Review on High-Performance SCHLAGE Lock CO SC620B-619 Nickel Slot/Magazine for Optimal Security by Kevin Vanlaere

After replacing the lock on my front door and going from an old bronze set to a polished nickel set from Schlage, I wanted the 45 year old bronze mailbox cover replace (also installed in the side panel). While there are cheaper alternatives to this mailbox cover, I went with Schlage to ensure the look would match my new set of locks; it fits perfectly. But I had a few concerns before I installed the letter slot cover: First of all, the description says it's "solid brass". Well it's brass, not brass, which is good. But it's thin stamped sheet metal, maybe 18 gauge, so I wouldn't call it "hard". This has to do with the ability to seal off airflow through the slot since the thin edge of the sheet metal cover rests on the bezel when closed. In other words, there is no imprint. When your home faces the winter wind, there is significant leakage of cold air. Second, after checking the valve several times, I noticed that the top of the valve was scratching the (thin metal) edge of the faceplate and the paint had been scraped off at that point. So you can't see it from the curb, and it might not be visible from 10 feet away, but that's just bad design. Now for the installation: Since my old slot was only 7" x 1.75", I had to cut a larger opening in the side of the door. There is a template printed on the back of the Schlage packet which I carefully cut out to use to mark my side sheet. However, when I got it to the slot cover, I found that the slot you were trying to cut was much larger than the machined edges of the slot cover and much larger than necessary. The extra width comes from the fact that the slot cover's hinge pin is internal and extends well beyond the machined edges of the cover; The extra height is due to the top of the sash pivoting inward when opening. I decided to cut a slit to fit the finished edges, plus an extra 3/8" at the top to allow the valve to rotate, plus a small cut in the top corners deep enough to fit the ends of the Hinge pins to fit.You may think this is complicated and unnecessary, but since the side of the door is only 14" wide I didn't want to cut wider than necessary; I also wanted the wooden inside of the groove to look better since I don't use a metal bushing there. In fact I'm not sure if these standard metal bushings will work given the larger slot opening required for the pivot and valve penetration. I have not installed the inner liner; I have a Deltana mailbox cover for added security. All in all, this mailbox cover is probably on par with others in this price range, but of course someone could make a manhole cover g design that blocks the wind better and won't scratch the surface every time you open it. I don't hold my breath; When I change the front door in a few years, I will look for something more impressive.