DIY Security Systems
Combination locks are used to store valuable things and prized possessions. However, one of the most annoying things as a homeowner is forgetting the right combination to your old mailbox. However, there is a trick on how to open an old mailbox combination lock, but it can be a daunting task, especially for normal people.
Cracking the code may take quite some time and may even be longer than you think. Luckily, there are a lot of options on how to open an old mailbox combination lock. You may either send your old mailbox through a master locksmith or do comprehensive and meticulous detective work if you don’t have the luxury of time waiting.
Cracking the Combination Code
There’s a way on how to open an old mailbox combination lock and crack the right combination code. But it may take quite some time. Take the old combination lock mailbox with the latch at the top and the dial facing you. The sealing mechanism will be on the left-hand side. You’ll need to apply some force on the lock’s clamp – barely so the dial can spin, but not to the point that it spins freely.
It is like a gentle motion for you to feel the tension when you hit the right number, and you can feel the mechanism engaging onto that number. The important thing about turning is to remember what was the actual turning method. If it is clockwise, then it should be clockwise and vice-versa.
Turn the dial. If it never catches, you haven’t exerted enough force on the latch. If its producing clicking sounds every number, then you are putting too much force on the latch. To get the right dial click at once, it is essential to get the right amount of pressure, not too strong, not too weak. When it produces the first click, add five to the number. In theory, that’s the first number in the combination lock mailbox.
Once you’ve got the first number, the process is quite easy from here on out. Switch the dial rotation counterclockwise if your first direction was clockwise. After one full rotation, resistance can be easily felt in a certain number. When you met the resistance, then it might be the second combination number.
After you’ve successfully found the second number, the most efficient way to get the last number is to go through 9 numbers along with the first two. If you’ve found the two, then go through the sequence on and on. Remember that this method is quite taxing and tedious. Trial and error is the key!
Padlock Shims
One of the traditional ways on how to open an old mailbox combination lock is through sheer brute force. Padlock shims are devices that can easily open combination locks with the use of a force, and they are often sold online. These tools often came with specific instructions. Generally, they work by being inserted onto the middle part where there is a vacant space. They are inserted there, and the trick is to let it open through with force, thus, eventually destroying the mechanism.
However, padlock shims aren’t capable of working on new locks because most locks that are sold today are shim-proof. But that’s not the case with us because we are dealing with old mailbox combination locks.
Head to a Master Locksmith
When all comes to fail, even if you know how to open old mailbox combination locks but still don’t work, you’ll need to go to the nearest locksmith. In most cases, combination locks have serial numbers in them. When you’ve successfully found the serial code, immediately contact the manufacturer. Usually, they will ask for your proof of purchase, identification card, and receipt upon talking. Once verified, you will be able to reset the combination lock entirely.
Tips to Never Forget Combination Codes
Just a few tips to avoid forgetting combination code scenarios, it is important to do something so that you will not forget combination locks. In doing so, you must store your codes in a secure location or through a family member try giving them the codes, so that when that time arrives wherein you don’t remember the specific code, they are quick to tell you what is the code.
When changing the code, it is important to let them know ahead of time to give them the knowledge on the new code. Write it down in a place where it can’t be easily erased. Or store the combination code through your cellphone or email. Nowadays, we should be resourceful enough to avoid these certain types of scenarios.
Importance of Old Mailbox
Although the mailbox is quite old-fashioned, they seem quite to get the job like they used to. Mailbox works wonders, especially if you are far from home, and mails arrive at your doorstep. Instead of placing in your doorstep, the mailbox is a safe and protected area to store valuable letters.
Remember that no matter how old these things are, they are valuable in that it still gets the job done. The use of traditional old mailbox is still used up to this very day.
Conclusion
Forgetting the right combination code for your old mailbox can be quite troublesome and can bother you in so many ways, especially if you have important documents and mails delivered. However, we’ve listed some basic guidelines and tips on how to open an old mailbox combination lock. Here’s how to learn more about Mailbox Locks.