Section 4: Mailbox Hardware
Anchor: #i1002079Introduction
This section presents common information associated with mailbox hardware. The mailbox standards sheets (MB-15(1) and MB-14(2)) contain detailed information about mailbox hardware, DHT numbers, and installation guidelines.
Anchor: #i1002089Types of Supports
There are two general types of mailbox supports and specific hardware associated with each type of support:
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- Single
Mailbox Support: Any of these supports can be used to
support a single mailbox.
-
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- Thin-wall Steel Tube: A 2 to 2½ inch diameter thin-wall steel tube. This type of post can be used with a small, medium, or large sized mailbox. Anchor: #OTANSRSO
- Wing Channel Post: A 2 pound/ft wing channel post. This type of post can be used with a small or medium sized mailbox. Anchor: #ICBHQWRC
- Recycle Rubber Post: A rubber post. This type of post is used only for a small size mailbox.
Anchor: #YDAWBANO - Double Mailbox Support: This
support is used to support two mailboxes on a single support.
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- Thin Wall Steel Tube: A 2 to 2½ inch diameter thin wall steel tube. Anchor: #SIWAKTTL
- Wing Channel Post: A 2 pound/ft wing channel post.
Anchor: #SFPXSNDE - Multiple Support: Either
of these supports can be used for three or more mailboxes.
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- Coat Hanger Support: A 2 inch diameter thin-wall steel tube support frame that has a shape similar to an upside down coat hanger. See Figure 9-8. Anchor: #KVQJCWHO
- Constant Radius Support: A 2 3/8 inch diameter white powder-coated semi-circular pipe with a constant radius. See Figure 9-9.
Figure 9-8. Coat Hangar Multiple Support
Figure 9-9. Constant Radius Multiple Support
Anchor: #i1002169Types of Foundations
There are six types of foundations. Table 9-2 lists the foundations and indicates which type of foundation is used with each type of support.
Type of Support |
Type of Foundation |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
V-Loc |
Wedge Anchor |
Driven |
Concrete |
Embedded |
Temporary |
|
Thin-Wall Steel Tube |
Type 1 |
Type 2 |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Thin-Wall Multiple (coathanger) |
Type 1 |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Wing Channel |
No |
No |
Type 3 |
No |
No |
No |
Powdercoat Steel (constant radius) |
No |
No |
No |
Type 4 |
No |
No |
Recycled Rubber |
No |
No |
No |
Type 4 |
No |
No |
4 x 4 Wood |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Type 5 |
No |
Plastic Drum |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Type 6 |
Figure 9-10 illustrates the orientation of the supports/anchors relative to the direction of traffic. Where a wedge is used, it is installed on the side of the support nearest the direction of traffic.
Figure 9-10. Orientation of Supports/Anchors for Single/Double Mailbox Installations
Anchor: #i1002198Mailbox Bracket
The TxDOT universal mailbox bracket provides a single bracket that can be used to mount a small, medium, or large mailbox to a single or multiple support. Figure 9-11 illustrates the basic mailbox bracket. The extensions are used only with a medium or large mailbox. Bolts with a 3/8 inch diameter should be used to provide a tighter fit and prevent the mailbox from rocking. Figures 9-12 to 9-15 illustrate the attachment of the bracket to mailbox supports.
Figure 9-11. Mailbox Bracket (shown upside down)
Figure 9-12. Attaching the Bracket to a Single Support
Figure 9-13. Use of the Adapter Plate for a Double Mailbox Installation
Figure 9-14. Attaching the Bracket to the Multiple Support
Figure 9-15. Bolting the Bracket to a Multiple Support Tube
The following list of tasks provides step-by-step instructions for putting the bracket together:
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- Attach extension
bracket (if required):
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- For a small mailbox, no extension brackets are used. Anchor: #SOBRDIRV
- For a medium mailbox, an extension bracket is used on one side only. Anchor: #NTDVCKEP
- For a large mailbox, extension brackets are installed on each side.
Anchor: #LIWKAJGU - Bolt angle brackets to bottom of mailbox
bracket:
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- See Figures 9-12 and 9-13 for orientation with a single or double mailbox support. Anchor: #IGFFSKVG
- See Figures 9-14 and 9-15 for orientation with a multiple support.
Anchor: #KMSGWAYG - Bolt bracket to mailbox. Anchor: #QKQMMMFE
- Bolt assembled bracket/mailbox to support.