Looking for a key for a Strong Super Lumex llamphouse

[Travis Cape]

I recently rescued some equipment out of the theater that I used to work at. Unfortunately, everything was decommissioned and less than desirable manner. I don’t have the keys for either lamp house. I seem to remember that.. This equipment is from 1995. Can anyone tell me if all of the keys were the same or if it was random? I did find a key that did fit the lock. It was an LSDA key from a jukebox cylinder. I did talk to Mark about this and I’m trying to avoid removing the entire back end.

[Mark Gulbrandsen]

I recently rescued some equipment out of the theater that I used to work at. Unfortunately, everything was decommissioned and less than desirable manner. I don’t have the keys for either lamp house. I seem to remember that.. This equipment is from 1995. Can anyone tell me if all of the keys were the same or if it was random? I did find a key that did fit the lock. It was an LSDA key from a jukebox cylinder. I did talk to Mark about this and I’m trying to avoid removing the entire back end.

Front end!! Not back end. Too much wiring there...

[Travis Cape]

Mark, you can’t get to the lock through the front. The reflector is clearly in the way. The lock is right in front of the back end casting, behind the reflector

[Ryan Gallagher]

I will take a photo of our strong keys tonight and DM you, bet they are keyed-alike to the Super80. If I had a spare I would loan you one for cutting, but a clever fellow can figure it out from the photo.

[Ryan Gallagher]

Also not a long term solution, but I bet one of the many simple picking methods works on those. Time for a new hobby and some specialty tools?

[Frank Cox]

Isn't that just a standard-issue drawer lock? I had one of those and don't remember the lock being anything particularly special.

Maybe you could just pick it or drill it out and replace it with a drawer lock from your local hardware store.

[Dave Macaulay]

The same key is used on pretty much every Strong thing with a lock from way back, lamp houses and consoles. I'm sure I have several but don't know which in my box of keys are right. I do have the tool for their weird triwing screws though!

[Jim Cassedy]

Isn't that just a standard-issue drawer lock?
I had one of those and don't remember the lock being anything
particularly special. Maybe you could just pick it or drill it out and
replace it with a drawer lock from your local hardware store.

That's what I did at one of the screening rooms I worked at where they had
long ago lost the keys for their XeTron lamphouses. I was able to break
the internal lock pins by forcing it with just a sturdy screwdriver that I jammed
into the keyhole. I found an identical apartment type "mailbox lock" at the
hardware store which was an exact replacement for the locks I busted out.

[Tony Bandiera Jr]

If they are Super Lumexes, I seem to recall you can take all the screws out of the outer shell (or maybe just the "non operator side", it's been many years since I had to deal with this) and get to the cam on the lock. Use an adjustable wrench to take the cam off. I have also used careful force and wedges on the lock side to remove the cover.

Or drill it out...easy to do and replacement locks are about $7 at any big box store.

If my storage wasn't snowed in, I might have a spare key in my hardware box.

[Mark Gulbrandsen]

I'm going with drill it out too. Do you really need a lock at home? Or Call Bobby P.

[Travis Cape]

I don’t have a way to contact Bobby.. Bet he knows the key number

[Randy Stankey]

What kind of key is it? The flat kind like you'd find on a file cabinet or a desk?

Those kinds of locks are usually easy to rake open. You could, likely, open that lock in a couple of minutes if you understand how.
Find a flat piece of metal, about six inches long. Bend it into an "L-shape" like an Allen wrench. Use that to put light to moderate turning tension on the lock while you use a straightened paperclip to rake, back and forth, to jiggle the tumblers/pins until the lock opens.

I have seen videos of people who can pick open locks like this almost as fast as a person can open it with the key.

Once you get the lock open, replace it with one that you have the key to. Save the original lock on the odd chance that you find the right key, some day. Then, you can put everything back into original condition.

What is the number on the lock? IF it is "399" or "644" those are standard keys for equipment cabinets. I used to use them, almost daily, when I worked in theaters and cinemas. I still carry a set of them on my key ring. IF it is one of those keys, you might be able to rustle them up.

[Ryan Gallagher]

Ahh crap, I knew there was something I was forgetting in the 12 hour day of festival mode. Tonight I'll get the photo.

[Kevin Hewus]

It is most likely a CH751 key. It works on my super lumex and X 90 console. They are available on Amazon as "CH751 replacement key". Hope this helps.

[Tony Bandiera Jr]

It is most likely a CH751 key. It works on my super lumex and X 90 console. They are available on Amazon as "CH751 replacement key". Hope this helps.

That's the one! I was going to suggest it but couldn't remember the number. Sucks getting old.