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Best Locking Mailbox: Wall or Post Mounted

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According to the US postal Service, approximately 1.7 million pieces of mail are stolen every year. This fact is what drives many like you to find a quality locking mailbox.

In this article, we will help you find the best mailbox that is a cut above the rest when it comes to security.

We have done extensive research and compiled a list of some of the highest rated locking mailboxes currently on the market. Hopefully, this list will make your buying decision easier.

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Locking Mailbox Regulations:

United States Postal Service regulations (USPS) regulate locking mailbox requirements. A private delivery company like UPS can also place restrictions on where you install a curbside mail receptacle. The following section provides details on locking mailbox dimensions and other guidelines for installation.

– According to USPS, a curbside mail receptacle must be “substantially constructed” of metal or other “suitable rigid material,” and it cannot be more than 12 inches deep if located between the sidewalk and curb.

– The door of a locking mailbox cannot be more than 4 inches deep.

– A curbside mailbox cannot weigh over 20 pounds, not including the weight of its contents. This does not include mail slots used only by newspaper delivery staff to access bundles inside the box. If this is your situation, ask your carrier for details and options.

– Locking mailboxes must have a slot that is at least one-half of an inch wide.

What if I own a single-family home where mailboxes are all individual? You can purchase an approved locking mailbox or apply for permission to install one (see below). If you plan on using your current box with a lock, make sure it is designated as “approved” by the USPS. Not all mailboxes are.

Mailbox Locks Approved by the USPS
FirstClass Mail, Priority Mail, Express Mail, and Parcel Select all use different size mail slots. Only a specific mailbox lock can be used with each type of mail service. In other words, only certain locks are approved for use with USPS Standard mail slot sizes while others

Does the USPS allow locking mailboxes?

The USPS local regulations do not restrict the installation of locking mailboxes; however, there are some guidelines that you should follow for your order to be approved by the Post Office. If you’re renting a mailbox from a private company or if you own a multi-unit property with centralized mailboxes, make sure each tenant has a key.

What makes a quality mailbox?

Mailboxes are installed on residential premises for residents’ convenience, so it is essential that the mailbox be designed correctly to work in any weather conditions, efficiently store mail or parcels, and protect incoming items from theft. Another consideration is the type of community in which you live. Is it a gated community with controlled access? Then your system will need a low threshold/high-security model to deter would-be thieves.

How much mail do you receive daily? Depending on the number of items delivered, a small or large capacity mailbox may suit your needs. Mailbox posts are installed by digging holes in the ground and inserting them, which must be flush with the surrounding area.

Once the mailbox is in place, you can install your choice of mailboxes on it to suit the function of the home. If you are looking for a primary residential mailbox, aluminum curtain wall style models provide economical protection against weather and forced entry. The door will close with or without locking, but there will be no striking plate on the door. This type of mailbox is locked to prevent mail theft, and a locking flag is a popular choice for securing the mailbox flap.

If you want a more substantial residential or commercial wall mount mailbox, check out curbside models with a closed front for security. The standard construction is steel, which comes in either a painted or galvanized finish. The door lock secures the flat steel door, and a striking plate is included for securing the unit against forced entry. If security is of prime importance, the mailbox should be installed where only authorized personnel can access it.

If you require a locking mailbox, figure out what type of system best suits your needs. You may choose the popular “push/pull” system with a lock bar that is pushed forward to enter and pulled back for locking. This type of mailbox is installed above or below ground level. If you live in an area with high volumes of snow, choose an underground model. It provides maximum security at all times by preventing forced entry.

Are locking mailboxes worth it?

Only if you want your mail protected from thieves.

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home safety

Best Tactical Dog Harness Vest

Per FTC regulations we are required to disclose that “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases” and other programs at no extra cost to you. Please refer to our Affiliate Disclosure for more information.

A tactical dog harness is a product that is becoming more popular now days.

These tactical dog vests come in multiple colors like tan, black and pink. Top brands include Auroth, Icefang and Onetigris.

It was originally designed for the military, but now it has found its way into homes of pet owners as well.

While you are still able to use your dog’s leash on the collar only, this new tactical harness provides a much better and safer control over your pet.

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A tactical dog harness has several beneficial features that an ordinary collar doesn’t have. The most important thing about this new equipment is its design – based on the military gear, every part of the harness serves a particular purpose. It’s made from nylon or leather, and unlike collars, it doesn’t restrict the dog’s movements but instead provides a tight fit around its torso.

The straps are adjustable, so you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for your pet. What is more, there is also a handle on top of it that allows you to regain control over your four-legged friend when he runs away or tries to attack someone. The handle is also useful in training sessions since you can lead your dog and give him commands.

The harness comes with a D-ring that connects the leash, and it should be located on the dog’s back (between its shoulder blades). If you prefer using two separate leashes, there is also a ring on the front. The leash and harness must be made from the same material to match each other, and there is no risk of them tearing or wearing down.

The tactical dog harness can be used as a way to walk your pet, but it’s also excellent for training purposes. There are multiple commands you can teach your dog with the help of this harness. Tell him to ‘sit.’ you pull up on the handle, and his butt will fall on the ground.

To make him ‘heel’ or follow you, attach your leash to his collar (or neck) and then bring the end of it to the harness’ handle. This way, he won’t be able to run away or pull you. If your dog is good at jumping on people, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to stop this bad habit with a tactical harness – lift him by the handle and tell him ‘no.’

One important reason owners decide to purchase this equipment for their pets is safety. In certain states, you are not allowed to use a regular collar when walking your dog. The law requires all dogs to wear a special type of equipment to prevent them from slipping out or choking – this is where tactical harnesses outperform ordinary collars.

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home safety

Top Biometric Fingerprint Gun Safes: Rifle Pistol Wall

Per FTC regulations we are required to disclose that “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases” and other programs at no extra cost to you. Please refer to our Affiliate Disclosure for more information.

A biometric safe is a lockbox which uses your fingerprint instead of a key, access to the safe is given only if the correct fingerprint is placed on the reader. The biometric fingerprint reader has revolutionized the locksmith industry by making it possible to store fingerprints in electronic form.

In this article we will list some of the best biometric (fingerprint) gun safes, including pistol (handgun), rifle, wall and bedside applications. Some of the better brands we looked at include Barska, Sentry and Vaultek. So read on to find your Best Biometric Safe.

This marks an end to keys being lost or stolen because now you can easily unlock your safe or lockbox with your fingerprint. A biometric safe is superior to other kinds of safes because it does not need you to remember passwords or key codes.

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An added advantage of biometric safes is that they can be programmed to work with multiple fingerprints, which means you and your spouse or children can use the same safe for secure storage.

The technology itself is very reliable and there haven’t been any reports of a failure to unlock by using the correct fingerprint. A lot of users also say that the locking mechanism seems to be more reliable than other kinds of safes.

Biometric safes are usually very light in weight, which makes them easier to transport rather than heavier kind of safe. They are also not very large in size and can easily fit anywhere you want it.

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home safety

Choosing the Best Solar Driveway Alarm

Per FTC regulations we are required to disclose that “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases” and other programs at no extra cost to you. Please refer to our Affiliate Disclosure for more information.

Solar driveway alarms are a low-cost and straightforward way to ensure your home is safe from intruders.

When installing one, it’s essential to think about the following:

  • Where you plan on placing it.
  • Whether it will be used as an alarm or just as a driveway marker.
  • How much money you’re willing to spend.

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Where to place a solar driveway alarm?

For a solar driveway alarm to work, it must receive direct sunlight. When you’re selecting where to place an alarm, the most crucial factor is ensuring that it gets at least four hours of full-strength sun each day. A good rule of thumb is that an asphalt driveway needs to be sloped towards the street or sidewalk. This allows for better drainage and ensures that the driveway is not too steep for the sun’s rays to reach it.

Solar How do they work?

A solar driveway alarm is a device with a sensor that detects when a car drives over it, turning on a series of loud sirens. They are a simple and economical way to secure a driveway or parking area. A solar driveway alarm works by using a small solar panel. It charges a battery, which powers the device whenever it detects motion from cars driving over the sensor grid. The alarm’s noise is typically very high-pitched and can be as loud as 110 decibels.

Solar driveway alarm placement: What to keep in mind

Keep the following tips in mind when deciding where to plant a solar sensor:

Place it on a level area. If you place a driveway marker on a slanted surface, the sensor will not respond to cars driving over it and will consequently not trigger the alarm.

Plant it in a location where it will receive direct sunlight at least four hours per day. The battery won’t have sufficient power to sound the alarm when cars drive over it if you don’t.

Consider installing an additional solar panel by your garage if needed. This way, you’ll have two separate sources of power.

When installing a solar driveway alarm, consider having an electrician wire it directly into your home’s electrical system instead of using solar power alone. While wiring it directly to the house might void any warranty you have on the unit, it will give you more options for arming and disarming the device because you’ll be able to access different circuits in your home.

If you decide to use solar power alone, keep in mind that the total wattage of the lights on your property should not exceed 2 watts. Otherwise, it could cause problems with the sensor system.

How much should I spend on a solar driveway alarm?

Consider what features are most important to you when looking at different driveway alarms. Most driveway alarms are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $50 to $200+.  A simple sensor with an antenna will cost less than a more complex system with additional features such as remote control arming/disarming and text message alerts.

Check the warranty before you purchase a solar driveway alarm. Some guarantees cover parts, while others only cover labor for six months. Check the warranty details carefully to make sure they will cover any issues you might have with your unit over time.

When determining how much money to spend, keep these factors in mind:

Consider matching the number of sensors in your solar driveway alarm to the number of entrances you want to protect. If you have only one door leading to your house, a single sensor will do just fine.

If you’re planning on installing multiple driveway alarms, consider getting ones with adjustable decibel ratings. This way, you can set your alarm  loud enough for your needs.

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