How to Pick a Mailbox Lock

Getting locked out of your mailbox is a hassle that no one wants to deal with. While it may seem intimidating, learning how to pick a mailbox lock can be surprisingly simple. With a few simple tools and some patience, you can have the lock on your mailbox open in no time.

Things You’ll Need

  • Lock pick set

  • Patience

Step 1: Choose the Right Lock Pick Set

The tools you use are important for a successful lock picking experience. Make sure you have a set of quality lock picks that are specifically designed for mailbox locks. Inferior lock picks can cause permanent damage to your lock.

Step 2: Insert Pick into Lock

The goal when picking a mailbox lock is to push each pin, or tumbler, in the lock to the correct height, breaking the tension of the lock cylinder and allowing it to turn. Insert your pick into the lock and wiggle it slightly. As you apply pressure, try to gently lift each pin to the correct height.

Step 3: Test and Continue Picking

Once you feel like you’ve moved each of the pins to the correct height, test the lock by trying to turn the cylinder. If it won’t turn, chances are one of the pins is still not at the correct height. Continue to insert your pick into the lock and apply pressure until the lock opens.

Step 4: Open Mailbox

Once the lock has opened, you can slide the lock off the door and open your mailbox. It’s important to be sure the lock piece itself is completely removed and not just unlocked, otherwise the lock will be difficult to open in the future.

Step 5: Secure Lock

When you’re sure the lock is completely unlocked, it’s important to keep the lock secure. If you have a spare key, you should consider using that to lock the mailbox instead of the picked lock. If not, simply put the lock back in its proper place and secure it with tape or a similar material to be sure it stays intact.

Picking a mailbox lock may seem daunting at first, but with a few simple tools and some patience, it can be a surprisingly easy process. Just use caution and caution when picking locks to avoid damaging your lock and ensure a successful experience.