Rekeying a mailbox lock

[mihamih]

Hi, I sometimes have to replace mailbox locks. I'm no locksmith by trade so if anyone can help this would be great. After I take off the mailbox locks, I have been throwing them out because I don't have the original key. But if I can re-key them, I can reuse them. So I picked one today and it rotates freely. But after I took the nut out the back, the cylinder portion won't come out like it does on other regular locks that go in entry doors. Does this mean this is just not re-keyable? Is there some trick that I need to do to get the cylinder out so I can change the pins?

Thank you very much!

[gibson]

mailbox locks come in a pretyy wide variety - some a pin cylinders, some are wafer. some are so cheap that they're not worth the effort to re-key. some pics would help, or even a description of the keys that open some of the locks that you have would help in identifying them.

[mihamih]

Links to 2 pictures are below. It is a pin cylinder.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BxD_gM ... VRQVUxFU2c
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BxD_gM ... jFJT0l3bDg

[Raymond]

That thin strip of metal pressed onto the top of the lock is what holds in the plug retainer pin and all the key pins and springs. How well you remove and replace it without extreme damage is the measure of your ability as a professional locksmith. Good luck!

[cledry]

I sell new locks with 2 keys for $10.50 or I can charge $15 to make a key for your lock and $1.50 for a second key. They aren't economical to rekey or make keys to.

If you are dead set on it, take a thin hacksaw, cut a fraction of the cap off at the back, pry it up and remove it. The last pin is a solid pin that is a retainer. Once that pin is removed you can either remove the other pins and springs or shim the cylinder and use a follower. Making a key is rather simple then. To reuse the cap, flatten it then bend it in a V shape lengthwise in a vise. Once you have your pins back in and the retainer pin place the cap with the peak of the V facing up, as you flatten this out it will spread and lock into place.

As you can see, it is a lot of work unless your time isn't worth much or you just like a challenge.

[mihamih]

ok. Thank you very much for the answers.

[minifhncc]

Another reason why they're not worth rekeying is because they often rust in the weather. So for the price that you could've rekey it you could get a brand new smooth working lock.

[PDXdrummer]

I've got the same question regarding these mailbox keys and the reason I'd like to know how to salvage them is because my contractor canopy has these in 3 doors so all are keyed alike. Will probably end up having my local locksmith make me up a key but any input is welcome.

[2octops]

These locks are disposable in my opinion. It's cheaper to replace them than originate a key or rekey them.

[billdeserthills]

These locks are disposable in my opinion. It's cheaper to replace them than originate a key or rekey them.

I disagree about these locks being worthless. I put them in a pile and when I have time on my hands I go ahead and make keys or rekey them, provided they look new enough to re-use. I do the same thing with ignition locks also, especially gm locks, when the spring retainer has come loose. You can get a national pin kit or just mix up a couple of pins & make a key.