Replacing the entire mailbox – As a last resort, if you have exhausted all other options, you may have to replace the entire mailbox. It’s best to bring the existing key to the hardware store, so they can ensure you get the right key.ĥ. Get a replacement key – Depending on the age, condition and type of your mailbox, you may need to purchase an entirely new mailbox key. An employee at your local hardware or lock shop can take a look at the lock and advise of any potential solutions.Ĥ. Have the lock checked – If your key works for a moment but then will not turn again, it can mean that the lock is jammed or faulty. Inspect and clean your key – Try examining and gently cleaning your key, as any dirt or debris on the key can impede it from working properly.ģ. Make sure you have the correct key – It is possible that you may have the wrong key, so double check that the key you have matches the one for your mailbox.Ģ. Here are some steps to take that may help you get the key to work:ġ. If your mailbox key does not work, it can be a frustrating and inconvenient experience. What do you do when your mailbox key doesn’t work? Keep in mind, that using these tools may damage the lock box and all of the items stored inside of it. Once you feel that the pins are all in the correct position, turn the tension tool to open the lock box.įinally, if none of the above options are feasible, you can use tools such as an angle grinder or a drill to cut the lock off. Use the pick or paperclip to move the pins inside the lock until you find them in the correct position. Place the tension tool in the keyhole and apply pressure. You will need to use a tension tool and a pick or paperclip. Once the hasp is removed, you should be able to open the lock box.Īnother way to open a lock box without a key is to pick the lock. Place the blades of the bolt cutters on the hasp of the lock and apply pressure to cut it off. This method will require strong and sharp cutters. One of the most effective ways is to use a pair of bolt cutters. If you are in possession of a lock box without a key, there are several ways that you can open the lock box without the key. How do you open a lock box without a key? They may be able to assist you in opening your locked mailbox. If you’re having trouble opening your mailbox, contact your local post office or the manufacturer of your locked mailbox. For security reasons, it’s considered a federal offense for them to open any kind of locked mailbox without the permission of the mailbox owner. No, Mailman cannot open your locked mailbox. If necessary, they will also leave a delivery notice at the mailbox if a signature is required.

The mailman will normally carry the special key to unlock the mailbox and then deposit or pick up the mail inside. Overall, the process for delivering mail to a locking mailbox is quite straightforward. In this case, the mailman will leave a notice to pick up the item at a local post office. In the US, the mailman is not allowed to leave any mail that requires a signature inside a locked mailbox. The mailman will leave the mail inside the mailbox and re-lock the door or access lid after delivering the mail. If a flag is present, the mailman will be able to see if the mailbox is empty or not. Once the mailbox is unlocked, the mailman can access the mail inside by lifting the door or unlocking the access lid. This key is typically included with the mailbox when it is purchased and is used to unlock the mailbox when it is time to deliver the mail. The mailman will usually use a special key to open the locking mailbox, often referred to as the “unlock key”. How does the mailman deliver to a locking mailbox? If none of these methods work, they might leave a slip in the mailbox, requiring the mail recipient to pick up the mail at their local Post Office. In some cases, if USPS carriers cannot unlock a mailbox with their key, they might try a universal key, or contact the mailbox manufacturer. USPS has manufactured its own lock of the arrow key since the early 1940s, and all USPS carriers carry a copy of this key with them. This key is an all-purpose key that fits most residential mailbox locks, and USPS carriers typically use this key to unlock residential mailboxes for delivery and collection purposes. USPS gets into locked mailboxes by using the “lock of the arrow” key.

Correct usps master keyed mailbox lock