Tips for Using a Lockbox for Spare Keys
A well-placed, well-managed lockbox is one of the simplest ways to prevent lockouts, share access responsibly, and keep your property secure. Below, we share our best practices—drawn from years of on-site locksmith work—so you can choose, install, and maintain a key lockbox that truly protects your home or rental.
Why We Recommend Lockboxes (and How to Use Them Right)
As security professionals, we’re called to homes, apartments, and commercial sites every day where a simple, tamper-resistant lockbox would have prevented a headache. A lockbox—sometimes called a key safe—is a small, reinforced container designed to store spare keys behind a combination or digital code. It sounds straightforward, yet the difference between a correctly deployed lockbox and a careless one is night and day. The right unit, mounted at the right height, using a strong substrate and a disciplined code policy, can give family members, guests, cleaners, or maintenance teams convenient access without compromising security.
This guide distills our practical, field-tested advice. You’ll learn how to pick the right model for your environment, where to install it, how to manage and rotate codes, and how to integrate a lockbox into a larger security plan that includes quality door hardware, lighting, and sensible routines. Whether you’re a homeowner who wants a “just-in-case” spare or a host managing a short-term rental, these tips will help you get the convenience you want—without giving away your safety.
Field-Tested Advice
Core Tips for Lockbox Success
Start with these six fundamentals to avoid the most common mistakes we see in the wild.
Choose a Sturdy, Weather-Rated Model
Aim for a metal, shrouded-shackle design or a wall-mount key safe with hardened steel construction and weather protection. Look for tight tolerances, a covered dial or keypad, and clear documentation. If you live near the coast or in a harsh climate, prioritize corrosion-resistant finishes and a water-shedding cover.
Prefer Wall-Mount Over Doorknob Hanging
Doorknob or handle-hanging styles are convenient but easier to remove or leverage. Wall-mount units anchored with appropriate masonry or wood screws into solid material resist prying and casual theft. If you rent and can’t drill, secure a shrouded-shackle lockbox to a fixed, closed metal loop that’s not easily cut.
Place It Smartly—Visible to You, Not to Everyone
Avoid the cliché spots right beside the front door. Instead, mount the lockbox in a location that’s reachable and well-lit but not immediately obvious from the street—think side entry, utility area, or a recessed wall near motion lighting. Keep it above knee height and below eye level for comfortable, discreet use.
Use Unique, Non-Guessable Codes
Never reuse door codes, birthdays, or house numbers. Choose truly random combinations and change them regularly, especially after guests or contractors depart. Keep a private log of who has access and when codes were rotated. If your model allows, favor 5-digit or 6-digit sequences for entropy.
Limit What You Store Inside
A lockbox should hold keys only—no fobs, IDs, or notes with your address. Tag keys with a code name, not the property’s full details. If you must store a fob, choose an oversized, higher-security unit, consider a Faraday sleeve to reduce relay risk, and rotate access more aggressively.
Maintain It Like a Lock
Treat the lockbox as part of your security hardware: clean grit, lubricate according to the manufacturer’s guidance (usually dry graphite or PTFE for mechanical dials), test codes quarterly, and inspect mounting points for rust or loosening. Replace immediately if it shows damage or unusual wear.
Avoid These Pitfalls
Common Lockbox Mistakes We See
Small oversights can undo the benefits of a lockbox. Here are the issues we fix most often—and how to prevent them.
Using “1234” or the Street Number
Predictable codes are the fastest route to compromise. Use a unique random code, record it privately, and rotate it every 60–90 days or after each guest turnover. If sharing over text, change it immediately after use.
Mounting Into Weak Material
Hollow siding, thin stucco, and soft trim invite prying. Anchor into solid wood studs, brick, or concrete using proper hardware. If in doubt, ask a locksmith to recommend a safe mounting point and anchors that match your substrate.
Ignoring Weather and Corrosion
In wet or coastal zones, moisture can infiltrate and freeze. Choose weather-rated units, keep the keypad covered, and schedule seasonal checks. Replace units that have sticky buttons, foggy displays, or pitted metal.
Never Changing the Code
Code rotation is basic hygiene. For rentals, change after every guest. For family use, rotate quarterly or after any contractor visit. If a code might have been observed, change it immediately.
Pro Setup = Better Security
Best Practices for Everyday Peace of Mind
A lockbox works best as part of a layered approach: strong door hardware, good lighting, and smart routines. Add these habits to make your setup truly resilient.
Pair With Quality Door Hardware
If the spare key opens a flimsy lock, you’ve reduced the value of your precautions. Upgrade to a well-rated deadbolt, reinforced strike plate, and solid-core door so your physical security matches your access control.
Keep an Access Log
It doesn’t need to be fancy: a notes app or spreadsheet works. Record who, when, and why. For rentals, include booking IDs. Logs help you decide when to rotate codes and spot irregularities early.
Light the Area (But Not the Code)
Motion lighting near the lockbox deters opportunists and helps guests at night. Position fixtures to illuminate hands and surroundings without backlighting the keypad for shoulder surfers.
Teach Guests How to Use It
Provide a short, clear instruction message with photos: how to open, how to close, and a reminder to scramble the dials. Ask them not to share the code and to text you when they’ve locked the keys back inside.
Separate Codes by Role
If your model supports multiple codes, assign unique ones to family, cleaners, and maintenance. Revoke or rotate per group as needed instead of changing a universal code for everyone.
Have a Backup Plan
Keep a second spare with a trusted neighbor or in a discrete, secure secondary lockbox. For critical properties, consider a smart keypad d