The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I loaned a man a Victrola key to open his Victrola. I tried it on a lock I had here and it worked fine, but he says it will not open his lock.
Question: Is there more than one version of the V key? Perhaps his lock is damaged? I said he put WD-40 on it and I suggested he wait and let it soak in some more.
Thanks!
Dave D

There is more than one style of "V" key, but the "V in an oval" keys should all be interchangeable.

Here's the standard page on phonograph keys of many makes and models:
https://oldcrank.com/articles/keys/keys.html

Thanks! It's on a VV-XI , so the V key should work.
Dave

Sometimes if the lid, or cabinet, or hinge is a little warped, it can jam the lock. Maybe advise him to push down on the lid as he tries to unlock it, or maybe try pushing the lid a bit to the right or left to lessen any extraneous forces on the lock. If that doesn't work, he may have to blast! It's what the Three Stooges would do!

Oh Jerry! That was a good one. He just reported that the WD-40 and a slight tap got the lock open. This is the second time I have loaned a key to a stranger to open a Victrola.
Dave