How Do Locking Mailboxes Work?

What’s in your mail today? More than just letters and packages, your daily mail contains essential information that only you and your carrier should know. Identify theft is an ongoing problem in the United States, and studies reveal that out of 20 Americans, one is susceptible to identity theft. That is why it is essential to have a secured mailbox like the locking mailbox. The question now is, how do locking mailboxes work to protect our identity?

Locking mailboxes are built to ensure that your letters, bills, and checks do not fall into the wrong hands.

What is a Locking Mailbox?

The regular mailbox with the red flag that we are all too familiar with is not too different from the locking mailbox. The only essential difference between the two is its locking mechanism. With a locking mailbox, you will need a specific key to access its interior. Even the mail carrier will not have access to the mailbox after the mail has been delivered unless it is with your assistance.

For outgoing mail, the locking mailbox has a concealed compartment. This compartment is designed for the mailman to access when the flag is up. But even outgoing mail is a potential target for the opportunistic thief. Since anyone can still access the concealed compartment, the best way to deliver your letters is to personally hand it over to the post office.

Find A Mailbox That Has A High-Quality Build

For optimum protection, be on top of knowing how do locking mailboxes work first. Next, make sure that you choose a durable, sturdy mailbox made of high-quality material. The locking mailbox may have a secure locking system, but it is still prone to shattering when exposed to sheer force. That is why it is vital to choose a mailbox that is not made of weak or flimsy material. Be keen on looking into features such as anti-prying and anti-tampering when picking the right one.

A high-quality locking mailbox is made of thick metal. It is reinforced with welded steel, which is heavy-gauged and galvanized. A metal mailbox with a powder-coated finish provides for a sleek design and adds to its weather-resistant capabilities. It is also important to note that the hinges need to be secured for optimum protection and corrosion-resistant for easy access to your mail.

Check The Locking System

The locking mechanism of a locking mailbox should be top-of-the-line and hard to pick. Thieves and burglars are smart and have been trained to do anything to open a locked mailbox. Even the sturdiest-looking mailbox is not an exception. Your locking mechanism should be reinforced with the right features to prevent tampering.

Choose a locking mailbox with a commercial-grade lock, preferably a 12-disk wafer to deter unwanted intruders from picking the lock and accessing the mail. It should be hard to pry but easy to open when you have the right key. A good quality locking mailbox should be hard to tamper with, but it is easy to access for the user, especially on a daily basis. It is also essential to choose a mailbox with two or more keys to distribute for sharing or for family members to use.

In today’s market, a locking mailbox can have a digital lock, although it will come with a learning curve. Knowing how do locking mailboxes work with a digital lock gives the user the capabilities of quick access, programmability, and setup.

A locking mailbox with a digital lock can be programmed with unique pins and codes to distribute. A digital lock can also have smart features that allow the user to control the machine through smart devices, and even voice-controlled locking mailboxes are possible in today’s market. 

But the mechanical locking mailbox is still ruled out to be the toughest among them all.

Secure The Installation

Another thing to consider to know how do locking mailboxes work in your area is its installation. When it comes to stand-alone mailboxes, it is easy for thieves to remove and steal the mailbox altogether. Even if your mailbox is made of heavy steel and not as easy to carry around, this will not deter thieves that are committed to stealing your mailbox. An excellent mounting system that will secure your mailbox in place should be your second line of defense.

For extra security, make sure the mailbox is mounted on a durable and sturdy surface. Hardwood, metal, or a concrete wall is the ideal material to install and secure the mailbox safely. The hardware is also an essential component during installation because it holds and keeps the mailbox in place. Make sure to use heavy-duty and high-quality hardware and equipment during installation.

Size Matters

The size of your mailbox will ultimately depend on your personal needs and how often you check your mail. A mailbox that becomes crowded can overflow its contents, making it easier for anyone to grab hold of your mail. The size goes hand in hand with proper scheduling or routinely checking your mail, which is also the key to understanding how do locking mailboxes work in securing your letters.

By choosing a mailbox that can accommodate your mailing needs, you can already determine a schedule. Also, make sure that the opening of your mailbox is not big enough for a hand to go through fully to access its interior. A mailbox can have a bigger opening than usual, as long as the interior is still secured, for example, having a labyrinth design interior. Here’s how to learn more about Mailbox Locks.