How to Make a Mail Slot in the Wall

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Things You'll Need

  • Pencil

  • Ruler

  • Level

  • Tape measure

  • Power drill

  • Jigsaw

  • Screwdriver

Install a mail slot by your door.

Mail slots are openings in doors or walls that allow postal carriers to deliver mail. Unlike mailboxes, they enable delivering mail directly into your home. As a visual element on a facade, mail slots are elegant and simple, offering a seamless way of incorporating a mailbox into your house. If you want to have your mail delivered inside your home instead of in an outside mailbox, install a mail slot in the wall.

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Step 1

Mark the exact place on the exterior wall where you want to install your mail slot. Hold the slot against the wall while marking its complete outline and the places for the mounting screws, uisng a pencil and ruler. Use a level to determine if the line that connects the screw markets is absolutely horizontal. Although homeowners may consider installing the mail slot near floor level, from a mail carrier's point of view, it is best to place the box about 4 feet above the floor.

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Step 2

Drill holes in the wall at all four corners of the mail slot outline. Use a power drill for this task, making sure to hold it straight and firm.

Step 3

Cut the wall with a jigsaw, following the outline you drew. Be careful and precise, cutting exactly through the pencil outline.

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Step 4

Drill two or four holes for the mounting screws, depending on your mail slot model, using a power drill. Choose a drill bit one size smaller than the mounting screws.

Step 5

Place the mail slot in the wall opening. Mail slots usually consist of two parts, an exterior part and an interior part. Both are installed in the same manner. They simply need to be clicked and fitted together before each one is finally screwed to the wall.

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Step 6

Secure the mail slot to the wall, using the mounting screws from the installation kit and a screwdriver. Tighten the screws firmly so your mail slot is securely attached to the wall.

Warning

Be very careful when cutting your wall with a jigsaw, and make sure to follow all safety precautions for working with sharp tools.

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