Mailbox Locks Replaced, New Keys in Hand
You lost the little key, or you just moved in and nobody gave you one, or the lock has rusted solid. Your mail is still in there. We replace the lock and hand you new keys, usually in a short visit.
First, whose lock is it?
This matters more than with any other lock. On most apartment and condo mailbox banks, the box belongs to the property, and the lock on your door is the tenant or owner's responsibility. On the newer cluster box units, the same is usually true for your individual door, while the carrier's master panel belongs to the Postal Service and is not ours to touch.
If you rent, your property manager may already have a process for this. Some prefer to use their own locksmith; many are happy for you to call us. For a private single-family mailbox at the curb, it is simply yours.
What we do
We open your box door in a way that does not damage the door, remove the old lock and fit a new one of the correct type and size. Mailbox locks come in many cam lengths and shapes, and we carry the common ones. You get new keys, and we test the door several times before we leave.
To keep things honest, we ask you to show some proof that the box is yours, like a lease, ID with the address or a piece of mail. That protects you as much as anyone.
Curbside and wall-mounted boxes
Not every mailbox is in a bank. Many houses have a locking box on a post at the curb or a wall-mounted box by the door. Those locks also wear out, rust in sprinkler spray, or lose their keys in a move. We replace them the same way and can often fit a sturdier lock than the one the box came with.
If the box itself is bent, rusted through or the door no longer closes, a new lock will not help much. We will tell you that before we start, so you can decide whether to replace the box first.
For property managers
Turnover is the most common reason we replace mailbox locks. A tenant leaves, keys do not come back, and the new tenant needs access on day one. We can replace or rekey the mailbox lock at the same visit as the unit door, and if you have a master key system, we can work the mailbox locks into it where the hardware allows.
Text (657) 478-8248 with the property ZIP, the box number and a photo of the mailbox bank. We reply with the price and when we can be there.
Bring this to the mailbox
Often needed with this
Common questions
Can't the post office just give me a new key?
For most apartment and cluster boxes, the Postal Service does not handle the individual tenant lock. They service their own carrier panel. The lock on your door is usually up to you or your building, which is where we come in.
Why do you ask for proof that the box is mine?
Because a mailbox holds checks, bank cards and personal letters. We only open and replace a box lock for the person who lives there or the property owner or manager. It is a simple step that protects everyone.
Can my mailbox key match my front door key?
Usually not. Mailbox locks are a different, smaller type than door locks. They can, however, be set to work with a building master key on some systems, which helps property managers who need to reach every box.
My mailbox lock is rusted and the key will not turn. Can it be saved?
Sometimes a stuck one can be freed up, but mailbox locks are small and inexpensive to replace, so replacing a rusted lock is almost always the better choice. You get a smooth new lock and fresh keys.