I recently just lost the keys to my mailbox, and today I talked to the Postman (Mailman) about replacing my lock with a new one. If the park owns the mailboxes & the manager doesn't have another key for your box, you'll need to pay for the lock to be changed. To avoid confusion, don’t drill out a lock at night and probably not right in front of the postal delivery person unless they were the one that told you to do it. But he said that it should be an easy fix to replace the lock since I can still get into it with my key. Time to get medieval on the mailbox lock! I broke the drill bit off inside the key hole. Some come with the CBU’s. Everytime a customer comes to me asking me to give them their mail, it's because their roommate/SO/brother et al is the one who carried the key and they lost it, are on vacation or they moved out of town and kept it as a souvenir. I went back on another day and was told that I needed my lease, rental agreement or deed to prove I lived there before they could change it. And it would only cost me 150 dollars. If they do help you, you are one of the lucky ones. Along with a guide on how to install a new mailbox, it also provides guidance on maintenance. Connect and talk to a professional 24-hour key … Newer heavy duty CBU’s have hardened locks that can’t be drilled through with normal drill bits. But I am not a lawyer just a locksmith that has had Police and the postmaster called on him. I noted that one commenter suggested . Bought a lock from HD for 6.50 and drilled away…under 5 minutes…great blog…thanks…, Fantastic! But other than that, if I take your approach (I lost my key and nobody else has access to it), can I feel fairly confident that I’ll be able to turn the latch to unlock the mailbox? And much appears to be dependent on who you speak with at the post office – some postmasters are more lenient than others, some enforce the rules much more strictly. Being that locks are cheap, you might just try to grab a few and find one that fits the mailbox. It took me over a month to get keys because the owners had moved into an assisted living facility and their family had no idea where they’d be. Another safe idea besides calling the local postmaster is to just ask the USPS delivery person, they deliver mail around the same time every day all you have to do is be there when they come and ask them. I live in a 3 floor apartment so each floor has a different mailbox. By the way, when I called my post office to inquire about this, they said I had to do it myself or get a locksmith and then while I was asking my next question, the guy hung up on me! The lock is easy enough to install, I just can’t find my lock. However I can’t give you any legal advice. Why? Attach the cam onto the back of your new lock, making sure that the cam’s ‘S’ curve is facing the upper part of the lock to make it easier for the key to turn left or right. This post will help my friend out. Home Depot Key Copy: Is It Possible to Get a Key Copy Made at Home Depot? Just one more reason to learn how to swap out a lock yourself — renters. Yeah, I never realized how simple it was until I tried it. We are here to help you get connected to a professional key smith in your area. I do it for free if the customer has the old key and the lock doesn’t work anymore or the key has broken off in the lock. Simply straighten one of the clips or pins out so you can bend it into an “L” shape. If you’ve lost the keys to your mailbox, you may be able to pick the lock using a few simple tools, like hairpins and paperclips. This will be your chance to get access to the rear end of the lock, which is what you need in order to replace your mailbox lock. To get your mailbox key replaced, you will have to pay a fee which cost $20+ depending on the post office including state taxes. You shouldn’t pry open your mailbox, because it’s against the law, and also because our carriers can’t deliver mail to unlocked or unsecured boxes. In that case, your lock will also be changed by Canada Post. Curious because it’s 6 boxes in a vertical row and his main access is above in the center but his lock seems to be not fit to the front, sunken in to unlock the main door? Lost Your Post Office Keys USPS post office boxes come with two keys so that you have a spare if you lose the main one. I was about to replace my lock, but have been thinking, how will the post person deliver my mail. One thing you should make sure of is the metal used in your lock. Pretty much the exact conversation I had with my local post office. That’s awesome! Curbside “neighbohood” cluster boxes installed prior to 2003 are USPS property and are maintained by the USPS. After losing both of the initial keys, you can request a replacement by submitting an United States Postal Service form 1094 and by paying the refundable key deposit as well as a key fee. I wonder if that’s just a lazy post office or??? If you've been enjoying Disney Plus and want to share it with others, here's how to buy a Disney+ Gift subscription for... You can easily collaborate with Google’s web-based apps. If you’ve lost both of your community mailbox keys, then your only option is to complete the new keys replacement form which is usually located on the website of the post office, that owns the community mailbox in your area. It doesn’t need to be the same brand, just fit the locking hole on the mailbox. Start by looping the nut on top of the lock frame and then use your adjustable wrench to squeeze it firmly in place. Thnx for sharing the story, Bernhard. Then told me they could have one made for me in “as little as two weeks” and they would hold my mail for me at the local branch, and I could start going to pick it up all the way out there. That said, calling out a 24-hour locksmith also requires payment for hardware expenses and labor costs required for mailbox key replacement. Thank you so much. Finding one that fits is not an option. Then I replaced the lock myself, pretty simple and paid under $10 at the hardware store for the replacement. It is why we recommend you to visit your nearest Walmart or Homedepot to get your mailbox replacement lock for around $6 per lock. Canada Post provides a pair of mailbox keys for $29 + taxes. If not, you may have had some sideways force on the drill bit. Some lock latches work 180 degrees off. If you live in an apartment or condo complex that doesn’t have a maintenance contract or a resident maintenance person, then a whole new set of rules apply. I have to replace my lock being the douche i rented a room to, took it upon himself to make a copy of that and others. Your email address will not be published. The National Mailbox Lock C9100 should do the trick for clockwise rotation or the C9200 for counterclockwise. Thanks Steve! This is why you shouldn't allow any one person to be responsible for you mailbox key. I’m so glad I found this blog. Your email address will not be published. If not (as my USPS advised), they will suggest you get a lock and meet your carrier there and quickly replace it. Honestly, it was sticker-shock when I call the locksmith. The post office said it was MY responsibility and they wouldn’t have access to it, nor would they have the key. Here at my place the post office told me to call a locksmith because they don’t have anything to do with the mailbox. At this rate, you might find it cheaper to just purchase a new mailbox altogether. Since I didn’t have the money with me. However, there’s no need to despair because these days it’s fairly easy to solve lost key for mailbox problem by getting a replacement key or simply changing the lock. Almost think I should put an ad on Google for mailbox repair. If that was the case, the mailbox would have an eagle on it. I had the same issue at my condo and they had me call a locksmith. Check first with a file on an edge to see if the metal is hard. Some mailboxes are “managed” by the PO, while others are not. Only contact Canada Post if you have lost both keys. Another DIY success! The Post Office is responsible to repair their cluster boxes and property owners are responsible for theirs. Wow, that’s crazy. A locksmith may be able to pry the door open carefully or grind off the outer lock housing so the lock drops to the inside. Are you sure? Some of those locks are replacements. It costs $23 if it’s a new lock replacement (new resident). They suggested a local locksmith and hung up on me. The cost to replace lost keys is $29 plus applicable taxes. You have to take full responsibility for replacing a damaged or lost key for the mailbox. What now???!!! Yelp pointed me at a local locksmith who quoted me $250 for an onsite replacement plus an additional $150 an hour after 30 minutes. I got hold of the mailman, took out my mailbox lock, went to ACE Hardware Store 3 blocks away, and bought a lock for $9.99 plus Tax with great help from the very knowledgeable sales person. I am a locksmith in here in Central California, we see these mailbox locks on an almost daily basis. Thank you. Grease the entire locking apparatus with a spray and test the lock by turning the key inside it to make sure that it’s working properly. With that in mind, my conscience is in the clear. I personally would not mess around with the lock the Mail Carrier users to deliver mail. One thing I don’t like about WD40 however is it really collects dust. He suggessted I get my own lock and replace. If you can get into the mailbox, you can just uninstall the lock by taking off the bolt and clips (as shown in my photos). We know how an emergency situation such as locking yourself out of your home or car, can be a stressful and worrying experience especially when you have lost those exact keys. Processing your report of lost key for mailbox will probably take several days at the most, but in the end, your new replacement key will come in the mail and all your worries will be forgotten. All went according to plan. You bet Daniel! Reminds me — when a friend bought a house recently, it came with no mailbox. Amazed how much they try to charge for a 2 minute job. Without the clip holding the lock in place, popup the entire mechanism and bring it to a local locksmith. Great comment Victoria. Later, he calls me because he lost his key. The CBU’s with the outgoing mail slots that have been plasma cut out of the face of the 5/8″ steel face of the outgoing plate is pretty much guaranteed to have the hardened locks. Keep in mind that the sooner you report the lost key for the mailbox, the sooner you’ll be able to access your mail. I had to replace mailbox keys for three clients. If you had a key, you’d use it to open the mailbox so that you can get to the back of the lock. Today was day 3 … I suppose it could vary from state to state but from what I’ve read.. once a mailbox is put into use by the post office, it is federal property. Everything go well? But again, that’s worst case. The best way to get a timely response once you’ve made your request for a replacement is to make the request as soon as you discover the lost key to the mailbox because it might take a couple of days before your request is processed and you have a new key. I can’t believe my state drivers license wasn’t enough. Again, the post office said — not our problem so…. I figure if one follows the advice of the U.S. postal service, one can hardly be committing a crime. I am getting ready to go do that now as well as get extra keys which can be kept in the part where postmaster opens it and if lost by myself or next tenant there’s spare keys. Save my name and email and send me emails as new comments are made to this post. You may need mailbox locksmith to open your mailbox if you have lost your key. I actually can get into my mailbox still, with my key. I change these out weekly for my local Post Office. Price depends on the post office that owns the community mailbox. You should be able to unscrew the lock from the inside that way. Thankfully I have a cordless drill, so I grabbed a bit that fit nicely into the keyhole of the lock. You will be charged a fee of $7 or more. key cannot unlocked. I guarantee the PRO will just bring a really big screwdriver and force it open then repair the lock. I work in Fairfield County, CT. That is, is it possible that even after drilling, the lock latch wants to stay locked in place? Seattle Mailbox Key Made. We called the post office and they said we needed to go to Home Depot and buy a post and a mailbox and set it all up. Every day. Amazon has it listed for ~$5, however, I found it at a local HW store for under $2 the next day. Making copies of Community Box keys is permitted and you'll save money by doing it yourself. I’m going to guess the best path may be borrowing a drill from someone. If it were me…. If by any chance you have a spare community mailbox key at home, you could easily get it duplicated at a Walmart key maker or by calling a professional 24-hour locksmith. If your mailbox is in a USPS facility, go to the service desk and report the lost key. If you’ve lost both keys, complete the online form to request new keys. Only change the lock YOU use to access the mailbox. When your mail is delivered to a mailbox at your local post office, you'll be given two keys at the start of your service. Love the feedback! Which statue are you located? I started the adventure by calling my local post office, and that was a waste of time. Here are a few different approaches that you can use to retrieve your lost mailbox key, based on your situation and where you live: If you’re a tenant that’s renting a flat or a home that has an integrated mailbox system, then your first step should be to report the matter of your lost mailbox key to your landlord or superintendent. Contact the post office and request your new keys to be made. If the local PO would have let us insert a garage slot, as we wanted in the first place, we wouldn’t even need a key! This reason alone would make someone let the post office know, to replace lock on their mailbox which, Step-by-Step Mailbox Lock Replacement Guide, What You Need to Become a Professional Locksmith, Commonly used metals on Keys Made by a Locksmith, Key Duplication and how it’s done using key duplication machines. Also, you may have to pay a fee of $4.40 for a replacement key if the mailbox is owned by the U.S. The simple answer is yes, you can! My landlord says he will find the key. Sevan Locksmith can inform you of how to get a new key. Tomorrow will try Harbor Freight, Lowes and Ace. Worse case, if you STILL can’t get it open, go to the USPS.com, put a hold on your mail at the post office and hire a professional if you’re not comfortable to FORCE it open. However, should you lose both keys, you’ll have to fill in what is known as ‘Form 1094’, which is basically a request for a new replacement key, and pay the key fee as well as the refundable key deposit. I’m probaby going to go paperless with my bills now. Upon departure, any mailbox key that is … Just drill straight and apply consistent pressure. So yeah, you can guess the path we’re going to take on this one. Did you notice that you were getting a lot of resistance? I lost my key and called a Locksmith and the price they told me was $105 to come out and change the lock. As such it is USPS property and unlawful to change the lock. Especially something super simple like a mailbox lock. This is so illegal do not stick a drill into your mailbox! Follow our simple guide to easily create an easy to remember yet secure Password. We use cookies for analytics, ads and session management. Mailbox as in your personal mailbox at home (as opposed to an Australia Post PO BOX?) Compartment number and location of the community mailbox can be confirmed with the notice card. ;). You can get a quality mailbox key replacement made by a professional locksmith in a matter of minutes. I solved this with a little Graphite Powder. The postal office itself told me if I opened it by any means other than my assigned key that mail would no longer be sent to me, and I would have to start picking it up via the postal office branch. The lock on the back opens the door for ALL the mailboxes in a cluster (normally). I've lost my mailbox key! I’d get medieval with it and use a larger drill and bit! Do remember that your lost key is still laying around somewhere to be found. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the clip itself has an extended lip that should be pulled away with pliers until the clip has been completely detached from the lock. You might even choose to replace the mailbox lock if a previous tenant did not return the mailbox key, which we’re going to teach you how to do it in a bit. The landlord has somehow lost the key to the mailbox. Thanks for the help! If you have a drill and a new lock — Yes. Question: Do you have to drill it? Thank you for contributing to the article! The steps of getting a new mailbox community key go as follows: The best part about opening a mailbox at your local post office is that they always give you two keys, so that you have a spare to turn to when you lose the first one. If after a few days you can’t find it, then you will likely want to call a locksmith. But, our home was new construction and the PO didn’t want their carriers to “waste” their time, having to walk up the driveway to the garage door, when they could just hop out of their golf carts and shove the mail into the box. Disneyland Resort (in California) There is a charge for lost mailbox keys. Based on this information directly from the United States Postal Service, it’s clear that the responsibility for maintenance and care of the mailbox falls on the property owner/manager. to see if they have an extra key. A homeowners assn. At least in my house… That said, I always say, use what works for you! Home Depot, Walmart, OSH and Sears all no go. Since publishing the DIY mailbox lock fix, several readers have expressed concern about the legal aspects of fixing your mailbox lock yourself. Hope to see you around the site. I took the day suggestion and tried drilling it out. If you’ve lost one of your community mailbox keys, have your spare key copied at any hardware store or locksmith. Most likely you have a tempered steel lock which is as tough as the drill bit. Might be better to wait until they arrive, explain the issue and see if he can get you into the mailbox. Copyright © 2007-2020 groovyPost™ LLC | All Rights Reserved. Make sure you ask specifically if you can “replace the lock with a new one”. If a door is broken or bent and it’s ours. Hope that answers your question. You just need to know if opens clockwise or counterclockwise. In the middle of my question! Hardened steel will resist filing. Ask the landlord if you can make a copy of his spare key. We specialize in cutting and duplicating any types of mailbox keys on the spot. I like it. Take their keys, and try to open the lock with their keys. The way I look at it — ANYTHING can be fixed. Sounds like almost the same experience I had! In all, the entire job took no longer than 5 minutes (not counting the trip to the locksmith). I use a minus screw driver to get tge internal threadmill aligned (out of alignment) then use key to unlock. If your mailbox is an expensive one, and it comes with a good lock, you shouldn't go for breaking the lock. You should be fine following the instructions I posted in the article. Call us now for the fastest auto, home, or office locksmith service at the most affordable price. Thanks. The primary goal here is not damaging the housing holding the lock so don’t use a lot of pressure when drilling into the lock. Pictures were very helpful. Write down the name of the person who gave you permission to replace the lock, and be clear that you are going to replace the lock with a new one and not just re-key it. And we will even include postage if you aren’t … Article updated! I am renting a condo and we have mailboxes just like these. Take it out using an adjustable wrench, and make sure to turn it until it’s standing straight while touching the rear of the mailbox door. You CAN fix this. Great! Good points Manny. Thanks for the detailed instructions and photos. If your mailbox is part of your apartment complex, go to the manager’s office and report a lost key. It’s not nearly as fun, but that is another option. The days or common sense and decency are long gone! They’ll ask for your mailbox item number, so be sure to write it down or memorize it so that you have it on hand when it is requested. You should be fine. Sounds like you have a great PO in your area. I followed your instruction and replaced my mailbox lock. If you notice that your keys are getting really old and worn out, you should return them to the post office so that you can get new replacements for free. :) :). Some post offices will tell you to call a locksmith. Being that you’re having issues working with the local post office…. Since the Post office is federal, I’m going to guess it’s all dependant on the local postmaster? ;). Appreciate the feedback. Once the rear of the lock has been opened, you’ll see that there’s a clip which is holding the lock together. Our rule of thumb is that of the group box is shiny and has a visible eagle logo on it, leave it alone. She told me that the mailbox was “my own personal property” and that I should call a locksmith to replace the lock or find the maintenance manager of the building and he could do it for me. Required fields are marked *. Cost of mailbox key replacement depends on the kind of mailbox that you own. Lost my key, I asked postmaster where to get replacement, he said the post offices didnt have one but woyld send someone out and replace the entire lock for only $50 (laughing). Often they've already called their local post office because they're under the mistaken impression that someone over there might give a flying fish. It would not cost you much. For an ordinary mailbox that is similar to your neighbor's one, seek help from your neighbor. So how did it go Sunny? or apartment owner that owns the cluster box can have their own rules. The post office told me they would have to put my mail on hold for up to two weeks until they could replace the lock and keys. When replacing a Lost Mailbox Key more often than not the mailbox lock would need to be opened and replaced with a new one, this could be a gentle process that a professional is well equipped for, a study hand to drill-in the lock without harming the mailbox or damaging any mail in it, and the locksmith knowledge to replace it with a new one. By the way, it was my mailperson who suggested I do it, ha! Replacement for your stolen or lost community mailbox keys costs $20+ including state tax. Using a screwdriver, remove the locking cam which is situated on the rear of the lock. I assume you cannot get the bit out. I lost the key to my mailbox which is only ours and in a gated subdivision. Your existing lock can be easily removed, if your mailbox is locked and you have lost your key you can open your mailbox by either accessing a philips head screw (use a long screwdriver through the mail slot) which holds the l ocking cam on the rear of the lock, or if you can't get access to this by drilling through the centre of the lock with a small 1/8 drill bit. Have you lost your mailbox key? In some cases, the lock nut may still be attached to the lock. Anyway – Welcome to groovyPost! hehehe. Different properties differ in their policies when it comes to what approach you should take in reporting a lost mailbox key, but the safest one would be to make the report in writing and then follow it up with an in-person visit. So I was wondering: are they any potential barriers to getting the lock unlocked? Note: If you’re not the adventurer / handy type or if you don’t have a drill, wait for your mail carrier. I’ve done a lot of searching over the past hour and honestly, it appears to be all across the map in regards to the legality of fixing your own mailbox. Help! The box that it’s housed in isn’t. Some of the cluster boxes are owned by the Post Office and some by property owners. Take help from the delivery men, or professional lock breaker to unlock the mailbox. I used a rather hefty flathead screwdriver and simply slid it in the crack between the door and frame and gave it a quick pop. The rate for a locksmith rates from $98 to $200. If you have lost only one of your Community Mail Box keys, go to a locksmith or hardware store to make another copy of the key. Like you said, if I mess it up, it’s not like I destroyed the engine in a Porsche. However, if you’re reading this article, then we’ll just assume that you’ve lost or damaged your key, in which case you’ll have to hold your fire until the mail delivery guy comes to unlock all of the mailboxes. you help me save a lot of money. Have you lost mailbox key and now you aren’t sure what to do? Because you wouldn’t have landed on this page if you weren’t in this kind of emergency situation. Go to your delivery Post Office.

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