How To Replace A Mailbox Lock?

If your mailbox lock has broken or you want to replace a mailbox lock with an electronic lock then we have a simple guide to open and replace the lock. You can either take help from a locksmith or do it manually by following simple steps.

Methods To Change A Mailbox Lock:

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In order to replace the lock, one should have to check whether the lock is broken or just jammed. Once you get sure that the lock needs to be replaced. It’s time to get the required tools for the process.

Tools

1. Wrench

To replace the old lock you need to get the exact size of the nut as on the old lock that we are going to replace. A wrench is a perfect tool that has all sizes of nuts.

Mostly the size for the lock is 2mm to 20 mm. And the wrench provides 4mm to 30mm of nuts. so it provides you with the exact nuts to your lock in order to replace or fix it.

2. Lock

The other thing we require the most is the mailbox lock. What will we do with those nuts if there is no mailbox lock to replace them?

So before getting the wrench it’s time to get the lock. But remember that the lock must be exactly the size as the old one.

3. Drill Machine

The thing that we require is to open the old mailbox. But one thing we all get to remember is that if you have your own mailbox then you can completely opt for the drill.

But if it’s not and is owned by the USPS, then it’s illegal to drill the mailbox.

Time

Another thing to remember is the time that we spend while replacing the lock. If you want the USPS to replace the lock. There will be a waiting time. And that will be up to 1-2 weeks.

But if you contact a local locksmith, they can replace the lock on the same day. And if you don’t know how to replace or use the tools to use. The time must be uncountable.

And if you know about how to replace and use the tools. You can complete the task in 50-60 minutes.

Step 1: Drill The Keyhole To Open Mailbox

As I said earlier, If the mailbox is owned by the USPS then you don’t have to do anything. They will come and fix the problem. But if you own the mailbox, Then you can drill the keyhole. But make sure that you don’t damage the housing of the lock.

And now when you start to drill you need to exert some pressure on the keyhole. In order, to let all the springs in the lock get free. Once you free the lock. you can lock open your mailbox easily.

Step 2: Remove The Nut And Slide The Lock Bar And Metal Clip

When you drill the keyhole, it’s time to remove the nuts and pins. With the help of the wrench, you can remove the nuts. And when you remove the nuts, you will get to see the cam that you remove.

You will get to see the slip that holds completely and secure the lock from burglars. If not you will see a simple screw that you can remove with the help of the screwdriver. Now you can remove the locking mechanism.

Step 3: Pull Out The Old Lock And Install The New One

Now, you have removed the old lock from the mailbox. It’s time to put in the new lock but remember to put the exact dimension otherwise it will not fit the on the lock place of the old lock. Put the lock inside the lock body. Set the body and lock the body with the slip.

Then close the body with the help cam. Now you can use your mailbox without any problem. When you follow these steps, You can replace the mailbox lock with ease. You don’t have to worry about that will you have to call the professional.

How To Replace Without A Key?

To replace a mailbox lock without the key. You need to know that if the mailbox is under the USPS you only need to tell them about the problem.

But if it belongs to you, you need to use a drill to open the old lock in order to replace the lock.
Just drill the keyhole but remember not to damage the lock body in order to fit the new lock.
When you complete the drill. Open the lock and pull out the pins and nuts.
There you are ready to change your old lock with the new one.

How To Replace An Apartment or Condo Mailbox Lock?

In order to replace an apartment or condo mailbox lock. You need to open the mailbox.

You can just open it with the key or if you don’t have the key. Let your postman open the mailbox.
Now, you have opened the lock. Remove the nut and pins
Nuts can be removed with the help of the wrench and to remove the back of the mailbox.
Now you have removed the nuts and pins. It’s time for you to remove the locking cam with the screwdriver.
The cam lock is ‘S’ bend thick metal and locks when you bend the key.
Now screw the cam lock in upward while following the key movement from left to right.
Now screw the new lock and tighten the nuts and pins and now spray the lubrication for it to work properly.

How To Replace A Cluster Mailbox Lock?

To change the lock, you only require two basic tool

A half-inch nut driver and a channel lock
Now to open the mailbox contact the post office that lets you open the gate of the mailbox.
Once you have access to the mailbox it’s time for you to simply pop the latch.
Just locate the lock you want to replace. With the nut driver remove the nut.
Once the nut gets off. Simply open the door of the mailbox. And remove the cam which exposes the clip.
After removing the clip. Takedown the channel lock and the lock comes out.
Remove the key of the new lock in order not to damage the lock. Place the lock in its place.
Now use the new clip with the help of the channel lock. Pull the clip inside the lock.
Now put the cam on the lock and you are ready for the new lock.

How To Install Mailbox Lock?

To install the mailbox lock you need to know what type of lock you are going for your mailbox. For example, We can just use a basic replacement lock. Then set the lock on the mailbox in order to check the size and that the latch fits the locks.

Now thread the lock with the screw or with the slip lock mechanism. Now check the latch of the locksets and if it fits the lock or not. If the lock work completely fine with the key. You can lock the latch on the position and you are ready to get the work.

Also, dont worry about the cost, you’ll find a great mailbox lock under your budget.

FAQS

How To Replace A Jammed Lock?

To replace the jammed lock, you need to check whether you can fix the problem or not. If you can fix that but you cannot. It’s time for you to replace the mailbox with the new one.
Drill the keyhole and remove the nuts and pins. When you replace the lock. Find the perfect match for the lock and replace it with the new lock.

How Much Will To Replace By Locksmith?

If you are going to replace your mailbox lock, you should know how much it cost to change the lock. For instance, it must be around $5. But if you are going to call for a locksmith. They may charge up to $35-$40 depending on their fees.

Is It Legal If I Fix My Mailbox Lock?

No, it’s not illegal if you fix your own mailbox. If the USPS did not have any mailbox. You can completely go for your own mailbox. But you have a mailbox that is under USPS you cannot fix your own mailbox. But if you have any problem with the mailbox that is under the USPS, you can register your complaint. And they will solve the problem.

Final Talk

We all got the answers, we are looking for. And now we know how to replace the old mailbox lock with the new one. It’s very important to know about the USPS. If they are maintaining the mailboxes. They are the ones who repair all. In the end, we get to know different methods to replace the mailbox with and without the key.