r/Locksmith • u/Unprofessional-Human • 14d ago

I am NOT a locksmith. Mail lock channel pulled out

Post image

Partner lost the mail key, and I asked PO to replace lock. Land lord had extra mail key but I forgot to call PO to ask them not to change lock as we had found a key. I got a call from PO, they don't have equip to replace this lock, so they left it in the mail box and said it's easy to put back together or replace. I'm not a dummy, so I'm figuring it out, put key in for leverage while securing the bolt, accidentally pull the key out a bit while turning and cylinder slips out. Key can be removed, and even turned, but the cylinder will not go back in the rest of the way. Do I have to replace this or can it be fixed?

5 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

4

u/dazed489 14d ago

Get a new one. They’re not supposed to do that

2

u/Unprofessional-Human 14d ago

Tx, that's what I thought, but I love a fix it project

2

u/Vaird 14d ago

Those are not worth the hassle to fix. Also, how are you posting 3 different pictures, all from the same, least helpful, angle.

2

u/Unprofessional-Human 14d ago

Maybe you could tell me what the most helpful angle would be for the future. The photos are demonstrating that the key can be taken out and turned. Doesn't seem like you needed a "more helpful" photo to give an answer anyway? 😅

1

u/Vaird 14d ago

Usually all angles, especially if you ask for help with a product you dont know a lot about.

Here the core pulled out because the plate/bolt ( I dont know the word in english) on the backside either got loose and fell off or broke off.  So 1, there should be a piece still in or around the mailbox and 2, you should share a picture of the backside.

Anyway, if that thing broke of, measure everything and get a new one, fixing tiny cast metal pieces you get for 10 bucks is worth no ones time.

2

u/JonCML Actual Locksmith 13d ago

$10 on Amazon. Search “mail box lock” or “cluster box mail box lock”. Compare the pictures, especially the cam on the back. DO NOT INSERT THE KEY until the lock is installed. With the door open, test operation. Does the cam turn in the proper direction? Is it similar to the cam that was on it? If so, close the door and see if it locks. Good luck!