How to Pick a Lock on a Mailbox (and When It's Legal to Do)

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Retrieve important mail, even if you’ve lost your mailbox key
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Losing the key to your mailbox can be frustrating, especially when you have important mail inside you need to get to. Fortunately, you may be able to pick the lock on your mailbox using a couple of simple tools. For this article, we interviewed professional locksmith Robert Valleluga to teach you how to make a lockpick and pick your mailbox lock. Plus, learn when it’s legal to break into your mailbox and get answers to other common questions about lockpicking.

A Quick Guide to Picking a Mailbox Lock

  1. Insert the short side of your lockpicking lever into the lock.
  2. Insert the bent end of your lockpick into the lock.
  3. Push the first pin of the lock upward to hold it in place.
  4. Push your lockpick in farther and repeat the process with the other 4 pins.
  5. When all pins are raised, rotate your lever to unlock the lock.
Section 1 of 5:

Preparing a Lockpick and Lever

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  1. Using a lock-picking kit will save you time and make it easier to unlock your mailbox. Lock-picking kits come with multiple lockpicks and levers (tension wrenches) to choose from, so you have options in case something doesn’t fit in your mailbox lock. If you don’t own a lock-picking kit, order one online or look for one at your local hardware store. [1]
    • Vallelunga says, “Lock picking uses a rake and a tension wrench. You’ll need both. The pick’s purpose is to slide along the pins of the lock quickly and push them up into the cylinder. While doing this, the tension wrench applies slight pressure to the cylinder.”
  2. If you don’t have a lock-picking kit, make your own lockpick by using hair pins (bobby pins). Vallelunga says, “The pick can be made by straightening out the 180 bend in the hairpin. This will leave you with a straight hairpin with little ridges in it. The little ridges will hit the pins and push them up as you slide the hairpin back and forth.” To make the lever, bend the second hairpin at the point that’s about .5 inches (1.3 cm) away from the curved part of the hairpin. Once you’ve made a 90-degree angle, stop bending the hairpin.
    • Use a pair of needle nose pliers to help you bend the hairpins if you’re having trouble.
    • Vallelunga says, “It would be very difficult to make a tension wrench out of a hairpin because you’d really have nothing to hold onto to keep pressure applied. Use a small screwdriver or something else for that purpose.”
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  3. To make a lockpick with paperclips , Vallelunga says, “The pick can be made by straightening out the paper clip and then bending the end into a little bump (a tiny little hill in the straight clip). The bump is what hits the pins and pushes them up as you slide the paperclip back and forth. To make the lever, straighten out the second paper clip almost all the way, leaving one bent curve at one end of the paper clip. Then, bend that curve until it’s at a 90-degree angle from the rest of the paper clip.
    • As with hairpins, Vallelunga says it would be “very difficult” to make a tension wrench out of a paperclip and recommends using a small screwdriver instead.
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Section 2 of 5:

Picking the Lock

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  1. Hold the long end of the lever (or tension wrench) between your fingers. Once the lever is inside the lock, press the long end in the direction you would turn the key to unlock your mailbox. While you’re picking the lock , continue to press the lever in this direction to apply pressure to the barrel of the lock. Without the pressure on the barrel, you won’t be able to pick the lock open. [2]
  2. Inside the lock, there are 5 pins that need to be raised to the same height in order for the barrel to turn and unlock the lock. The bent part of your lockpick will lift these pins to the right height. When you insert the lockpick into the lock, keep it close to the opening of the lock, as that’s where the first pin is located. [3]
  3. Seized pins prevent the barrel of the lock from rotating and unlocking. Push up on the first pin using the end of your lockpick. If the pin pushes up without any resistance, it’s not seized. Push it up and continue to the second pin. If it is seized, wiggle the lockpick up and down to force the pin up above the barrel. [4]
    • You’ll hear a click whenever a seized pin is raised up all the way.
    EXPERT TIP

    Robert Vallelunga

    Locksmith
    Robert Vallelunga is a Locksmith and the Owner of ACME Locksmith in the Phoenix Metro Area. Robert has over 15 years of experience in the industry and specializes in working with automotive ignitions, locks, keys, and master key systems. Robert and the team at ACME are the #1 Rated Phoenix Locksmith Service and the Winner of the Better Business Bureau Ethics Award. Robert has his Residential & Commercial Contractor’s License and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University.
    Robert Vallelunga
    Locksmith

    Raise the pins inside the lock to unlock it. The goal is that the pressure from the tension wrench will be enough to catch the top pins and hold them in place so that the cylinder will spin once all the pins are in the correct position.

  4. Each time you lift a pin with the lockpick, push the lockpick into the lock a little farther to find the next pin. If you encounter a seized pin, force it upward using the lockpick. Make sure you hear a click after you raise a seized pin before you move on. Repeat this process until you’ve successfully raised all 5 pins. [5]
  5. Once you’ve raised all 5 pins, the barrel of the lock should immediately rotate since you’re applying pressure to it with the lever. Finish rotating the barrel all the way with the lever until the lock is unlocked. Remove the lever and the lockpick from the lock, and open the door to your mailbox. [6]
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Section 3 of 5:

Other Ways to Open a Locked Mailbox

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  1. The easiest and safest way to get into your locked mailbox is to call a locksmith. Many mailboxes are not rekeyable, so your locksmith may have to drill out the lock and replace it with a new one. Sometimes, however, they may be able to make a new key so you can unlock your mailbox. [7]
    • Be aware that hiring a locksmith can be pretty pricey. Prices vary from location to location and from company to company, so call around to find the best prices in your area.
  2. If you’re looking for a quick way to open your locked mailbox, insert the screwdriver into the small gap between the door and the box on the side of the keyhole. [8] Pry the door open as far as you can without using force, then push the claw end of the hammer into the opening. Remove your screwdriver, then use the hammer as a lever to apply quick force and open the door.
    • If the lock doesn’t pop, you need more leverage. Try a crowbar instead of a hammer.
    • Do not use this method on thin metal, as it may distort the metal and leave the mailbox unusable. It may also damage any surrounding mailboxes.
  3. This is typically how locksmiths replace locks. Remove the lock’s dust cover, and use a punch to make a dimple in the lock so the drill bit doesn’t slide away. Use an electric drill to drill straight through the lock. Once you drill to the other side, there will be nothing holding the tailpiece of the lock in place. You’ll then be able to open the door and replace the lock. [9]
    • Choose a drill bit that is slightly larger than the keyway.
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Section 4 of 5:

Is picking a mailbox lock legal?

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  1. Before you attempt to pick your mailbox lock, determine who owns it. If your mailbox is owned and maintained by the United States Postal Service, do not try to break into it, as doing so is illegal. Instead, contact your local post office to see if they can replace the lock or give you a new key. [10]
    • If you own the mailbox, it is legal to break into it and replace the lock yourself. Remember, though, that just because the mailbox is on your property doesn’t necessarily mean you own it. Make sure it isn’t owned by the USPS or anyone else first.
    • It is also illegal to break into a mailbox belonging to anyone else.
    • Be aware that the legalities of lockpicking vary from location to location, so familiarize yourself with the laws of your area first. In some places, owning a lockpicking kit is illegal if you don’t have a legitimate reason for owning it.
Section 5 of 5:

Frequently Asked Questions: Picking a Mailbox Lock

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  1. 1
    What tools can I use to pick a lock? The best tools to use to pick a lock are a lockpick and a tension wrench. The tension wrench applies pressure to the lock core, while the lockpick manipulates the pins inside the lock. If you don’t have these tools, it’s possible to make your own using bobby pins or paper clips. [11]
  2. 2
    Are there different types of mailbox locks? Depending on where you live and who maintains them, mailboxes can have different types of locks. [12] These include wafer locks, pin tumbler locks, and disc tumbler locks. Mailboxes owned and maintained by the USPS use arrow locks so mail carriers can deliver mail to commercial mailboxes.
  3. 3
    What should I do if I lose my mailbox key? If you lose your mailbox key, don’t panic. Contact your local post office or property management for assistance. They should be able to provide authorized access, offer a replacement key, or tell you what to do next. [13] Only attempt to pick your lock as a last resort, and do so only if you know it is legal and you’re permitted to do so.
    • You may have to pay a fee to get a replacement key, but that’s better than accidentally breaking your mailbox by trying to break into it!
  4. 4
    How can I prevent unauthorized access to my mailbox? If you own your mailbox or have permission to do so, consider switching your existing lock for a high-security lock or installing security cameras. Check your mailbox regularly and retrieve your mail as soon as possible after it’s delivered to deter tampering. [14]
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Expert Q&A

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Add New Question
  • Question
    How do rake and tension wrenches work?
    Robert Vallelunga
    Locksmith
    Robert Vallelunga is a Locksmith and the Owner of ACME Locksmith in the Phoenix Metro Area. Robert has over 15 years of experience in the industry and specializes in working with automotive ignitions, locks, keys, and master key systems. Robert and the team at ACME are the #1 Rated Phoenix Locksmith Service and the Winner of the Better Business Bureau Ethics Award. Robert has his Residential & Commercial Contractor’s License and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University.
    Robert Vallelunga
    Locksmith
    Expert Answer
    The goal of a rake and tension wrench is to apply just enough pressure to catch the top pins and hold them in place so the cylinder will spin.
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    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 12
  • Question
    How can I open my mailbox when it won't open with a key?
    Rudy Toth
    Community Answer
    Try some WD-40 with a red hose nozzle and spray into the lock. Then wait for a few minutes before trying to use your mailbox key.
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    Not Helpful 24 Helpful 13
  • Question
    How to get a broken key out of the lock of a post box?
    Rudy Toth
    Community Answer
    Use a pair of pliers to grab the tip of the broken key and pull straight outwards. If it doesn't work, then contact maintenance about it.
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      Tips

      • Lockpicking is a skill that takes practice. You may not be able to unlock your mailbox on the first try. Be patient and don’t try to rush the process.
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      • Listen carefully while lockpicking. In many cases, you may hear a slight click when a pin is raised to the correct position.
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      • Play around with how much tension you apply to find the sweet spot. Too much tension can prevent the pins from setting, while too little won’t allow you to manipulate them properly.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/how-to-pick-a-lock-pin-tumbler-locks/
      2. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/how-to-pick-a-lock-pin-tumbler-locks/
      3. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/how-to-pick-a-lock-pin-tumbler-locks/
      4. ↑ https://www.itstactical.com/skillcom/lock-picking/how-to-make-a-paperclip-lock-pick-that-works/
      5. ↑ https://www.itstactical.com/skillcom/lock-picking/how-to-make-a-paperclip-lock-pick-that-works/
      6. ↑ https://www.donhammondlaw.com/blog/how-to-pick-a-lock-101/
      7. ↑ https://www.illinois-locksmith.com/blog/6-best-methods-to-unlock-a-mailbox/
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/8uiEhxDUM1s
      9. ↑ https://www.illinois-locksmith.com/blog/6-best-methods-to-unlock-a-mailbox/
      1. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Mailbox-The-Basics
      2. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/how-to-pick-a-lock-pin-tumbler-locks/
      3. ↑ https://www.mailboxes.com/assets/1/6/locks.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOor_j_0MqKj1aZUrm1jpApjROHx7TAoLf1N6WLKwOc_gHcFg3bx9
      4. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Mailbox-The-Basics
      5. ↑ https://dps.usc.edu/safety-tips/protecting-your-mail/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you’ve lost the keys to your mailbox, you may be able to pick the lock using a few simple tools, like hairpins and paperclips. While you’ll get the best results with a lock-picking kit, you can also bend 2 hairpins or paperclips into the right shapes. Simply straighten one of the clips or pins out so you can bend it into an “L” shape. When you’re ready to pick the lock, insert the short side of the lever into the lock and turn the longer side as if you’re turning the key. Then, insert the other pin or clip and push it up to help release the lock fully. To learn how the inside of the lock works, keep reading!

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