How To Make An Easy Cluster Mailbox Repair

Of the neverending list of home repairs, a cluster mailbox repair isn’t terribly hard. The most complicated part about it is troubleshooting the issue to determine the proper method to fix it. In today’s article, I’ll discuss common issues associated with cluster mailboxes and how to properly fix them.

1. Cluster Mailbox Repair: Mailbox door hinge is broken

One of the most common cluster mailbox repairs is replacing the hinge pin that allows the door to swing open and closed. Sometimes the pin can shear off after years of use. The pin is typically a 1/8″ metal rod as you can see in the photo. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fix it.

1. Remove the top panel of the cluster mailbox. Drill through the rivets located on either side of the cover with a metal rated drill bit. If there aren’t rivets, there may be screws on the back. Remove those and lift the panel straight off.
2. With the mailbox cover removed, you should be able to see the hinge pin sticking out slightly at the top. Take a pair of pliers and pull out the mailbox door hinge pin.
3. Purchase a new 1/8″ rod at your local Home Depot or Lowes, which are pretty cheap. Depending on how far down your mailbox is in the cluster, you may have to reslot the pin through several of the other mailbox doors. You may need to request access to the other mailboxes from your landlord or property owner. Slide the hinge pin through your mailbox door and test to make sure it swings freely.
4. With the hinge pin inserted, replace the mailbox cover and voila! This cluster mailbox repair is complete.

Of the three repairs listed, this may be the most involved. Therefore, check out this detailed video for further instruction.

2. Cluster Mailbox Repair: Lock needs to be replaced

This repair is relatively straightforward and doesn’t require a lot of technical know-how. Here is a step by step guide on how to fix it:

1. Open your mailbox and locate the back of the lock on the inside of the door.
2. With a pair of pliers, remove the metal bracket by pushing it out from behind the lock. Remove the metal latch as well
3. With the bracket and latch removed, simply push out the lock.
4. For installing the new lock, reverse the steps above. New locks can be bought from Amazon or Home Depot.

3. Mailbox is leaning

A leaning mailbox may be a result of a car hitting it or a strong storm damaging the anchoring bolts. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may have to replace the post and base entirely. If that’s the case, a new post can be purchased on Amazon for around $130. If the post is still reusable, follow the steps below to repair it.

1. Have a helper hold the leaning mailbox as you remove the damaged anchor bolts from the concrete. I recommend using locking pliers to get a strong hold on the bolts and pry them free from the concrete.
2. Bring the bolt with you to Great Lakes Ace or Home Depot for an accurate replacement. Make sure to buy washers as well, which will make the connection stronger. Pick up the correctly sized masonry bit if you don’t have it. Depending on the hardness and depth of the concrete, you may want to consider renting a rotary hammer for easier drilling.
3. Shift the base of the cluster mailbox away from the original holes and mark the new holes. Drill the new holes to the required depth (usually indicated on the anchor bolt packaging).
4. Set the base with the new anchor bolts and tighten firmly.

There you have it, a list of the most common cluster mailbox issues and how to fix them. I hope you found this article helpful. If you find these projects out of your wheelhouse, I’d be happy to take care of them for you. Submit a service request below today to get your mailbox functioning again!

P.S. for a list of some important fall projects to tackle, be sure to check out my last post here.

Cheers,

-Matt the handyman