If you are one of those people who can’t let go of your mailbox combination lock and find themselves stuck outside the privacy gates, read on to know how to open an old mailbox combination lock or you can break through these gates that should never stop you from relishing the beautiful moments in life.
Methods To unlock An Old Mailbox Combination Lock
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Combination locks are much more than a simple security device. Even though it may be the most basic design, they can still be locked, unlocked, and opened differently. Best of all? You don’t need to call a locksmith to perform this task independently. We have compiled a list of the best methods to open an old lock combination to keep you entertained and make your life easier.
Method 1: Turn The Dial Counter-Clockwise Three Times To Reset The Lock
Remember the days when most of us used to turn the combination lock clockwise to open it? This is no longer the best way to pick a combo lock. If you don’t plan to change the combo lock, it’s better to watch video tutorials on how to open a combination lock. The next step involves turning the dial counter-clockwise three times to reset your old mailbox combo.
The new method works by removing two small screws that hold on the dial cover and turning it counter-clockwise three times, which resets your mailbox combination. This way, you do not have to reach for an extra tool for opening your mailbox combination.
Turn the dial counter-clockwise three times. Remove screws from the dial cover and the top cap if you have one. Open mailbox combination lock with your preferred tool. Turn the dial clockwise three times.
Method 2: Padlock Shims
Sometimes, the combination lock will get stuck due to installed padlock shims. When this happens, open your mailbox combination lock by simply removing the shims.
It is a straightforward process that only requires you to follow these steps:
Take out four screws from your mailbox combination lock. It is always best to use a screwdriver when opening this type of lock. Unscrew the top cap of your grade 1 or 2 padlocks so that you can take out the shims that are below them.
Insert new shims underneath your old combination lock until they go through the holes on it. Put back on screws and put the cap on top of it. After doing this, you will have successfully reset your mailbox combination lock.
Method 3: Head To A Master Locksmith
This method is a little bit more complicated than the two above, but it can open any lock. If you have tried to use other methods and they haven’t worked, then this is the best way to go. You need to find a master locksmith and give them your combination lock.
This locksmith will be able to help you with opening your mailbox combination thanks to the following steps:
Remove four screws from your mailbox combo lock. The original setup is always best since it can keep you from changing the combination in future years. Remove cover from the top cap on your combo lock and remove shims from inside it. This will make it easier for the locksmith to access your safety.
Place new shims underneath the plate on top of the entire lock and put on screws. You can use a screwdriver to tighten them if you want. Give the master locksmith your combination lock when you are done with the process. He will be able to figure it out after doing some research or counselling you as he goes along.
Method 4: Insert A Key Into The Lock
If you have tried all of the above methods and they haven’t worked, this is probably your last resort before calling a locksmith. This method is a little more complicated. It would help if you reopened your mailbox by prying off the top part then putting in a key.
Make sure all of your personal mail are safe before you start this process. This will be the safest way to unlock your mailbox if you cannot remember your combination anymore. Once you have opened your mailbox combo lock, put in a key and turn it counter-clockwise three times.
Remember, you should always turn the critical counter-clockwise three times to reset it before putting it back inside.
Tools:
- 1. The Keyhole Saw
- 2. The Drill
- 3. The Pickaxe
- 4. The Jemmy
- 5. The Pliers
Materials: NA
How To Unlock Old Mailbox Combination Lock Without A Combination?
There are a few ways to open an old mailbox combination lock without a combination. You can either use the shims method or obliterate the lock and insert a key. The first method is to use shims to open an old mailbox combination lock.
When the screws are removed, you will see a few holes in your mailbox combination plate. You need to take out some shims from one of these holes and place them underneath your padlock when replacing the top cap on it.
The next step is to put on the top cap with the shims under it and then put back on four screws from your lock. Make sure all of these steps are performed correctly in order for this method to work properly.
The second method is to remove and replace your whole mailbox combination lock and place a key inside a hole next to it. This is more complicated than the first method, but it will also help you open your mailbox without having to change the combination on it.
To follow this process, you need to start by getting rid of four screws from your mailbox combination lock and then prying off the top part. After that, you need to insert a key into one of the holes on your mailbox combination lock and turn it counter-clockwise three times in order to reset it. Finally, put back on all four screws and put the cover back over them.
You will have successfully opened your old mailbox combo lock without having to change the combo on it.
How Do I Unlock A Mailbox With Numbers?
If you have tried to open a mailbox with numbers already, but you don’t know how to get to the right combination, here is how you can do it:
First, go inside your house and look for the location of your mailbox. If it has a top cap on it and you can take off one screw, your mailbox combination lock will be located on the inside.
Once you know where it is located, remove the four screws from the top cap and move around the dial counter-clockwise three times to reset your old mailbox combo lock.
The next step is to open up your old mailbox combination lock. There are mostly two ways this happens: removing the cover or removing screws on the top piece.
How Do You Change The Combination On An Old Po Box?
If you have an old PO box, you might be wondering how you can change the combination on it. You will need to go to your local post office and ask for a new combination. They will help you with the new one and give it to you once they help you reset your mailbox combo lock.
Here are the steps to follow to change the combination on your old PO box:
First of all, take out four screws from the top cap of your mailbox combination lock. This is where you put in a key when unlocking it.
After that, take off the cover from the top cap completely and insert a key into one of the holes on your mailbox lock. Turn the key counter-clockwise three times to reset it before taking out your old key.
Once you have taken the key out, put it back on the cover and on four screws with your new combination lock. Remember to tighten them if necessary. If this seems too complicated, you should have a professional help you change your mailbox combination lock.
Final Talk
Opening old mailboxes is a task that requires a lot of patience and perseverance. If you are looking for an easier way to open your mailbox, this post is for you. There are different ways to open your mailbox lock, and the best way to do it depending on the lock you have whether it’s a 3-digit combination or a 4-digit combination, and at the time of buying make sure you pick the most spacious mailbox lock to avoid the issue of not having enough space left.
I have an old CORHIN mail box with two large dials and a side leaver. I believe that I know the correct combination, however, I can not open the box. Any ideal?