How-To Guide :: Soft Serve :: Replacing Panel Locks

All Spaceman Soft Serve machines have panel locks on each panel.  Some smaller counter top models utilize bolts to hold the panels to the frame, however, most machines utilize a quarter-turn panel lock to secure the panel in place.  Occasionally, these locks can be over-tightened or broken and need to be replaced.  This article will go over how to replace the panel locks on your machine.

 

Required Tools

1. Flathead Screwdriver
   
2. Metric or Adjustable Wrench set
   
3. Super Glue or Equivalent
   

These instructions should be followed for each panel lock that needs to be replaced.

1. Use a flathead screwdriver to lightly push in and turn the panel-lock bolt 90° to its unlocked position.  This should not require any significant force.  If you feel binding, try turning the panel lock in the opposite direction.  Generally, the panel locks turn toward the middle of the panel to unlock. So, for top left and bottom right locks, you’ll turn counterclockwise to unlock, and for bottom left and top right locks, you’ll turn clockwise to unlock.
   
2. Turn the panel over to see the backside of the panel lock.
   
3. Remove the top locking nut using an adjustable or correct size metric wrench.  You may need to utilize the flat head screwdriver on the panel-lock bolt to remove.
   
4. Remove the plastic locking arm from the center panel-lock bolt.
   
5. Remove the regular nut from the panel-lock bolt.
   
6. Remove the panel-lock bolt and spring from the housing.
   
7. Remove the housing by pinching tabs to remove.  Notate the locking-pin location for correct reinstallation of new housing.  This can be done with a sharpie or other marking tool.
   
8. Install new housing into panel by pressing into the laser-cut hole on the panel until it clips in place.  Ensure orientation matches the housing that was removed.  Align the housing so that the locking pin stops at the correct place.
   
9. Place the spring on the main lock bolt
   
10. Insert main panel-lock bolt and spring through the housing.
    
11. Press the bolt to compress the spring, and using a fast-dry super glue, glue the small locking pin into the bolt.  Allow to dry before releasing lock bolt.
    
12. Thread the regular nut onto the panel-lock bolt.
    
13. Rotate the lock bolt to the locked position (where the lock pin rests up against the housing stop)
    
14. Install the lock arm onto the panel-lock bolt and orient it such that the arm is perpendicular to the panel in the “locked” position.
    
15. Install the lock nut onto the panel-lock bolt using appropriate adjustable or metric wrench and a flat head screw driver.  Do not over-tighten and be careful not to break panel-lock bolt.  Ensure locking arm and panel-lock bolt stay in lock position while tightening
    
16. Rotate the panel lock bolt to the open position.  
    
17. Repeat steps 3 through 16 for all panel locks as required.
    
18. Reinstall panel and ensure panel locks secures panel in place.