how do i change a mailbox lock?? is that legal?
February 52010
ok, so I cant find my key to my mailbox, and its not a USPS mailbox, its owned by our HOA and they dont have an extra copy… they told me to get a locksmith which is OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive!!!! so i just want to buy a new mailbox lock, and key for it.. can i get that @ walmart or something?? maybe home depot?? how much is it and how do i change it??????? the lock is about the size of a regular post office PO box lock
it is your mailbox
it not illegal to mess with your own box
now if you mess with anyone elses box that would be a felony
so be sure you are opening the right box!!!
and surprisingly the box is very easy to open by placing a screw driver on the side next to the lock
get the screw driver just under the lip of the box door and pry out slow and steady
the end that holds the box closed will simply pop off
you will then be able to remove the device holding the lock in place
take the lock to a lock shop they will sell you a new one just like it for about five bucks and it will take about two minutes to put back in
February 5th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
just pay the locksmith its a hard lock to find.
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February 5th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
If the HOA told you to get a locksmith then you can legally change it. Drill out the hole where the key goes, then take the lock out (usually only a nut holding it in) and take it to a hardware store, Lowes, Ace, etc, or a lockshop and get a new one. Might be about $20. Or call a locksmith and they might do it for $60 or so.
References :
February 5th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
it is your mailbox
it not illegal to mess with your own box
now if you mess with anyone elses box that would be a felony
so be sure you are opening the right box!!!
and surprisingly the box is very easy to open by placing a screw driver on the side next to the lock
get the screw driver just under the lip of the box door and pry out slow and steady
the end that holds the box closed will simply pop off
you will then be able to remove the device holding the lock in place
take the lock to a lock shop they will sell you a new one just like it for about five bucks and it will take about two minutes to put back in
References :
February 5th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
You can go to any of several lock smiths stores that have a commercial opening and buy the packages of locks and keys, they’re very simple and easy to use, bring your old one to match since there are so many different kinds.
They cost about $6.00 a set. I must have changed a thousand.
References :
retired contractor.