How to pick an apartment mailbox lock

Have you lost the key to your mailbox? If you are wondering if you to open your mailbox without a key. It’s possible to do so. You can open a mailbox without using a key. There are various methods and steps you can follow to open the mailbox. Here’s a list of the easiest methods and steps you can follow to open a mailbox without the help of a key.

Methods To Unlock A Mailbox Lock Without A Key

Method 1: Break It

This is the easiest method to open a mailbox without a key. If you are going to replace your mailbox with a new one, it is the best method to break it. It doesn’t take much effort or time to break a mailbox. You do not require any special tools for this method. The only tool you need is a screwdriver or a metal knife. The steps that you should follow to perform this method are as follows.

Step 1: Use a screwdriver or a knife and put it inside the keyhole of the mailbox.
Step 2: Apply force to push it inside and try to push the lever to break the lock.
Step 3: If you apply enough force the lock will break and your mailbox will open.

If you use this method you may not be able to use the mailbox again. It will be permanently damaged. So if you want to open your mailbox without damaging it you should follow other methods.

Method 2: Use a proxy tool

This method requires a hairpin, knife, or scissors. As most of the locks are similar in design and not so tightly protected you can easily open them with a tool similar to a key. The steps you need to follow to perform this method are as follows.

Step 1: Use a tool like a knife, hairpin, or knife. Insert it in the lock of the mailbox.
Step 2: Try to rotate the knife or hairpin-like you rotate a key.
Step 3: It should open. If it doesn’t open try rotating it in other directions. It will open.

This method should work in most cases. But there’s always a chance of the lock breaking. Be careful when you are using this method. However, you can use other safer methods.

Method 3: Use a drill machine

This method is easier to use and doesn’t take much of your time. You will need a drill machine to use this method. But this method will damage your mailbox. So use this method only if you are willing to change your lock. The steps you need to follow are as follows.

Step 1: Use the drill machine to drill a hole in the middle of the lock.
Step 2: Insert a screwdriver or a knife in the hole you made with the drill machine.
Step 3: Use a hammer and apply force on the back of your knife or screwdriver.
Step 4: The force should be enough to break the lock. If the larva of the lock will break the mailbox will open.

It’s extremely dangerous as you need to be careful when you are drilling a hole. If you break the lock it would be difficult to fix it. You will have to change the entire mailbox. So be careful when you are drilling the hole. There are other more safe methods that you can use to easily open the mailbox without damaging it.

Method 4: Using a lock-picking kit

You will need a lock picking kit if you want to use this method. But this method is the safest. You can use this method without much risk of damaging your lock. You can buy a lock-picking kit online or from a local shop.

These kits contain various levers and lock picks that you can use to easily open any lock. These come in various shapes and sizes. So be careful to pick the right one that fits your lock. If you can’t find a lock picking kit. You can also make one in your home. You will need two hairpins to make one. To make a lock pick you should follow the below-mentioned steps.

Step 1: Bend a hairpin at a 90° angle. If there are rubber caps on the hairpin remove them.
Step 2: Bend one end of the hairpin upwards.
Step 3: Take one more hairpin and bend it approximately 1.3 centimetres from the top. Also, bend it to a 90° angle.

Method 5: Homemade Lock Pick

You now have your homemade lock pick. Next is how you can use it to open your mailbox. The required steps you need to follow are mentioned below.

Step 1: Take a lever and insert it in the lock. You should insert the short end of the lever in the lock. The long end should be kept out.
Step 2: Rotate the lever holding its long end. Rotate it like you rotate a key. Gradually increase the pressure you are applying on the lock.
Step 3: With your other hand use the lock pick. Insert it in the lock.
Step 4: Try to unlock the pins of the lock using the bent part of the lock pick. There are five pins in a lock. When you open all five pins the lock unlocks.
Step 5: Repeat the process until all five pins are unlocked. Once you have unlocked the pins you can use the lever.
Step 6: Rotate the lever. Rotate it in both directions to open the barrel. Once the barrel is open you would be able to open the lock.

This is the safest method to use when trying to open a lock without a key. As there is no risk of damaging the lock. If you use this method you can reuse the mailbox again. This method doesn’t break the lock of the mailbox.

You can choose the most convenient method for you to use. The easiest method is to just break the lock. But you will have to buy a new mailbox if you break it. So it is always preferred to use a method that is safe. A method that has minimal chance of breaking your lock should be the preferred method. But if your mailbox is old you can break it and replace it with a new one.

1. Is It Legal To Unlock A Mailbox Lock Without A Key?

Your mailbox is not your property. It is owned by the United States Postal Service and tampering with it is a social offence. They have legal access to it. How they choose to exercise that access is entirely up to them, as long as it is not damaged.

This includes picking the lock. Also, the box ceases to be federal property as soon as it’s used as a postal device. This is how people change the post boxes on their property without breaking the law.

While the mailbox is post office property. If you decide you no longer want to use it. There’s nothing stopping you from removing it and replacing it with a new one.

2. How Do I Get Another Mailbox Key?

You should find the USPS post office that your mailbox comes under. You will have to apply for a new key in their office. They will also ask for a certain amount of fee for getting a new key. They will inform you when your new key would be ready.

You will have to go to their office to take your key. You will need a government issues ID for the verification when you pick up the key. You should always confirm the number and address of the mailbox. The new key should unlock the mailbox. If the new key doesn’t work they will replace it for free.

3. Are Mailbox Keys Universal?

No, all, the mailboxes have unique keys. But the postal service has a master key for all the mailboxes. When the mailbox is installed for the first time. They leave a blank hole for the master key. Then they install a lock that opens with the master key.

These boxes typically have a hinge system that allows the mail carrier to pull them forward. And slide mail into each space much more quickly. Once done they lift up the whole enclosure and lock it back into place. There is always a master lock and master key that mail services can use.

Final Talk

If the methods of opening the mailbox are too complex. You should call the postal service and they will open the mailbox for you. This is particularly a good idea if your mailbox is expensive. It is better to open the old one than to install a new one. You can also try using the key of a mailbox that is similar to yours. It is a good idea to make a copy of the key to your mailbox. Even if you lose one key you will have another one for your use. But if you don’t have an extra key you can use the above-mentioned methods to open your mailbox.