Mailbox Security The Homemade Way

[wroughtn_harv]

Do yourself a favor, look around. If you look closely you see that all of the newer traffic signs are installed with breakaways that are easily severed and easily replaced if they are in the right of way. The same thing goes for the fire hydrants etc.

What your pictures show is you are not alone. I was there until my bud was throwing the biggest fit ever after his wife called and complained about the wet checks because his pride and joy mailbox ended up in the bar ditch without warning. That made me start thinking about it. So now when I make a killer mailbox I always make it where it will break apart of break away if a car hits it. You could modify yours the same way the highway department and I do posts in the right of way. Nothing but a thing, and it makes you legal and reflects a sense of personal responsibility.

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

I could make a relief cut at the bottom with a pipe cutter.
I have a friend that has large rigid cutters and I could score the bottom.

 

[Shield Arc]

I could make a relief cut at the bottom with a pipe cutter.
I have a friend that has large rigid cutters and I could score the bottom.

Wonder if it wouldn't be better to take a port-a-band and make a cut from each side? In the directions of traffic? Just leave a 1/4 to 3/8-inch of material.

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

that would be another way.
No need to worry about rusting the pipe.
I would just fill the gaps with bondo and repaint.

 

[wroughtn_harv]

the way the highway dept does and I have done is cut the post, weld a plate on each end, this should be as close to the ground as practical. Then use cheap bolts that will shear with any serious impact to secure the plates together. If someone bumps your mailbox then you can fix it immediately and with little trouble. If there is an accident the first thing the litigant types will see is you were diligent in protecting the public. If no one is hurt because you showed due diligence then your heart will feel a lot better too.

BTW, you cannot believe how much I appreciate your maturity on this. You are to be commended for your consideration for the safety of others.

I like the mailbox btw. It shows craftsmanship and thinking.

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

Thanks.
I am a firm believer of doing things safely.
Bolts just leave a gap for theives.
Thats why it is bolted from the inside.
The inner bolts could receive relief cuts also to add a safety factor without compromising security.
After all it is a security box.
Agressive relief cuts stop thieves and add the margin for safety.

 

[Shield Arc]

You could also make 4 individual cuts. Leave material at say 12 and 6- o'clock, (directions of traffic) also at 3 and 9-o'clock. That way there is no movement at all.

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

You could also make 4 individual cuts. Leave material at say 12 and 6- o'clock, (directions of traffic) also at 3 and 9-o'clock. That way there is no movement at all.

Ahh!
Great minds think alike

 

[Shield Arc]

I've been called a lot things in my time, but never a great mind! :laughing::laughing::laughing:

 

[Dr Dave]

Nice box, thats a great idea to use the keyed alike deadbolt, that matches your home. I have way too many keys the way it is.