide his contact info? I have a few payphone locks that need keys.

[FABphones]

I also have this green 10 key payphone.

Will help if I can re interior comparison. Key numbers etc.
Mine untouched,

[Dave F]

Is it possible to provide his contact info? I have a few payphone locks that need keys.

Harry,
PM me and I will send you his phone number.

DF

[Dave F]

I also have this green 10 key payphone.

Will help if I can re interior comparison. Key numbers etc.
Mine untouched,

This phone also appears to be all original inside.  As previously mentioned, round security lock is L20.  Upper housing key is just 10G.  If there is anything else I can help you with, let me know.

Also, for the benefit of all who have 3-slot payphones, I strongly recommend removing the interior security bolt and safely storing it somewhere else BEFORE you have any problem with the round lock. There is no intelligent reason I can think of for having the round security lock engaged on any phone in a private collection.  Any comments on this subject are welcome.

DF