How to Open a Mailbox Lock Without a Key: Only 4 Steps

Wondering how to open a mailbox lock without a key? Create a lockpick and a lever or a tension wrench. Put the short end of the lever in the key hole. Turn it like a key. Insert the pick. Push the pins using the pick then utilize your lever to move the lock’s barrel to unlock.

It is easy to pop a mailbox lock even without the keys. This tutorial is useful if you’re thinking “I lost my mailbox key how can I open it?” It will help you to crack the lock open and access your mail.

Table of Contents

What You Need
What to Do
Conclusion

What You Need

To get into mailbox without key, picking a lock is easier than using a power drill or electric drill because you won’t have to use a long extension cord. You can purchase online and have delivery men bring the items to you or visit a local hardware store so you can open your mailbox without a key and get the mail.

Also, do this tutorial in a convenient place.

1. Lock picking kit

Lock picking kits are tools designed specifically for picking mailbox lock. They contain different sizes of levers and picks. You can choose depending on the size of your lock. You can purchase a lock picking kit online or you can visit a hardware store near your place.

If you don’t have a lock picking kit, you will need to use bobby pins to create your own lever and pick. In choosing a bobby pin, it must be sturdy enough so it won’t break as you apply pressure and insert it in the lock. If it has rubber caps on it, you must remove them first using a pair of pliers.

Another option is two pieces of paper clips. One paper clip will serve as the pick while the other one is the lever. I strongly advise that you use a paper clip that is made of metal so it won’t break inside the lock. It must also be big enough to fit into the lock, and at the same time, apply pressure to the pins inside the lock.

You will also need to straighten it first before you use it as a pick or a lever.

2. Pliers (optional)

If you have a lockpick set, you won’t need to use a pair of pliers. However, if you need to create your own using hairpins or paperclips, using a pair of needle-nose pliers is recommended. This kind of pliers is used in making jewelry and handicrafts because of its suitability in making bent curves and forming metal wires.

In choosing a pair of these, you can use a small one since you will only bend a bobby pin. The handle must provide you with a good and comfortable grip. It must also be constructed with durable material so it won’t easily break as you use it for this tutorial and for other purposes.

3. Gloves (optional)

A pair of gloves is needed if your hands are wet or sweaty. This will provide you with a good grip as you make your own lever and pick and as you do all of the procedures. You can wear non-latex gloves in case you are allergic to latex materials and if you want to avoid dermatitis.

Aside from that, you can also wear gloves that are made of leather since they provide a firm grip and they are thick enough to protect your hands from sharp materials like the tip of metal wires.

Don’t forget to choose a pair of gloves that perfectly fits your hands so you will not be distracted as you follow each step. Gloves that are too loose may affect your grip while gloves that are too tight can make you uncomfortable throughout the tutorial.

What to Do

Step 1: Create a lever and a pick of the lock using bobby pins

You have to create lock picks using bobby pins. For the lock pick, get a bobby pin and slightly bend its end while bending the other half upwards. Its parts must be in different directions. For the lever, bend the second pin’s thin end at a right angle to create a curved part.

Use two paper clips if you don’t have bobby pins. For the pick, straighten one paperclip then bend it upward. For the lever, straighten the end of the second paper clip and bend it at a right angle to create a bent part.

Step 2: Put the short end of the lever in the key hole then turn the long end like a key

Once you are done creating the lock pick and the lever, you can now insert the short end of the lever in the key hole of the mailbox door. Hold it firmly while keeping a part of it outside the lock. Turn the long end like a key while applying pressure to the lock’s barrel. Add pressure slowly.

Step 3: Insert the pick inside the lock and push the pins using the pick

You have to insert the pick inside the lock. A lock consists of five pins. Once they are of the same height, the lock will unlock. While the pick is inside the lock, use its bent end to push the pins. Start with the lock’s first pin since the first pin is the easiest to reach.

In case one lock pin gets jammed, move up the seized pin using the pick’s tip since seized pins prevent the lock from rotating. Do this process for your next pin until you have successfully lifted all the pins.

Step 4: Utilize your lever to move the barrel of the lock

Utilize your lever to move the barrel of the lock by turning it both ways; this will open the lock. Remove the pick and the lever from the door. After the door opens, check your mail.

If this does not work, you can use mailbox bump key or open mailbox lock with screwdriver.

If you are using the United States Postal Service, you need to tell them that your key is lost so that they can provide you with a new lock or a new key. If it is your own, purchase a good lock for your mailbox.

Conclusion

Did you enjoy our tutorial on how to open a mailbox lock without a key? Using simple tools, you can unlock the door of your mailbox and get your mail even without keys. This is useful to help others open their locked mailbox even without a key and have access to important mail.

You can share this post with your friends who have a mailbox without a key. You can also share your ideas on how to open a mailbox without keys using a small thin knife, an electric drill, or a pair of manicure scissors. Just leave a comment below.

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Justin Williams

I am the last member to join Revolar and might be just the luckiest to work with dedicated people like Teddy and John. Our team has established a process where my only job is writing the best content to deliver incredible ideas and guides.