How to open post office box combination

I was thinking of mounting this on my wall or perhaps making a cubby between the studs and putting this as the door.

Does anyone know if there's a way to crack this code or reset the lock? I'd love to use it as the door for a real storage unit and not just flat against the wall.

I hope that you enjoy this build and I welcome your comments and questions and will especially enjoy seeing your versions of this build!

Add TipAsk QuestionCommentDownload

Be the First to Share

Did you make this project? Share it with us!

I Made It!

Recommendations

Repair Broken Arms on an Heirloom Chinese Chippendale Corner Chair by baker519 in Repair

3 661

Wooden Entryway Shoe Rack by Yvette M in Woodworking

48 5.7K

HALF LAP JOINTS ON THE TABLE SAW by The Shavingwood Workshop in Woodworking

24 7.0K

A 3D Printed Kinetic Marble Machine. by gzumwalt in 3D Printing

28 3.3K

  • Anything Goes Contest

12 Comments

1

Bob Galgano

Question 4 years ago on Step 4

AnswerUpvote

Why not attach the door to the appropriate side panels before assembly and assemble with glue and fine brads from a pneumatic brad nailer, hidden in the grooves?

Offset screwdrivers drive me crazy.

1 answer

0

GrunambulaxBob Galgano

Answer 4 years ago

ReplyUpvote

This might well work. My concern is that the miter joints are so finicky. They can easily be misaligned. But I think this method might be well worth the try

0

astrong0

4 years ago

ReplyUpvote

My local post office has doors EXACTLY like these. Weird.

1 reply

0

Grunambulaxastrong0

Reply 4 years ago

ReplyUpvote

Mine too.

1

charlessenf-gm

4 years ago

ReplyUpvote

Thanks for the determining the combination steps!

Nice work.

1 reply

0

Grunambulaxcharlessenf-gm

Reply 4 years ago

ReplyUpvote

Thank you and I hope that you can use the method. I've seen a couple of different doors. Some have two dials. My guess though is that they all share the similarity of having a slot that a bolt goes thru when set to the right combination. I assumed that this would be hidden and I'd have to remove a cover of the mechanism to see it but when you think about it, because the only way you can see it is to have the door open, there was no need to make the combination hidden. Good luck with yours.

0

sbroomheadsr

4 years ago

ReplyUpvote

For the12 of my first 18 years, I took mail out of a box protected by a door like this. One day I found a PO box door bank and bought it because I am not a woodworker. Then 10 years ago, I became an owner of just a PO box door. After reading you write-up, excellent, by the way, I am going to have to try my hand at some woodworking. Your choice of finish for the wood looks very nice and compliments the brass of the door. Great job all around.

1 reply

0

Grunambulaxsbroomheadsr

Reply 4 years ago

ReplyUpvote

I'm happy to hear this. Keep in mind that the 45 degree miter joints can be a bit of a challenge. I'd give that a go but you can also build a really fine looking bank with just edge to edge (butt) joints. The back can either be set the way I did and that's pretty easy if you have a table saw or you can just glue the masonite to the back. There are lots of options and no wrong ways. I hope you will let me know of your progress.

2

rayp1511

4 years ago

ReplyUpvote

That's a unique project, well done and well documented. I like it!

1 reply

0

Grunambulaxrayp1511

Reply 4 years ago

ReplyUpvote

Thanks. It was a lot of fun to make.

2

Kink Jarfold

4 years ago on Step 6

ReplyUpvote

You've made an heirloom. Wonderful job. Please date it and sign it somewhere. This'll be around for years to come. KJ

Toplist

Latest post

TAGs