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Mills 5 cent Slot Machine

PostPosted: Mon Feb 10, 2025 8:48 am
by Whiteta1l
Hello, I inherited a Mills 5 cent slot machine. I don't know when it was made, but by looking at pics on the internet I believe it was made in the 1930s. It has the key lock tumbler on the front right above the jackpot window. It looks like this tumbler can be removed to drop nickels into the jackpot window. The key slot in the tumbler will easily accept the key for the back door lock, but it won't turn. How would I fix this?

In the past, I've had to load the coins by hand by removing the mech, remove one slotted screw on the sheet metal backing plate in the jackpot from the inside and manually load the coins. When someone hits 3 bars, the machine will pay out, emptying the jackpot window, then I have to disassemble the machine to load more coins into the jackpot. If this front key tumbler will allow me to fill it without disassembly, that would be so much easier. Thanks for any assistance.

Re: Mills 5 cent Slot Machine

PostPosted: Mon Feb 10, 2025 9:19 am
by radiorich123
You have to send me the lock so I can make a key for it. You have a hand load jackpot that is the way they work.

Re: Mills 5 cent Slot Machine

PostPosted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 10:13 am
by apiscione
I also have a Mills QT 5 cent slot machine. Would like to get a picture or diagram of Kicker because 2 reels don’t spin

Re: Mills 5 cent Slot Machine

PostPosted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 11:16 am
by rtmccurdy
The reel kicker is a three pronged device right behind and a bit below the reels. Occasionally the end tines that actually kick the reels can wear. It's always smart to test the reels first. The easiest way is to cycle the slot and quickly stop the fan with your left hand. All three reels should spin freely by hand. If they do then you can inspect the kicker by cycling, stopping the clock, stuff a rag (I use a spring style clothes pin) to hold the fan. Slide the mech out a bit. Then remove the small cotter pin on the rod that is holding the reels and the reel shaft can be pulled to the left and the reels will drop off. Kicker will be visible. Changing the kicker if it is worn out requires a big teardown to replace it.