USA Postal Service and Pick tools.

[Chucklz]

USA Postal Service

Legislation: United States Postal Service Act

Quote:
"Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail"

47 Motor Vehicle Master Keys and Locksmithing Devices
471 Definitions
471.1 Motor Vehicle Master Keys
A motor vehicle master key is any of the following:
a. Any key other than the key (or an exact duplicate) furnished with the motor vehicle by the manufacturer.
b. The key (or an exact duplicate) furnished with a replacement lock.
c. Any key or manipulation device designed to operate two or more motor vehicle ignition, door, or trunk locks of different combinations, including any pattern, impression, or mold from which a master key or manipulation device can be made (18 U.S.C. 1716 and 39 U.S.C. 3002).
471.2 Locksmithing Devices
A locksmithing device is any of the following:
a. A device or tool (other than a key) designed to manipulate the tumblers in a lock into the unlocked position through the keyway of such lock.
b. A device or tool (other than a key or a device or tool under 471.2a) designed for bypassing a lock or similar security device, or for opening it by a method normally not used by consumers to open such locks or security devices.
c. A device or tool designed for making an impression of a key or similar security device in order to duplicate such key or device.

472 Mailability
The following conditions apply:
a. Motor vehicle master keys, as defined in 471.1, are nonmailable unless sent to any of the following categories of addressees:
(1) Lock manufacturers.
(2) Professional locksmiths.
(3) Motor vehicle manufacturers or dealers.
(4) Federal, state, or local government agencies.
b. Locksmithing devices, as defined in 471.2, are nonmailable except when sent to any of the following categories of addressees:
(1) Lock manufacturers or distributors.
(2) Bona fide locksmiths.
(3) Bona fide repossessors.
(4) Motor vehicle manufacturers or dealers.
(5) Bona fide automotive repair shops or businesses.

473 Packaging and Marking
No marking of any kind that indicates the nature of the contents may be placed on the outer wrapper or packaging of any mailpiece containing motor vehicle master keys or locksmithing devices. Mailable matter must be properly and securely packaged within the general requirements in DMM C010.
474 Nonmailable Matter Found in the Mails
All nonmailable motor vehicle master keys and locksmithing devices discovered in the mailstream must be reported in accordance with POM 139.117.
http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub52.htm

Word on the street:Chucklz: I have received items in the US mail without problems, but when given the option I always try and use USP, FedEx or another private courier- which are not bound by these particular regulations.
Submitted: Marso

[kronchev]

my picks came via USPS I believe. I wouldnt worry about that at all, unless you have reason to believe that theyre going to open your packages, look through it, and then find reason to press charges.

[randmguy]

I think this is one of those laws that's enforced when someone has a bad day...I had an Ilco key catalogue held up and when I called the local post office, I was told to just forget about it unless I wanted to risk charges. For a KEY CATALOGUE! Addressed to a locksmith. I had to send a copy of my business license to the Postmaster General whose response was "Why was delivery refused on this item?"

I would much rather use Fed-Ex for anything I cared about. Their insurance just pays for a loss without arguing about actual value vs. what I paid for something.