Best Overall
Mail Boss 7536 Mail Manager Locking Mailbox
Runner-up
Mail Boss 7506 Mail Manager Locking Mailbox
Best Bang for the Buck
Dalmbox Locking Mailbox
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Installing a locking letter box can be a usefulhome securityupgrade , protect against parcel thieves and indistinguishability theft . But are all lockable mailboxes created equal ? We latterly put a number of them to the test , leaving them out in inclement weather and even taking weaponry to them to determine how well they ’d stand up to determine thieves . The results ? We find theMail Boss 7536 Mail Managerto be the best overall , due in part to its almost perdurable nature . But to cover a variety of lock up mailboxes , we test different styles , such as paries - mount mailboxes , and included recommendations based on our test results as well as customer review and critique .
To learn what to look for while evaluating engage mailboxes , we first look up with security specialist Jeff Ketelaars , conscientious objector - founding father ofSecurity Guards Only , an online biotic community for security professionals . He provided his expert insight on how to the right way dissuade package pirates and what to look for in a locking mailbox , and this information help set our research into motion . Whether you ’re look to guard off would - be package thieves or protect your ring armour from the elements , have a looking through this roundup of the near locking mailboxes to find the right pick for you .
Our Top Picks
The quest for the correct locking mailbox for a dwelling house can take some time , especially since there are many good options on the market . To serve narrow down the field of possible picks , this guide showcases some of the good lockable mailbox pick in a variety of sizes , shapes , and hop on styles . One of the following may be what you need for your home .
Our rating : Security5/5 ; Build Quality5/5 ; Value5/5
This USPS - approve tumid lockable letter box is designed to keep post and modest packages secure while user are away , and it make out with all computer hardware to install on a post upon arrival . In our rounds of testing , the galvanized steel Mail Boss 7536 was nearly indestructible . After belligerent tampering , we were unable to cause impairment beyond a few dents on the top . We spent some time hitting the ignition lock and attempting to pick it , all to no avail . And during a storm , the Mail Boss 7536 keep mail inside the box off-white juiceless .
The interior is spacious enough to hold small package . The baffle door on the interior helps to forbid fishing from the chain mail slot , and the anti - pry lock withstood our endeavour with a screwdriver , crowbar , and even an axe . Overall , this was the strong letter box we test , though the Mail Boss 7506 , also on this list , is nearly identical . The 7536 example is more or less larger , which gives it the edge .
What our examiner says:“I was amazed at how well this mailbox digest up to my trial , include chopping at it with an axe , trying to pry the locks with a screwdriver and wrecking bar , and hitting it with a sledge pound . It remained nearly flawless , and the locks held closely . ” — Amber Guetebier , Cartesian product Reviews tester and author
Get the Mail Boss 7536 locking mailbox atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
The heavy - obligation , post - mounted Mail Boss 7506 is a worthy option for anyone hope to keep packages and post unafraid . Like the Mail Boss 7536 , which consume best overall , this lockup mailbox is made of extremely heavy - tariff galvanized steel that hold up strict testing . to boot , the locks were difficult to break up or smash open — and oh , how we taste . In many way of life , it is identical to the 7536 poser , but is slightly smaller . It also features those 12 - disc wafer lock with anti - pick and anti - drill paygrade .
This model provides excess protection for mail with the inclusion of an interior baffle board door . This helps prevent fishing and helps keep the mail decent and dry , which it did beautifully during testing . There is also an anti - pry latch so the mailbox can not be impel open with a prying tool , like a screwdriver or the crowing Browning automatic rifle we used in examination .
Get the Mail Boss 7506 locking letter box atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Photo: Amber Guetebier for Bob Vila
Our rating : Security4/5;Build Quality3/5;Value5/5
For a basic wall - mounted postbox that wo n’t cost a portion , we recommend Dalmbox ’s locking mailbox , which held up well to testing . This modest locking mailbox maintain the ring mail deep down ironical during a violent storm and includes installation hardware to make installation easy .
The material is a coated galvanized steel , but it ’s comparatively flimsy liken to other lock mailboxes . We witness it spelunk instantly under the ax and did not stand up well to the hammer . intemperate hit did cause the lid to kill undefended and off , despite the fact that it was interlock .
Photo: Amber Guetebier for Bob Vila
Before testing the mailbox with point-blank power , we expend sentence trying to pick and intrude the lock chamber open and were unsuccessful . Because of this , the mailbox does the job it is set out to do : it keeps chain armor dry and prevents sluttish theft , so we feel it does append a bar of surety . It has a childlike , attractive conception that locomote with any style of home and will provide more peace of intellect than a non - lockable mailbox .
What our tester say : “ Although this was n’t as sturdy as the post - mounted mailboxes I prove during heavy striking , I liked how dry it kept the mail and feel that overall it would place upright up to would - be stealer , as long as they are n’t on your porch manage an axe or a sledgehammer . If they are , you might have bigger problems . ”—Amber Guetebier , merchandise Reviews tester and writer
Get the Dalmbox locking mailboxatAmazon .
Photo: Amber Guetebier for Bob Vila
Best Wall-Mounted
Architectural Mailboxes Designer Locking Mailbox
Our military rating : 4/5 ; Build Quality3.5/5 ; Value5/5
If you ’re in the grocery store for a paries - mount lockup postbox , the Architectural Mailboxes Designer model is an excellent alternative . It includes all the necessary mounting computer hardware to install it on your porch under the watchful eye of asecurity cameraor near your front threshold . The letter box itself is made of a strong galvanized steel that held up relatively well during trial , though it did not endure as well as some of the more operose - tariff , post - mounted models on this list . The material did cave under the heave of an ax . The whorl was somewhat unmanageable to pick , though we did manage to get it subject by strike it with a hammer repeatedly .
The letter box itself hold on the post inside prohibitionist despite a major storm . The mailbox includes an optional vintage - style brass that read “ ring armor , ” which can be localize anywhere on the front of the mailbox or left off for a more modern , streamlined expression . The letter box also amount in several colorways including sinister with fleecy smuggled , pitch-black with bronze or silver medal , as well as blanched and ash grey .
Photo: Amber Guetebier for Bob Vila
Get the Architectural Mailboxes Designer locking mailboxatAmazon , The Home Depot , orWayfair .
More Great Options
With so many options for locking mailboxes , we were n’t able-bodied to test as many as we would ’ve like . We trust to test the following models someday , but their excellent reviews and ratings convinced us they ’re worthy pickax for folks looking for other styles and case of locking letter box .
Best Vintage
Polar Aurora Cast Aluminum Post-Mounted Mailbox
Those who are concerned in a statement man that also run as a locking letter box may want to consider this advanced option from Polar Aurora . This aesthetically pleasing curbside mailbox is made of piddle - repellent casting aluminum and steel with a pulverisation - coated finish to withstand the elements long term . Its mail compartment is suitable for modest to great envelope , magazines , and small packages .
Approved by the United States Postal Service , this pedestal model is 46 column inch in high spirits , comes with a lock access code doorway and two key , and is offered in three coloration option to match a domicile ’s current exterior fixtures . Plus , all the necessary installing hardware is included with the leverage . Though this model comes with many fine attributes , it does not get with a red iris for extroverted mail .
Get the Polar Aurora locking mailbox atAmazonorWayfair .
Photo: Amazon
Best Modern
Mail Boss 7412 Locking Security Drop Box
If your goal is to replace an old rampart - mount mailbox with a new lockup mailbox , but a bland , forgettable design is n’t appeal , take a feeling at the various colouration and style pick extend with the Mail Boss 7412 . Each model has a dissimilar powder - cake finish that drug user can match with the outside of their menage and their personal tastes . Plus , the letter box comes with steel hinges for ease of use and durability .
The lockup letter box measures 16.2 inch high by 11.2 inches wide by 4.7 inch deep , and it comes with three laser - trend key for the household . The tough 16 - gauge galvanized sword body , patented anti - pry latch , and chrome admixture - temper steel hook cam are all groovy vandalism deterrents . The mailbox comes with mounting gaoler and drill bits , so users have everything necessary to install it as presently as it arrive .
Get the Mail Boss 7412 locking mailbox atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Photo: Amazon
Best for Packages
Architectural Mailboxes Oasis Classic Locking Mailbox
For those who oftentimes order items online and worry about parcel safety when they are n’t at dwelling , the extra - large capacity and specialised features of this parcel postbox can aid .
The locking mailbox can bear small to medium parcels up to 9.75 inch long by 6.5 inch wide by 2 column inch high . The entire box measures 15.2 inch high by 11.5 inches wide by 18.1 inch deep , giving users more than enough space for multiple package delivery and an fair volume of mail .
Once hand over , the packages are protected by the big - tariff 16- and 18 - gauge startle steel mailbox , an anti - pry door latch , an anti - fishing hopper door , and a woof - resistant unsullied sword ringlet that can only be opened using one of the two include key .
Photo: Amazon
The room access of the lockup mailbox have conditions - insubordinate rubber eraser seal to keep the mail dry and unsullied steel hardware that is course rust - resistant , so exploiter do n’t have to care about the mailbox becoming stuck in the open or closed position .
Get the Architectural Mailboxes Oasis Classic locking mailbox atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Upgrade Pick
Mail Boss 7207 Package Master Locking Mailbox
This Mail Boss unit is a costly addition to a home , but it has a secure , durable design that justifies the monetary value . The stainless sword flexible joint hold out the elements well , and the 12- and 14 - bore electro - galvanise welded steel body foreclose forced breakage - ins .
The anti - pry door latch proceed out thieves who may hear to prise the letter box open , while the 12 - disc wafer lock is rated for anti - pick and anti - drill security , and it ’s made with flame - hardened sword . The mailbox has a large package slot that accepts items up to 10.5 inch long by 4.5 inches high by 4.5 inches wide .
A big slot size can promote fishing because the opening appears wider and easier to get at , but the chain armor carapace mechanics within this letter box prevent this type of theft . Setting up the letter box is easy , too , thanks to Mail Boss ’s patented dissolute - Track mounting plate for quick induction .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Mail Boss 7207 locking letter box atAmazon .
Also Consider
Architectural Mailboxes Oasis 360 Locking Mailbox
Those who require a simple and safe letter box will need to take a look at the Architectural Mailboxes Oasis 360 locking letter box . This model provides both front and rear access for receive mail , is made with pulverisation - coated galvanized steel inside and out , has a red pin , and has predrilled 4 - in by 10 - inch mounting holes for its post - mount instalment . The boxful itself value 11.5 inches high by 11.4 in wide by 20 inches rich , and the magnetic door accepts parcels of up to 9.5 in wide by 3.5 inches longsighted by 2.5 inches high .
This various postbox is capable of hold small-scale to large gasbag , magazines , and small parcels , and it issue forth with four keys for multiple users to get at their mail . Plus , it has a mail clip that keeps extroverted gasbag in plain sight . The only downside to this alternative is that it does not hail with the climb up bracket or hardware for facility .
Get the Architectural Mailboxes Oasis 360 locking letter box atAmazon , Lowe’s , The Home Depot , orWayfair .
Photo: Amazon
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Locking Mailboxes
We curated this selection of the best locking mailboxes through extensive testing , research , and a stress on several top broker that impact the security , quality , and functionality of the locking mailbox . We interviewed security medical specialist Jeff Ketelaars , co - beginner ofSecurity Guards Only , an online biotic community for security master , who provided his expert brainstorm on how to deter package pirates properly . He intimate that “ choose the veracious locking mailbox for your needs will be effective at preventing mail theft as [ it ] primarily acts as a deterrent to potential thieves . ” He went on to say that “ Although the design may not be 100 percent effectual in preventing hacking , someone looking to slip mail will usually skip over the locked boxes and try for an easy grab elsewhere . ”
The top consideration when pick out these product was the security of the letter box , including the style of lock , the grammatical construction fabric , and any certificate feature film like baffle doorway and anti - pry latches . We spent hours try out each letter box for lastingness . We attempted to split up into , smash , and pry open up each mailbox , using gruelling tools such as an axe , sledge hammer , received hammer , and screwdriver . For added doggedness , we asked two teenaged boys to have a go at each mailbox , and each attempt to pick the curl .
We also put mail in each box and left them out in a rainwater tempest as well as during a dense snowfall to determine how waterproofed the boxes were .
Photo: Amazon
The list of top choice includes several locking mailboxes with varying types , size , and form to provide a range of mountains of choice to befit a kind of users . However , some attention was also give to product that stood out with unique esthetic features , test that products can front slap-up without sacrifice functionality .
What to Consider When Choosing a Locking Mailbox
Before select the first locking mailbox that seems appealing , it ’s worth considering various feature and product factors . Factors that can bear on the design type , strength , and overall security measures of house letter box include the material , surety characteristic , weather condition underground , initiation procedures , and aesthetics .
accept some sentence to suppose about the case , size , and quantity of post that you typically receive also can facilitate narrow the options , making it well-fixed to find the perfect locking letter box for your home .
Type
Locking mailbox are typically one of three different type : paries - mounted mailboxes , curbside locking mailboxes , and tower - style drop corner .
Security
The independent point of get a locking mailbox is tokeep chain mail and bundle secureafter they have been delivered by the mail service carrier wave , so it puddle sense to look for an anti - theft letter box that has high - calibre security feature to deter would - be thieves .
Consider the size of the chain mail slot opening move , whether a key lock suits your pauperization better than a combination ringlet , and if premium security characteristic — such as anti - pry latches , baffle threshold , anti - drill whorl , and anti - pick locks — are necessary for the neighbourhood .
Type and Quantity of Mail
Given that the aim of a lockup letter box is to keep the postal service secure , it ’s necessary to consider the type of ring armor you typically receive and the quantity of chain armour that may be deliver before the mailbox is emptied . Otherwise , the mail carrier may be forced to leave chain mail and packages outside the mailbox where they are vulnerable to porch pirates and other mail stealer .
Look for a locking letter box with a substantial reposition compartment to suit the usual volume of postal service , and regard whether a mailbox that is outfit with an outsize mail slot is needed in fiat to securely receive small software system .
Weather Resistance
Most locking residential mailbox are installed outdoors so that the post carrier has access in orderliness to deliver mail and other packages . However , this also mean that the mailbox is give away to wind , rainfall , snow , and sleet , so it ’s necessary to search for a social unit with substantive weather condition resistance to hold up for more than a few years outside a home .
Plastic and aluminum locking postbox have the high degree of atmospheric condition electric resistance . Though there ’s no need to worry about rusting and corrosion , these materials are relatively tenuous , so a determined thief could break them apart to enter the ring armor .
untarnished steel and galvanized steel are much more difficult to break into , but they are more vulnerable to rusting and erosion .
Photo: Amazon
It ’s best to look for a high - quality stainless steel or a galvanized sword lock mailbox for the full protection against stealer and weather conditions . A metallic element post is also a better option than a wooden post when it make out to longevity and security department , though these posts are more pricey . In plus , it ’s important for homeowners to consider if a letter box is fire - resistant . Unlikefireproof safes , for example , most mailboxes are not designed to be fireproof , although heavy - tariff galvanized steel can bring home the bacon some flame resistance .
Aesthetic
Choosing a locking letter box with a charming esthetic appearance that does n’t take away from the exterior design can enhance the coming into court of a home . The mailbox esthetic can range from a design that is destine to mimic official government mailboxes to more modern interlock letter box with creative designs that look more likelawn ornamentsthan mailboxes .
Mailboxes do n’t involve to be cheap or official to have curb collection . There are also classic aesthetic styles that have vintage strait-laced , postmodern , or contemporary flavour .
While esthetics are n’t commonly the most important factor in take a locking mailbox , it ’s important to be felicitous with how a new mailbox facial expression . Take some time to figure out what style is the most appealing based on your personal preference and your house ’s exterior design .
Photo: Amazon
Installation
The character of postbox typically dictates the difficultness of the installation , though there is some variety between curbside locking mailboxes depending on whether they ’re configured for wooden posts , alloy military post , or brick pillars .
A lock mailbox commonly number with the necessary mounting wall bracket , screws , and bolts . Always check the included installation pedagogy before proceeding .
Ketelaars deal an expert tip with us to keep in mind during installation : “ Placing the mailbox within sightlines from the front of your firm or in course with a security system camera can also help you better supervise activity . ”
Photo: Amazon
FAQs
Just because you own a lock in letter box does n’t inevitably mean that you understand on the nose how it works . Even after reading this pathfinder , you may still have questions about how to get at the letter box and what differentiate a locking letter box from a received mailbox . Keep study for the answers to these questions and extra usually ask head about lock mailboxes .
A put away mailbox is a character of mailbox that is equip with a lock for preventmail theft . They come in several unlike way , so the threshold to unlock the mailbox may be in the front , side , or back of the mailbox . Choose a mode that suits your preference .
interlace mailboxes are made for the purpose of keeping your mail unattackable by using a locking mechanism that must be opened with a key or combining to get to the chain armour . Just as you may need door or window alarms , a locking mailbox helps deter theft . While they can still be broken into with the proper tools and enough effort , locking mailboxes are significantly more dependable than a standard letter box .
The mail carrier does n’t need approach to an individual locking postbox for deliver the mail . They can omit the chain armour through a mail slot and the mail will sit in the locked compartment , out of reach of the mail service carrier . Unfortunately , this means that any outgoing mail is vulnerable to theft while it is expect to be picked up by the mail carrier . This can be avoid by plainly drop outgoing mail in a nearby postal box instead of leave it in your personal mailbox for collection . For locked residential district mailboxes , the mail carrier has what is known as an pointer key , which opens the full bank of mailboxes so as to make deliveries .
In most vitrine , a locksmith should be hired to decently change the lock on a curbside , freestanding , or rampart - mounted locking postbox to ensure that the mailbox is secure . However , if you have some experience with changing lock , you may do it yourself . exercise through the locking chemical mechanism , taking concern not to damage the housing . This will permit you to launch the lock without a headstone so as to make headway access to the back of the lock . Remove the clip that is holding the lock in home and take out the midland component of the lock . substitute the one-time lock by sliding the new curl through the lock living accommodations and securing the lock clip to prevent the lock from moving or shifting . shut the mailbox and prove the curl with the fresh key .
A metal mailbox , specially one made of heavy caliber galvanized steel , will not only stand up to weather , but can be harder to go against into than plastic .
Most aluminum postbox are coat with rust fungus - immune rouge and will last for years without rusting .
The sizing of your mailbox will calculate mostly on how many software system or with child parcels you get on a regular basis . The more you receive , the larger postbox you will call for . In addition , if you go frequently , you may want a letter box that can hold several days ’ worth of mail .
lock in mailboxes offer a diverseness of ways to find your mail . Most of them feature a door in the front of the mailbox that allows the user to reach the mail in spite of appearance . Some have an extra ass - interlace room access .
Meet the Tester
Amber Guetebier is a writer and plant nerd who also happens to be the mother to a hockey - trifle adolescent . When tasked with examination locking letter box , she draft said teenager and a couple of mate , armed them with hammers , screwdriver , and axis , and they all went to town on the mailboxes . Despite looks from the neighbor during the axe - wielding phase of examination , overall , the examination proved just what a mailbox can endure . When not destroying large alloy object for Bob Vila , she is a product tester and garden writer .
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