Using a lock-picking kit is the most reliable way of accessing a locked mailbox without a key. First, you’ll need the lock-picking kit. Such a kit will make the process straightforward and save you precious time. A lock-picking kit typically has multiple levers and lock picks.
Can I open my apartment mailbox without a key?
Try to hire a locksmith first. It is often in a hurry that we find ourselves calling a locksmith. Arrange with your postman. Letter carriers usually have a pass that opens all mailboxes. Then try to use force. Use something that looks like a key. Try using an electric drill. Hook your mailbox lock.
How to unlock a mailbox without a key?
An electric drill with a long extension cord will work, too) Drill a hole to the center point of the lock or larva (If you don’t know what a larva is, see here) Take a thick screwdriver, a small chisel or a hammer. Push the larva inside to break the mechanism. Once the larva breaks, the mailbox door should open.
How to open a locked mailbox door?
30/10/2020 · Use something that looks like a key. Another way to unlock your mailbox without a key, since most mailbox mechanisms are simple or most of them are made in China, is to use small manicure scissors or a small, thin knife. You only have to insert the thin part of the objects into the lock and then turn in the same direction as with a key.
How do I open my mailbox when it won't open?
02/02/2020 · How do you open a locked mailbox without a key? Steps: At first, take manicure scissors or a small thin knife. Insert the thin end of the tool into the lock hole. Turn the lock as like the key. Turn it slowly until the door open. If the above methods don't work, then you can try with a thin hairpin. Insert the hairpin into the lock.
How do you pick a lock on an apartment mailbox?
Hold the long end of the lever between your fingers. Once the lever is inside the lock, press the long end of the lever in the direction you would turn the key to unlock your mailbox. While you're picking the lock, continue to press the lever in this direction to apply pressure to the barrel of the lock.
Can I open my mailbox without a key?
To get into mailbox without key, picking a lock is easier than using a power drill or electric drill because you won't have to use a long extension cord. You can purchase online and have delivery men bring the items to you or visit a local hardware store so you can open your mailbox without a key and get the mail.29-Sept-2021
How do you open a mailbox with an apartment key?
Place your mailbox key into the lock, if your mailbox utilizes a key to unlock it. Insert the key with the teeth facing downward until you can't push it in any further. Turn the key clockwise until you hear the lock click, then pull open your mailbox lock.26-Sept-2017
What happens if you lost mailbox key?
Information if your mailbox key is lost or stolen or needs to be replaced. The United States Postal Service® does not sell or provide personal mailboxes. If you would like to obtain a locked mailbox for your residence, you may purchase one at a local store.22-Dec-2021
What to do if you cant open your mailbox?
Repeatedly heat the keyhole and the key, holding it under the hair dryer for 20 to 30 seconds. Try the key in the mailbox until the ice loosens and you are able to work the lock. Do not force the key into the lock, or force the key to turn, as this can cause your key to break.
How to get a lock pin out of a keyhole?
Take a thick screwdriver or a metal knife. Thrust the tool into the keyhole. Once it is lodged inside the keyhole, apply a swift force on the resulting lever. With the right amount of force and the right angle, the lock’s pin will jump out.
Can you order a lock picking kit online?
Such a kit will make the process straightforward and save you precious time. A lock-picking kit typically has multiple levers and lock picks. This means you have plenty of options to search from and match your lock size. You can order such a kit online, or you can go down to your local hardware store.
How to make a keyhole lock?
Steps: Take a small thin knife or something similar, like manicure scissors. Insert the thin end of the tool through the keyhole. Try to turn the knife or scissors as you would with a key. Turn it slowly until the door opens. If it doesn’t work, you can also try with a thin hairpin. Insert the hairpin into the lock.
Can you break a mailbox lock?
Don’t break the lock. Instead, take help from the delivery men or professional lock pickers. Sometimes, it is possible to open ordinary mailboxes with a similar mailbox’s key. You can take your neighbor’s help if both of you have the same mailboxes.
How to get rid of a lock?
An electric drill with a long extension cord will work, too) Drill a hole to the center point of the lock or larva (If you don’t know what a larva is, see here) Take a thick screwdriver, a small chisel or a hammer.
How to open a lock with a clip?
Start drilling with care. Apply constant and steady force while drilling. Drill straight, and you should be able to open the lock with ease. Check if the metal clip is still holding the lock. If the lock is still attached, use a wrench to push the door and remove the clip.
How to make a lock pick with two hairpins?
You can create a lock pick and a lever from two hairpins: Take a hairpin and bend it to create a 90-degree angle. Remove the rubber caps from the hairpin ends. Now, bend one end upwards. This is your lock pick. Take the second hairpin and bend it at roughly 1.3cm from the top. Bend it to a 90-degree angle.
What is a letter carrier pass?
Letter carriers usually have a pass that opens all mailboxes. If you know yours, try to check with him to see if he’s ready to help you out. Officially, postal professionals are not a priori not authorized to do this kind of thing… You can otherwise get this pass. Reserved for professionals, it can also be sold to individuals. Buying it directly will save you the service of the locksmith. The models are specific according to your barrel. Take the time to choose the right pass, lest you end up empty-handed. This would annoy you even more, without being able to read your precious expected mail.
How to unlock a mailbox without a key?
Another way to unlock your mailbox without a key, since most mailbox mechanisms are simple or most of them are made in China, is to use small manicure scissors or a small, thin knife. You only have to insert the thin part of the objects into the lock and then turn in the same direction as with a key. Turn slowly until the door opens or until you hear the characteristic “click”. If using a pair of small scissors or a small knife doesn’t work, you can fall back on a thin bobby pin. Again, insert the bobby pin into the lock, push it in a bit and twist in different directions. In either case, do not force the lock to deform or even break.
Can a locksmith open a mailbox?
It is best to contact a locksmith for assistance. This will most likely use a pass that will allow him to open your mailbox. Or if it’s not a pass, he’ll use a lockpick kit. It usually has many. Of course, its service will make you lose money but save time and a priori keep a letterbox in good condition.
Can you use a hammer to unlock a mailbox?
To try this method, you must first decide if your mailbox is old enough to be replaced with a new one. Speaking of which, if your mailbox is new or very modern , you may not be able to use force to unlock it.
How to open a mailbox without a key?
How do you open a locked mailbox without a key? 1 At first, take manicure scissors or a small thin knife. 2 Insert the thin end of the tool into the lock hole. 3 Turn the lock as like the key. 4 Turn it slowly until the door open. 5 If the above methods don't work, then you can try with a thin hairpin. 6 Insert the hairpin into the lock.
How to open a door with a hairpin?
Turn the lock as like the key. Turn it slowly until the door open. If the above methods don't work, then you can try with a thin hairpin. Insert the hairpin into the lock. Click to see full answer.
How to unlock a mailbox with a key?
Hold the long end of the lever between your fingers. Once the lever is inside the lock, press the long end of the lever in the direction you would turn the key to unlock your mailbox. While you're picking the lock, continue to press the lever in this direction to apply pressure to the barrel of the lock. Likewise, what do you do if you lose your ...
How to get replacement keys for lost keys?
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. If you still have your keys, but they're worn or damaged, you can bring them to the post office and have them replaced for free.
FAQs
Mailbox locks range from low security to the illusion of security. Due to the insecurity of the mailbox itself, it is rarely worthwhile to have a high-security lock. Most mailbox locks can be opened by beginner lock pickers or forced open with basic destructive entry tactics.
How To Open An Apartment Mailbox Without Key
If you are living in a rented space, the easiest mailbox lock hack is going to be to contact your property manager for a spare key. Unless you changed locks without letting the apartment manager know, they should have a spare key on file for your mailbox.
1. Prying
The quickest way to open a mailbox when you lost your key is to pry the door open. This can be done quickly and with very little skill and requires only a claw hammer and flathead screwdriver (or similar tools).
2. Picking
This is not an in-depth explanation of how to pick a lock but rather a practical guide of how to pick a mailbox lock with no prior experience. Most mailbox locks are going to use a pin tumbler system where several stacks of pins are elevated to a particular height by the groove depths on a key.
3. Drilling
If you need to know how to open a mailbox with a broken lock, you can refer to the section on prying, which is the fastest way to open a mailbox. Besides prying, the next best mailbox lock hack is drilling. You need a screwdriver and power drill with a new drill bit. The drill bit should be slightly larger than the keyway.
4. Call A Locksmith
You do not need to know how to pick a mailbox lock if you hire a locksmith. You do not need to familiarize yourself with any mailbox lock hack at all. When you find the best lockout service near you, they should be able to handle opening a mailbox lock without a key. If you are thinking, “I lost my mailbox key.
Why use a lockpicking kit?
Using a lock-picking kit will save you time and make it easier to get your mailbox unlocked. Lock-picking kits come with multiple lockpicks and levers to choose from, so you have options in case something doesn’t fit in your mailbox lock.
How to open a mailbox with a key?
1. Insert the short side of the lever into the lock. Hold the long end of the lever between your fingers. Once the lever is inside the lock, press the long end of the lever in the direction you would turn the key to unlock your mailbox. While you’re picking the lock, continue to press the lever in this direction to apply pressure to the barrel ...
Can you pick a lock on a mailbox?
Fortunately, you may be able to pick the lock on your mailbox using a couple of simple tools. Using tools designed specifically for lock-picking will give you the greatest chance of success, but if you don’t own a lock-picking kit, you can fashion a lockpick and lever out of hairpins or paper clips. Steps.
What to do if a lockpick is seized?
If it’s not seized, push it up and continue onto the second pin. If it is seized, wiggle the lockpick up and down to force the pin up above the barrel. You’ll hear a click whenever a seized pin is raised up all the way.
How to make a lockpick with hairpins?
2. Make a lockpick and lever using 2 hairpin s if you don't have a kit. To create the lockpick, bend one of the hairpins so the ends are 90-degrees apart and remove the rubber caps from the ends. Then, slightly bend one of the ends of the hairpin upward so the end is no longer perfectly straight .
How to bend hairpins 90 degrees?
Once you’ve made a 90-degree angle, stop bending the hairpin. Use a pair of needle nose pliers to help you bend the hairpins if you’re having trouble. ...
How to make a lockpick out of 2 paper clips?
Fashion a lockpick and lever out of 2 paper clips if you don’t have hairpins. To make the lockpick, straighten out half of the paper clip, leaving the other half as is. Then, bend the end of the straightened half of the paper clip upward slightly . To make the lever, straighten out the second paper clip almost all the way, ...