SOURCE: i think lock needed lubrication and weak metal key
SOLUTION: remove broken piece
TOOLS:
TIME: min
tl;dr
PROCEDURE:
tenant said that it has been tough lately putting key in and out of lock, it broke while pulling out.
sol: wd40, metal pics and tweezers got it out
tried paper clip, couldn’t get past 2nd pin, but that was before drenching it in wd40 (I didnt have the lock lubricant with me)
This, however, did not solve the problem.
We still have no way into the mailbox because there is no spare key.
This is one of those salsbury mailboxes where the USPS has the main key to access all the boxes. The easy clean way to replace the lock is pop the clip from the inside, slip a new lock in, put the clip back on and bam. Bob’s your uncle.
HOWEVER, no one has time to schedule an appointment to wait for the USPS to come out, or stake out the mailbox for the mailperson to come by.
Next best thing. Drill out the lock. Multiple ways to go about this:
- make appointment with USPS
- wait by mailbox for mail person
- pick the lock
- drill the lock
- buy a new mailbox
I broke several dull harbor freight bits doing this, but got it done in about 10 minutes. This vid explains it all. As time is of essence, I dealt with what I had instead of running to the hardware store to get the right tool for the job.
RESOURCES:
our you can pick the lock video
https://unitedlocksmith.net/blog/i-lost-my-mailbox-key-how-can-i-open-it-4-simple-methods