How Do Locking Mailboxes Work : In-depth Guide

Have you got mail today? You might not realize but the bits of information available from accessing your daily mail is enough to put your finances and credit scores at a detrimental risk. You have already taken the first step of securing your private information and yourself from identity theft by clicking on this article. Locking mailboxes are a great way to secure your mails as well as other classified information. Here, in this article, we will specify how do locking mailboxes work and their advantages.

How Do Locking Mailboxes Work?

Needless to say, the locking mechanism of the “locking mailbox” should be top-notch for the best security of the user.

Locking With Pin-Code:

• In today’s age, most of the locking systems are taken over by digital pin-codes.
• They do need some time to get used to and have a steeper learning curve.
• They have proven to be more efficient than the traditional locking systems.
• These mailboxes can even be locked and controlled remotely via mobile apps or websites.
• Making them even more convenient for the user.

Additional Security Measures:

Modern locked mailboxes have additional security measures

• Ensure that sensitive information is kept safe at all times
• Leveraged entries are a way for thieves to access the contents of their mailboxes.
• If the mailbox has additional security measures in place, an intrusion is almost impossible.

Various lockable mailboxes contain anti-theft devices, so no one can break in or break in.

• Feature hardened chrome alloy steel hook cams for enhanced security measures.
• A special magnet inside the mailbox keeps the door closed and keeps the mail dry.
• This makes it nearly impossible for anyone to access your email without permission.

Process Of Installation

Imagine you wake up one morning and see the whole mailbox system has been uprooted from the ground up and is nowhere to be seen. As funny or fictional as it may sound, it is quite very much possible. A standalone mailbox can be very easily unmounted and carried away for breaking in later on.

Make sure that your mailbox is made of tough and heavy metal to prevent this from happening as much as possible. Also, make it certain to take help from professionals to mount the mailbox firmly into the ground.

Installing the mailbox on a hard surface, durable and sturdy surface is quite important. Hardwood, concrete, or metals are ideal surfaces to install the mailbox securely.

Some Problems With Locking Mailboxes

Problem: Of course like normal locks, these locks can be picked by lock-picking as well.

Solution:

• Manufacturing companies have been coming up with models that can prevent picking.
• Some top-of-the-line models include a 12 disc wafer lock
• This makes it almost impossible to drill or pick the lock in normal ways.

Problem: It should be easily accessible to the ones having the right key.

Solution:

• These mailboxes come with 2 or more copies of the key so that every member of the house has access to it.
• The key needs to be kept safe at all costs by every member.

How Does The Mailman Get Into A Locked Mailbox?

Well, it isn’t any good of a mailbox if the mailman cannot put it in the mail itself. There is a slot for the mailman to put in. But this slot is thick enough for the mail to go in once. But thin enough so that no one can put in their hand or fingers or other utensils to go in and pick up a mail. So there is nothing to worry about here.

Does USPS Allow Locking Mailboxes?

Mail services such as USPS have their protocols when it comes to mailboxes. Specialized brands manufacture mailboxes according to these specified features. The features of locking mailboxes or any other mailboxes allowed for USPS services include:

• The size of the incoming mail slot must be 10 inches wide and 1.75 inches in thickness.
• Lockable mailbox protection flaps should face inward so that the delivery person can post mail without additional work.
• The lockable mailbox compartment must be large enough to accommodate the resident’s normal daily email volume.
• The compartment must also be large enough to accommodate the unfolded US-Priority envelope.
• The locks on the locking mailbox shouldn’t be of traditional or contemporary designs.

Are Locking Mailboxes Worth It?

The answer to this question truly depends on what kind of mails you get daily. If most of your mail contains sensitive information about your career, work, personal, or even medical history, a locking mailbox is a must for you. If you don’t get such sensitive mails much, maybe one or two a month, the risk factor is low. But still, as the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure” you should consider having a locking mail for “just in case” matters.” They can find social security numbers, medical records, bank account numbers you name it,” quoted by Rhonda Vanderford, the Senior Underwriter at PEMCO Insurance.

Moreover, always go through the buying guide for your mailbox lock to choose the best locks for your mailboxes.

What Are The Materials Used To Manufacture A Locking Mailbox?

Your mailbox sits in the sun all day, withstands rain and storm, and keeps on protecting your invaluable information. The material of the mailbox is one of the most important aspects.

The most high-quality and top-notch models will of course be made of high-quality and sturdy materials. Besides the strength, these companies also consider the looks of the mailbox. Even so, the mailbox can be broken open with sheer force and the right kind of tools. Hence the material you choose must be of heavy-duty.

Mailboxes made from metals are the most secure. Some of the stronger ones are made from heavy-gauge electro galvanized welded steel. This material makes it almost impossible for common thieves to break into your mailbox.

Apart from that, being exposed to the weather changes all year long, the mailbox is prone to getting corroded and rusted. This can lead to deterioration of the built strength of the mailbox. This can be prevented by adding an extra layer of durable-powder coating. Using corrosion-resistant stainless steel hinges can also add to the layer of protection.

Do Mailmen Have Master Keys?

A straightforward answer is No, they don’t. They do have the master keys (or sometimes codes for the mailboxes and blue boxes located around the city. There are ways to open a mailbox without a key. There are arrow keys that can be used to get into the complexes but only for parking and mail delivery. The mailmen do not have the master keys to individual apartments’ mailboxes. Hence your sensitive mail can rest securely in the locking mailboxes.

Final Talk

Owning a personal mailbox is reassuring yet scary at the same time. A lot of time is saved up since you don’t have to rush to the post office for receiving important mails every day. Your mailbox will allow you to live a hassle-free life in that respect. But with freedom and power comes great responsibility. With a personal mailbox, you’re the one responsible for the complete security of your mails and parcels. Getting a locking mailbox will let you live with peace of mind. Knowing that all your sensitive information will be nicely secured in a safe place right after they arrive will give you a great sense of relief. Investing in a locking mailbox might just be one of your best invests yet.