Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Summary: Takes some small boxes. Somewhat secure. Probably the best sub-$100 choice. I took a careful hands-on look at several locking mailboxes for the benefit of 104 homeowners in my neighborhood. The hopper-style door is a good idea, but maximum package size is smaller than you might think. Maximum package sizes: - Boxy packages up to about 3.5" x 5" x 9.9". - Flatter stuff (1-5/8" max thickness) x 10-3/8" x 13" PROs: - Takes some packages that other mailboxes won't - Good low-end choice. Somewhat secure, Somewhat affordable. - Way better than your neighbor's no-lock mailbox CONs: - Larger flats may not drop in (see Tip 1) - Somewhat fishable by hand (see Tip 2) - Somewhat pry-open-able (see security comparison below) - Rust will eventually get to it (like any steel mailbox)...(Avoid light colors .) - Tall boxy look - - - Prices - - - Home Depot stocks these (usually Bronze) for about 97 + tax. Low tide on amazon is around 97. There's an "Online Price Alert" that will email you whenever this or any amazon product dips below your target price. Google it. It's nicely done. - - - Alternatives - - - For almost 2x the price, the Epoch 7106 MailBoss Curbside Locking Mailbox is larger and much more secure. The larger Oasis Mailbox is also worth a look. - - - Security - - - Fishing: It means grabbing your mail without actually breaking anything. A fish-able box is much worse than a pry-able box. Why? You don't know for sure whether your mail has been taken. Or when. Maybe you figure it out a week later. But you're not sure. Maybe the sender has a problem, or the USPS. Maybe, maybe, maybe... No verifiable event, no evidence to share with neighbors or police. How Much Security is Enough?: Some say, Do it once, Do it right. Get a mailbox that's very hard to fish and very hard to break open. Others say, save your money. If it's better than your neighbors' boxes, it's good enough. There's an old story that ends with a punch line: "I don't need to outrun the bear...I just need to outrun you." It's usually true. A thief won't mess with your box if nearby boxes are easier targets. Security Comparison: Pry Open . . . . Fish for Mail . . . Model ---------- . . . ------------ . . -------------------- Bare Hands . . . Bare Hands . . Solar Group RSKB0000 12" prybar? . . Bare Hands(1) . Oasis Jr. 12" prybar? . . With Tool(2) . . Oasis 24" crowbar? . With Tool(3) . . Mail Boss 24" crowbar? . . . . No . . . . . . 4-C Aluminum Cluster Box Units . . . No . . . . . . . . No . . . . . . Armadillo (4) (1) Hand fishing is difficult, but I could reach mail piled higher than .75" (2) or with hands if mail is piled higher than appx 4.25" (3) or with hands if mail is piled higher than appx 3.5" (4) I don't recommend the Armadillo. Just a point of comparison. - - - Tips - - - 1. Large flat pieces don't always drop down. Two tips... Ask your letter carrier to give the hopper one extra flip, it will help a lot. Also, cover those dimples on the mailbox floor. Lay down a piece of glossy cardboard. Maybe spray some Teflon on it. Helps larger envelopes slide back and down. 2. Anti-fishing tip: Add a little toothy strip made out of aluminum or polycarbonate behind the top flange. See if Liquid Nails will hold it. Or bolt it on. Ragged edge, but not too sharp -- You don't want to annoy or injure your letter carrier, you just want to engage the guy who's mashing his upper arm against this top strip. (I'll post pics or video when I get a chance.)