How To Pick A Mailbox Lock?

If you are looking for the perfect method to pick a mailbox lock then we have a tested guide to help you. With just some simple steps you might be able to pick your lock without a locksmith’s help. You just need some basic tools and certain tricks.

Steps To Pick

The mailbox locks are not essentially difficult to pick. With some guidance, you can pick your mailbox lock quite easily.

A. Pick With Hair Pins

1. Essentials

For this, you will require two hairpins and a pair of pliers. The pliers will be essential to hold the paperclip in place and also to prevent any injury.

2. Prep

Like many movies, it is possible to pick a lock using hairpins. Straighten out half of the paperclip. Leave the second half just as it is. Then to make a lockpick, bend the straightened end in a slight upwards direction.

Now we will require a lever. To make one, straighten out the paper clip. But this time straighten it almost fully upwards. Leave one of the bent curves as it is at the end. Bend the bent curve to a 90-degree angle from the paper clip.

3. Lockpicking

Insert the wrench into the keyhole to test the spindle’s strength and flexibility. If the key does not move while the spindle is being rotated clockwise, the spindle will revolve in the other direction.

Set the wrench at the lowest position. And place it on the shear line after calculating the rotating direction. The wrench may now be used as a lever.

4. Placement Of The Pins

Put the choice in the deepest spot possible. Simply move the bent tip upward to contact the pins. Be careful to use adequate force for the best results. The pins should be aligned with the shear line. Repeat this technique slowly a few times to ensure you hear the tinkling of the pins’ springs.

5. Pulling The Pins

Make that the wrench is still placed at the shear line. Insert the pick with the tip facing up. Then, begin pushing the first pin-up. Concentrate on the upper section of the lock because all of the pins will be there.

Shake the pick lightly until it snaps into place to push the pin into place. You’ll need to listen carefully to hear the “click” sound to see if it fits properly. You’ll hear this sound when your pin is loosened and no longer prevents the spindle.

6. Pull Remaining Parts

When the first pin is released, your spindle will begin to revolve slightly. When you hear a “click,” the pin has been fully pushed up. If not, it may revert to its old location, requiring you to repeat the action.

Remember to apply very light pressure while doing the above steps. This will ensure minimal damage to your door or lock. There are chances of getting the door damaged if you apply heavy pressure.

So, by following these steps you can easily pick a lock using pins.

B. Pick Using Drill

1. Oil The Lock

This lubrication is essential for a lock. This step will remove all the dust or dirt from the lock. Any type of lubricant will work. But we recommend using WD-40. This will also work if your lock is frozen. You can find this at your local hardware stores as well.

 2. Remove the keyway dust protect cover 

This can be done using a normal screwdriver as well. Removing the dust cover will ensure minimal damage to other parts of the mailbox. Also, it will provide a good vision while you are drilling

3. Drill on top of the keyhole 

Understanding how much to drill is essential. There are generally about 4 to 5 pins in a mailbox lock. We need to keep drilling only until there are 5 distinct breaking noises of pins. Another important point is where to drill.

You can drill at the top of the keyhole. This will ensure all the 5 pins inside the lock are drilled through. Just make sure that you use gloves and safety glasses. If the pins bounce outwards, there is a chance of injury.

How Can I Get Into Mailbox Without A Key?

There are several ways to get into a mailbox without a key. There are specialized lock-pick kits available. But if you don’t have one, you can always make one using DIY (Do It Yourself). Before starting make sure you know how Locking Mailboxes Work.

1. Use a lock pick kit

For beginners, there is a lock-picking kit. It includes various lock picks sizes. This will help you pick your lock without any difficulty. This kit is available online. If not, you can get this at a local hardware shop. With just a few trials and errors using various sizes of picks, you can easily open your mailbox.

Initially, it will be a little difficult to gauge the exact size, but once you get familiar with the process it will be very easy. This kit is a lifesaver. If you do not get this kit, don’t worry. We have other options available for you.

2. Use a Drill

Drilling a hole is one of the easiest ways to pick a lock. All you need is a power drill. But this is a permanent way of destroying your lock. Once this method is used, you will have to permanently replace the lock. We suggest that you use this only in case of an extreme emergency.

Also, if you apply excess force, there is a chance that the entire front door of the mailbox can get damaged. So, while using this drilling method be cautious. The steps for using a drill are mentioned above. Another trick is using a lubricant. This lubricant will provide ease in drilling action without friction.

3. Use Paperclips Or Hairpins

You have your lock pick designed. This easy process is very time efficient. In case of an emergency where you need to pick your mailbox lock immediately, thill trick comes handy.

Hairpins and paperclips are available easily so there is no need for extra money spending as well. Just make sure that you are cautious while using hairpins as they can prick your fingers.

4. Use Graphite

To make it simpler to insert the key, moisten the locked lock with silicone wire lubricant. If the keyhole still won’t open, try placing a little graphite dot inside it. To enable the graphite to operate, try opening the closed padlock at least four times after using it on the key.

Benefits

Security is of utmost importance these days. Many thieves attempt to steal identity cards or ID proofs to gain a new identity. A secure mailbox is very essential as most of the government notices are sent through the post. To keep all your mails safe, you should have a secure mailbox lock.

This will keep all intruders away from your belongings. Imagine that you have just returned from a week-long vacation. And once you return you find that all your important mails and documents have been compromised due to an insecure mailbox.

As we have explained earlier, it is not that difficult to pick a lock if you have the right tools. A secure mailbox protects your identity and all your gift cards. Some identity proofs are still sent by mail. If your mailbox is secure, you have no reason to worry about them getting stolen.

Is It Legal To Pick?

As much as picking a lock sounds thrilling and adventurous it is not that simple. The short answer to the above question is it is not illegal. Some people live in rented spaces and if your landlord hasn’t provided you with a key, it becomes an issue.

At such times, you can follow the above-mentioned steps and pick your lock. But we advise using that only in case of an emergency. These mailboxes are government properties. And any harm caused can land you in legal trouble.

So, we advise you to ask your landlord for an extra set of keys, or use other ways to open mailbox. If not then you can ask the postal services or post offices for help. Written communication in such cases is always important.

Make sure you clearly state the purpose of why you need to pick the lock. Sometimes the post offices might have a duplicate key. So, communication goes a long way. So only in an emergency, you can pick your lock with some communication proof.

Moreover, you can get an unpickable mailbox lock to avoid any theft or burglary.

Final Talk

So, we hope you might have received the help you were looking for. Mailbox security is as important as front door security as many important government documents are at risk. Most of the items listed for lock picking are easily available in most garages or houses. So, finding them in case of an emergency isn’t a problem. If you do face any problems, leave us a mail. And we will respond.