Is A Key Safe A Good Idea For Storing Spare Keys?

Is A Key Safe A Good Idea For Storing Spare Keys?

A Key Safe is a small, secure box designed to hold spare keys, often attached to the exterior of a building. These devices are commonly used for storing the keys to front doors, allowing homeowners, businesses, and even emergency services to access the property when necessary. They’ve become especially popular with rental property owners, such as those using services like Airbnb, as they allow guests to enter the home at any time without the need for someone to physically hand over the keys.

Key Safes Are A Great Concept

The concept of a key safe seems simple enough—secure your spare key in a locked box, and only those with the right combination can retrieve it. This convenience extends to various scenarios. Homeowners who frequently forget their keys or who need to provide access to emergency services in case of a medical incident often find them indispensable. Carers for people with disabilities or health problems also benefit, as they can enter homes without the need for a physical handover of keys. Real estate agents often rely on key safes to provide potential tenants or buyers easy access to vacant properties, simplifying the process of property viewings.

But is it really a good idea to store your spare key in a box outside your home or business?

Key safes can be found at locksmiths, hardware stores, and online retailers, and they are relatively easy to install. On the surface, they seem like an ideal solution—no need to hide a spare key under a mat or flowerpot, and with just a simple code, anyone you trust can access your property. This flexibility makes key safes especially appealing for people who regularly need to grant access to their homes or properties. Emergency responders can enter without breaking down doors, and service providers like real estate agents can show homes without needing to juggle multiple keys.

Donwside To A Key Safe

However, the convenience of key safes comes with a potential downside: security. Most key safes on the market today rely on either a four-wheel combination lock or a set of push buttons to secure the contents. While a four-wheel combination lock might sound secure—with 10,000 possible combinations—someone with persistence could theoretically crack the code by trying each combination. Given time and privacy, a determined intruder could spend a few minutes a day over the course of a week trying different codes until they find the right one. While this might not seem likely, the possibility remains.

Do Key Safes Have Solid Lock Mechanisms

The security mechanisms inside many key safes are also not particularly robust. Without going into too much detail, it’s worth noting that much of the information on how to bypass these locks is easily available online. Unfortunately, many key safes are constructed with lower-quality locking mechanisms than you might expect. In fact, some locksmiths would argue that even children’s toys are often made with better-quality security features.

The Lock Mob locksmith Toowong are a Brisbane based. We are both locksmiths and security advisors. Contact us for any locks, key and security problem you may have.

What Material Is A Key Safe Made From

The material from which most key safes are constructed is another concern. Zinc alloy, a material that is both soft and brittle, is commonly used. It’s the same metal often found in die-cast toys, and while it serves its purpose for manufacturing, it doesn’t offer much resistance to basic tools. This makes the key safe vulnerable to being pried open by someone with the right tools and determination.

Do I Recommend Key Safes

So, would I recommend using a key safe to store the keys to your home? Personally, no. As a locksmith, I’ve seen too many key safes that have been broken into with little effort. Even though you may have an expensive, secure lock on your front door, placing a key in a relatively insecure box outside your home can negate all the security that door provides. However, context matters. If you are elderly or require frequent visits from caregivers, or if you are showing a property to potential tenants, then a key safe could be worth considering. In such situations, the convenience may outweigh the security risks.

Key Safe Is Your Decision

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. If you choose to use a key safe, keep in mind that while it offers convenience, it may also compromise security. You may want to invest in a higher-quality key safe with a stronger mechanism or use additional security measures to mitigate the risks. For businesses or rental properties where the stakes are lower, the trade-off might be worth it. But for your home’s primary entrance, a little caution might go a long way.

Ultimately, a key safe can be a useful tool, but it’s important to be aware of the limitations. Installing a keyless smart lock, such as the Yale Unity may be a better security option for your home.

I hope this article helps you make an informed decision about whether storing your spare key in a key safe is right for you.

 Brisbane key safe lock mob locksmith locksmith Toowong Toowong