If you own a mailbox, you know how essential it is to have a working lock allowing you to retrieve your mail. You likely haven’t spent much time thinking about it until it stops working and your mailbox holds your mail hostage.
In this guide, we’ll look at what you need for a mailbox lock change and how to do it!
Is it Legal to fix your Mailbox Lock?
This is an important question to ask yourself before changing your mailbox lock.
You cannot change the lock if you have a communal mailbox by Canada Post. If you have lost your keys or the lock is not working, you must submit a support ticket to replace the keys or lock.
Similarly, if you live in a condo or apartment building with central mailboxes, check with management if your mailbox lock is no longer working, as you are likely not to be allowed to change the lock yourself.
If you own your mailbox, read on.
What You Need for a Replacement?
Replacement Lock
To ensure that your new lock will seamlessly fit and properly lock, the new lock must have the same size as the old one. If the new lock is too big, your key may get stuck, and if it is too small, it will also refuse to lock and could be pulled out of the hole.
So, before you buy a new lock, it’s recommended to check the size of the old one. We also recommend a sturdy lock made with steel or nickel or a complete lockset with nuts and keys already included.
Wrench
A wrench to loosen and tighten the nuts of the mailbox lock is essential. Their size will depend on the lock size, so you must check the lockset or have a selection of different-sized wrenches.
Drill and Drill Bit
As we’ve established above, you should only use a drill if you own your mailbox. Otherwise, a drill is handy for dealing with the old lock.
Also Read: How Much Do Locksmiths Typically Cost?
How to Replace a Mailbox Lock?
Drill the Keyhole
Start with drilling a hole right into the lock cylinder. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as you don’t want to damage the lock’s housing or the back of your mailbox.
This should take care of the lock itself.
Remove the Nut, Lock Bar, and Metal Clip
Next, you must remove the nut and the pin (the drill may already have taken care of it). This will allow you to slide the lock bar and metal clip off the lock.
Remove the Old Lock and Install the New One
Now you can pull out the old lock and insert the new one. Make sure that the latch is in a vertical position. Once it is in place, use the wrench to fasten the nut to secure the lock.
After this, you must check that the lock is working correctly.
Change a mailbox lock without a key.
If you have lost your keys, a drill is typically the only option to remove the old lock. Place the drill bit at the centre of the lock cylinder and carefully drill a hole into it. This should break the locking mechanism and allow you to remove the old lock.
Can I change my mailbox lock?
You can change your mailbox lock if you own your own mailbox. After all, your mailbox isn’t very useful if you can’t access your mail. Most mailboxes come with pretty standard locks that you can buy at any store that sells locks, so as long as you check the size of the old one, you should be good to go.
Need Your Mailbox Lock Changed?
If you don’t have the time or tools for a mailbox lock change, look no further than the experienced mailbox locksmiths of Locksmith on Demand.
Locksmith On Demand has highly-qualified experts. We have competitive prices. And we are fully equipped to help you when you are locked out of your property, require lock repairing or installing new locks in your house, or need a mailbox lock replacement.
Contact Locksmith on Demand today at 647.477.4108 to find out how we can help you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if my mailbox key is not working?
If your mailbox key is no longer turning, the lock mechanism is either stuck or broken. You can try some graphite powder or lubricant to determine if it is just stuck, but if it is not moving at all anymore, you will have to change your mailbox lock.
Is it legal if I fix my mailbox lock?
If you own your mailbox, yes, it is perfectly legal to fix your mailbox lock. However, suppose you have a communal mailbox from Canada Post or live in a condo or apartment complex with centralized mailboxes. In that case, you must contact Canada Post or the management company with any issues with your mailbox.
