Page 1 of 1
USPS key
Posted:
Wed Nov 12, 2014 6:26 pmby Revinous
Hello everyone so I rencently obtain a Y1 with 2642 key cuts it's an elevator key used by the FDNY. So in the hopes of expanding my collection I would like to know what type of key does the usps uses for mail the master lock in mail boxes. Yes I know that I can easily obtain through eBay but I like the journey of going to hardware stores in acquiring it. Besides it gives me a reason to go to the hardware store.
So, what type of key does the usps use?
Re: USPS key
Posted:
Wed Nov 12, 2014 6:27 pmby PhoneMan
You won't find a "blank" for that, as it's unique to USPS, and made in house by them. Could be illegal to own a real one too.
Re: USPS key
Posted:
Wed Nov 12, 2014 7:56 pmby GWiens2001
I'd be really hesitant to ask about getting a key for the master lock on a mailbox array. Good way of having a postal inspector (law enforcement) knocking on your door.
Gordon
Re: USPS key
Posted:
Wed Nov 12, 2014 10:15 pmby MrWizard
I am actually surprised this post was not deleted.
Re: USPS key
Posted:
Wed Nov 12, 2014 10:31 pmby flywheel
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1704I don't speak legalese, but possession of USPS locks and keys do not, in themselves, seem to be illegal. Just like picks it's all in how you use them.
"...or possesses any such mail lock or key with the intent unlawfully or improperly to use, sell, or otherwise dispose of the same..."
Re: USPS key
Posted:
Wed Nov 12, 2014 10:48 pmby GWiens2001
As I understand it, the Arrow USPS lock is the only lock/key it is illegal to possess. But still would not want to give postal authorities any reason to make life difficult. It would be difficult to acceptably explain why you want blanks to the master lock to the mailbox array. Have heard they are not the most lenient law officers.
Gordon
Re: USPS key
Posted:
Wed Nov 12, 2014 10:58 pmby flywheel
GWiens2001 wrote:As I understand it, the Arrow USPS lock is the only lock/key it is illegal to possess.
I think this is misinformation without a source. The US Code for the Postal Service certainly doesn't mention it.
Re: USPS key
Posted:
Thu Nov 13, 2014 4:50 pmby Revinous
I thank you all for your response. I do not have illegal intent for such key and owning one is not illegal, now if you use it without being a post man than yes you would be commiting a crime.
Re: USPS key
Posted:
Thu Nov 13, 2014 5:44 pmby escher7
Revinous wrote:I thank you all for your response. I do not have illegal intent for such key and owning one is not illegal, now if you use it without being a post man than yes you would be commiting a crime.
As a collector, you may want to consider an uncut key, thereby removing any presumption of illegal intent.
Re: USPS key
Posted:
Sun Nov 16, 2014 6:39 amby Revinous
escher7 wrote:Revinous wrote:I thank you all for your response. I do not have illegal intent for such key and owning one is not illegal, now if you use it without being a post man than yes you would be commiting a crime.
As a collector, you may want to consider an uncut key, thereby removing any presumption of illegal intent.
I would much rather prefer a blank since im sure they probably a lot more rare than a cut one.
Re: USPS key
Posted:
Sun Nov 16, 2014 7:20 pmby jones
PhoneMan wrote:You won't find a "blank" for that, as it's unique to USPS, and made in house by them. Could be illegal to own a real one too.
If you mean the P.O. Box key, it is a Y-2R as it is the reverse of the Y-2 key and also a 6-pin key
I got a box of them by accident years ago from my supplier. My Dad immediately hid them, but there are
many applications for a reverse Yale key internationally. It is the only key that is a federal felony to cut, far as I know
Re: USPS key
Posted:
Sun Nov 16, 2014 7:43 pmby jeffmoss26
Jones, he was referring to the USPS Arrow key used for unlocking the blue mailboxes etc.
Re: USPS key
Posted:
Sun Nov 16, 2014 7:52 pmby jones
jeffmoss26 wrote:Jones, he was referring to the USPS Arrow key used for unlocking the blue mailboxes etc.
Only one I ever seen was attached to the mailman's belt