How Can I Get A Replacement Key For A Neighborhood Mail Box Supplied By The Post Office?

If you need a replacement key to gain access to your mail in a mail box that has been supplied by the Post Office, you can buy it yourself from a hardware store as part of a new lock and key set.

The mailman is able to open a large door housing all the individual post boxes inside, if you wait in the morning for the mailman to open the larger door, you may be able to check the type and style of lock that is on your individual mail box. By looking at the back of the lock, there should be a number code on the lever and this should match the number you had on your lost key.

You may be able to find a lock and key set with this same number in a hardware store, which means you will not have to replace the lock and can simply start using the new key. Alternatively, if you are worried that someone may have stolen your key and may be planning to steal your mail, it may be more advisable to change the lock and key.

With a neighborhood mail box, all residents have separate keys that allow them access to their mail. Therefore, when a key goes missing, it is up to that individual to replace it as it is their own responsibility. 

If you speak to the post office, they are likely to explain this is the responsibility of the individual or of the owners of the building you are living in, if you live in a block of apartments for example. The building manager may even ask one of the maintenance workers to do the job for you if you are unable to find the time, or are not very good with DIY.

I'm assuming yours is one of the ten boxes and you have nine other neighbors. You probably each have you own keys to get into your own private mailbox. That lock and key should be your responsibility. It's an easy do it yourself project. You can buy the lock and key set at a hardware store like Home Depot or Lowe's - they are about $5 - $7. (Hint: Look at how the old lock is first so you have a visual example of which way the cam/bar goes before you take it off.) There is a big door that swings open and will have all the 10 little doors on that big door, this gives the mailman access to all of those ten mailboxes to deliver his mail. THAT lock and key belong to the post office, you will not be able to get that key. Be there when the mailman comes and swings open the BIG door. When you look at the back of your individual (inside your little door) lock there should be a number code (on the cam/bar/lever). If it's not visible, you will have to unscrew the cam/bar/lever to look at the other side. That number should match the number on your key - that is lost somewhere. When you buy a new lock and key set there is a sticker with the key code on the back of the box, if you can find your same number and buy it, you will have a replacement key without having to change the lock itself. They come with 2 keys. I live in a condo and our only key was getting more difficult to use. I purchased a new lock and I installed myself before my husband came home. Make sure you read through every thing through first, bring the proper tools, screwdriver - possibly wrench, and make a mental note of how you take it off so you can put the new one back on the same way. The one I bought had 5 different cams to replace several different cam styles - whatever yours may be. It was $5.97 at Home Depot. For years I was told by our association that the post office has to change for us, and the post office told us the association has to change it for us. They were each passing the buck. I spoke to a neighbor and she said our maintenance guy did it for her - for "only $35.00". What a crock! I did it myself! You can do it yourself too! Good Luck!

Speak to the post office as they should have additional keys but there may be a fee to do this.

Turns out that although Home Depot does carry replacements and you can do it yourself as suggested above, if you happen to "break the key off in the lock" the USPS will replace it. Cost not investigated. Your notes above helped me solve my situation. Thanks

If you have a key and want a duplicate, go to True Value, Ace, Lowes, or Home Depot and have one cut.  If you don't have a key altogether, you will need to have your post-man/woman open the box so you can remove the old cylinder.  Use either a medium sized (#2) flathead screwdriver or needle-nose pliers (maybe both) to lift the wedging device that holds the cylinder to the mailbox door.  Pull out cylinder, replace it with new one, and install the wedge.  Easy  5 minute job.

I need a replacement key for a mail box at 110 Coliseum Avenue, Nashua N.H. 03063 Unit 110. I have just purchase this condo and the key I was given for the mailbox does not fit the lock? How do I purchase a new key.