Really 4 1/2 stars. When I opened the box today, my first impression was: a large, sturdy, attractive mailbox. I already had a very strong metal frame with a square metal plate with 4 holes. They didn't line up with the base holes so I had to drill 4 new holes. Strong metal! Went to the hardware store to buy 4 zinc plated carriage bolts. The bolts had to be shortened (I used a dremel) to allow the mailbox to slide on the base, which wasn't difficult. (A metal pole is much more secure than a wooden pole.) The two screws that attach the mailbox to the base strike me as a little minimal. Maybe they are strong enough but I would rate those 2 bolts as the weakest parts of the gear. 3 (not just 2) keys and lock work great. After reading all the other reviews I ordered Lock Lube (Tri-Flo) which Mail Boss recommends every few months; OK. I could order an extra dust cover for the lock; undecided about this. After reading all the other reviews I made some labels explaining how to work with the mailbox. It is especially important that the postman understands that the door must be fully lowered before posting letters or packages. If this is not done, letters can easily fill up the inbox. I also cut out a cardboard box to fit in the top "outbox" as I almost never leave outgoing mail in the mailbox and it's too easy for a hasty postman to mistake an outbox for an inbox. (See photos). I experimented with putting letters and parcels of different sizes in the mailbox: letters first, then parcels! When the door is fully lowered, which inexplicably ***isn't***, as indicated by the small Mail Boss instruction sticker inside the mailbox! Letter box. Then 2 of my 3 small bags fit in. Some reviews say the door needs to be opened and closed twice for the packages to fall completely; possible with some packages. Tomorrow I will show the postman how to use this mailbox. He's very friendly and that should help. There's a plastic bottom insert at the bottom of the mailbox, ostensibly to make it easier to slide in letters and packages - maybe; Interestingly, this is more to prevent the mail from getting wet if water does get in. I taped it to the back because it looks like it could easily slip out with the mail. Hmmm. I was surprised to see that the letters on the bottom of the drawer can be easily grabbed with a regular long screw handle when the door is fully open = minus 1 star? My mailbox is currently flat, but when rainwater comes in I tilt the top back a bit, as another reviewer suggested. Reflective house numbers included. They're good, but I used more convenient numbers from my old mailbox. I put the included reflective numbers *inside* the door so the postman can still see my address when the door is open. How can you be clear?! :-) There are scratches on the back of the mailbox. woooow! Minus 1/2 stars? Overall I'm initially happy with this mailbox and would probably buy it again given everything I know and have experienced so far. UPDATE: Well, as promised, I had a nice chat with my friendly postman today. He is familiar with working with this mailbox. He said it was the best post box (for residential use) but added that a determined thief could still break into any post box, including this one. He suggested an alternative way to protect against water - apply a bead of sealant along the top front edge and a little on the sides. 2. UPDATE, month of use: Completely satisfied with this mailbox. Mailperson uses it exactly as intended. I like its looks, its solid, reliable construction and its functions. It's hard to imagine a better one. Ordered 3 additional keys for $12 each.
Efficient And Secure Package Delivery With Step2 Express Box - Mocha, 31"H X 18"W X 23"D
32 Review
HopeWan Self Adhesive Mailbox Numbers, 2 Inch Door Numbers Stickers For Apartment Home Office Room, Set Of 10 Pcs. (2" 10 Pack ( 0-9 ), Silver)
48 Review
KYODOLED Locking Wall Mount Mailbox,Mail Boxes Outdoor With Combination Lock๏ผSecurity Key Drop Box,12.59Hx 8.46Lx 3.35W Inches,White Large
36 Review
KYODOLED Combination Locking Wall Mount Mailbox For Outdoors - Large Security Key Drop Box, Measuring 12.59H X 8.46L X 3.35W Inches In Black
20 Review
Eco-Friendly Solarez UV Cure Grain Filler & Sealer - Perfect For Fine Furniture, Guitars, Pool Cues And DIY Woodworking!
10 Review
32Oz Gorilla White Waterproof Patch & Seal Liquid For Effective Sealing (Single Pack)
30 Review
Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Liquid - Black 16Oz - Ultimate Solution For Quick Fixes (Pack Of 1)
39 Review
Hemway Glitter Grout Tile Additive: Sand Gold Sparkle For Your Bathroom, Kitchen And Wet Room Tiles - Easy To Use And Temperature Resistant!
10 Review