Hi all, probably a stupid question. I’m new in the country and moved in 3 weeks ago but wasn’t given a mailbox key. Only the flat and building entrance keys. Both my landlord and my roommate are on vacation in Asia. I messaged them but they won’t see it until morning.
I don’t want to force the lock and risk breaking anything, but since I wasn’t given a separate key, is it possible my house key is supposed to work here? Or am I definitely missing a separate, smaller key? Thank you all in advance.
https://i.redd.it/2pzvnpeve7vg1.jpeg
Posted by VinumNoctua
13 Comments
There should be a smaller, separate key
Edit: at least all the flats I rented had seperate keys for that. I’ve never heard of a mail boy having the same lock as your house door
you need a separate smaller key
Separate key. Don’t try to force it open. Landlord/roommate should have it. Is there something important in there that can’t wait until tomorrow?
Usually you get seperate small key 🔑 for mailbox, better to wait until tomorrow for answer from your landlord
You’re gonna need a hammer for this one
There should be a key. Don’t force it open.
In the meanwhile until they can answer or give you the keys, check the box using your phone’s camera. Take a pic with flash to see if there are any new mail. Just don’t let your phone fall (speaking from experience).
If there is/are mail, try fishing it out with your hand, or use a sort of stick and put something sticky (tape or smth) on its edge.
Should be a smaller, separate key. If you havent tried (gently) pushing the locking bar up/down from the inside, you could try that, if you think something important is in there. Many mailbox locks are more for show than anything else and yould turn the locking mechanism with a spoon handle. Source: Am mailman.
Flathead screwdriver and it open with no problem and you can close it too
If its really important find someone with small hands and arms to get a letter out with a piece of tape. I have glove size S / XS and can stick my hands up to mid underarm inside these boxes. But Im very close to get stuck haha
As an alternative bend a thin metal wire, stick tape on that and go fishing. You only need to lift stuff up so you can grab it through the slit and pull it out
You should’ve received a key for the mailbox. Ask your landlord about the key. If they don’t have one they should replace the mailbox lock for you.
With key
There is a small, basic lock in the upper left corner. You need a key for that. It will be a separate key, different from your house key.
Yes, your are missing a separate, smaller key?
If it’s the farmer with the bracket, then….
One option would be to open the mailbox lid, put your hand in the lock, and remove the clamp with which the lock is attached inside. Better said, push in one direction that it falls down.. then you can push the lock through the opening and open the mailbox ✌️
However, it is the version with a throw nut it will be a bit more difficult!
Then it’s easiest to pry it open 🫣