Locks for mailboxes

It should be said that at the present time, correspondence from time to time falls into our mailboxes. These are mainly advertisements or letters from government agencies. Therefore, the need for a protective device for your mailbox is still there to avoid losing any important notifications.

It should be noted that many people do not put a lock on their mailbox. In this case, personal letters may get lost and not reach you. Therefore, the decision to put a lock means protecting personal information, because often your mailbox is the weakest point for intruders.

Therefore, in this article we will tell you how to choose the right zip lock and replace it in case of any malfunction.

In general, a mailbox security mechanism comes with a curved or straight bolt. Which one is better? The curved tongue is better because it is adjustable in depth and closes the drawer more securely. The advantage of a device with a deadbolt is only in its lower price.

From the inside of the drawer, the mechanism can be fixed in several different ways: using a nut, a horseshoe clamp or a square plate. In fact, for a mailbox, it is a usual locking mechanism, only of a smaller size. If you want to strengthen it, then this can be done by installing the profile to the inside of the drawer door.

Also, one of the pressing issues when choosing a locking mechanism for your mailbox is the degree of its reliability. It should be noted that the classic internal frame mechanism under the "English" key Is ideal. One of the advantages is it is the simplicity of making a duplicate in case of loss of the key.

It should be noted that in mechanisms under the "English" key, up to 180 combinations are possible, and, for example, in Palladium - up to 240 combinations. This avoids the risk of repeating the key between you and your neighbor.

Also, by type, mailbox locks are also hinged or overhead, electronic, with a loop, with a retractable tongue and many others. For devices with a retractable tongue, the reliable tongue thickness is on average 2 mm.

The only advantage of a coded zip lock is that you do not need to have keys to it. But the easy selection of the code and the difficulty of opening in the dark outweigh the voiced plus.

When choosing a locking mechanism, first of all, you need to look at its size. It is determined based on the parameters of the inner part of the door. The most common size standard is 16 mm. Devices for 20, 25 and 30 mm are also common. The larger the size of the lock, the more massive your mailbox should be.

Also an important parameter is the length of the crossbar or "tongue". In conventional postage mechanisms, this length ranges from 43 to 50 mm. With regard to other parameters, they are usually standardized and do not play a big role.

However, when choosing a zip lock, a number of points arise that need to be determined. This is the place of purchase, the correct sizing and determination of its reliability... For example, such a mechanism can be purchased at any hardware store or post office.

A reliable and durable lock is a guarantor of the safety of your correspondence, therefore, you should approach it responsibly.Most people prefer to install precisely cut-in devices, therefore, we will talk about them below.

It should be noted that most mailbox locks in the same category have roughly similar characteristics... Therefore, for the most part, the choice occurs only between the type of mechanism itself. It is necessary to choose according to the type of case and the configuration of the "tongue" of the lock, as well as the presence or absence of the so-called secrecy. Thread quality and appearance are also important criteria.

It should also be mentioned that If you live in an old Soviet-style apartment building, then, most likely, the mailboxes have special devices for a padlock, unless they have been updated by the management company.

It must be said that locking devices can also be chrome plated. This allows you to protect them from adverse external influences, and also gives a beautiful appearance. And steel and copper are used as the material of manufacture, and individual parts of the mail locks are made of nickel.

By the type of mechanism, locks are cylinder or cam and ordinary. The crossbars in them are straight or curved. Of course, devices with a cylinder mechanism provide a greater degree of reliability.

It should be noted that locks (like zip locks) can also be installed in places such as electrical and fire panels, metal cabinets, cabinet furniture, secretaries, etc.

Let's list the advantages of such locking mechanisms. First, it is multifunctional: they can be used in other places as well. Secondly, their price is very reasonable, but nevertheless, you should first of all pay attention to the quality and not take too cheap Chinese options. Prices for postal locks range from 50 to 300 rubles. Other advantages include durability and a large selection of such devices.

If you suddenly lost a key or, for example, a combination lock has broken, then you will have to replace the zip locking mechanism with a new one. It will take a number of tools to remove the old lock and install a new one. This is a screwdriver, long-nose pliers, a hammer, a file, open-end wrenches, and a screwdriver. In general, it all depends on the box and the device itself, as well as the nature of the work.

If the zip lock is changed to a similar one, then it is installed as follows:

• we unscrew the screw by means of which the lock bolt is attached;
• unscrew the nut that secures the device to the door;
• we take out the old lock and put a new one.

If the new mechanism is of a different size, that is, larger than the old one, then it will be necessary to expand the hole for it with a drill in order to insert the lock into the door.

It should be noted that if the lock begins to malfunction in the mailbox, this does not in all cases mean that it needs to be changed. The causes of such a problem can be in the usual clogging of the keyhole or the presence of rust.

It should also be noted that, if you do not have extra time to hang a new lock, it is always possible to use the services of a master. The cost of calling a repair specialist is about 1,000 rubles, not counting the price of the castle itself.

It must be said that the term of use of locks, including postal ones, depends primarily on the quality of materials and the durability of the locking mechanism. Good specimens have a reliable protective coating. The uniqueness of your castle is also important. In other words, so that someone else's key does not fit.

In conclusion, it should be said that high quality and reliable zip lock will serve you for a long time. Therefore, it is important to pay attention when choosing how the bolt mechanism works, how the lock opens and the key turns in it. Choose only reliable options.

For an overview of mailbox locks, see the video below.