How to Fix a Loose Mailbox Door

Peter

5 years ago

All you need is a pair of pliers!

A loose mailbox door, or lid, can be irritating. If you’ve ever wondered why your mailbox won’t stay closed, then you’re in luck! The solution is remarkably simple, and best of all, you only need a pair of pliers. Read on to see how to fix a loose mailbox door!

Step 1: Locate the adjustment tab

Mailboxes, like the one shown in the below pictures, have an adjustment tab on the door. This controls how loosely or tightly the mailbox door closes.

The mailbox door adjustment tab is shown here, highlighted with a yellow circle.

Here’s another view of the mailbox door adjustment tab:

Another view of the mailbox door adjustment tab, highlighted with a yellow circle.

Step 2: Bend the tab with pliers

You can adjust the mailbox door tightness by bending the tab with pliers:

Bending the tab upward (toward the door, so the tab flattens out) will cause the mailbox door to be harder to open and close, resulting in a tighter fit. In most cases, this is what you want to do.
Bending the tab downward (toward the mailbox, so the tab curves even more) will cause the mailbox door to be easier to open and close, resulting in a looser fit.

That’s all there is to it. Over time the tab tends to naturally bend and get loose again, so be sure to keep those pliers handy!

IRWIN VISE-GRIP Long Nose Pliers, 6-Inch