Are Key Lock Boxes Actually A Reliable Way To Keep Your Home Safe?

Having a place to hide spare keys is important for many people. After all, who wants to deal with the inconvenience of misplaced keys or accidentally locking yourself out? However, many common key hiding spots are a safety risk, so lock boxes have become a popular alternative. While lock boxes can be a safe place to hide your keys, make sure that you are investing in an actually secure option. 

There are three main types of key lock boxes: combination, push button locks, and smart key safes. This all refers to how you access your lock. Generally, push button locks are considered more secure than combination, and some even offer a lockout feature after too many failed passcode attempts. Smart lock boxes, on the other hand, give you a lot of convenience as you can access and monitor them remotely. However, they can be vulnerable to hacking, and they run off batteries so you need to charge them eventually.

When picking a lock box, you want to consider the reliability of its locking mechanism and the material used. For example, metal is usually stronger than plastic. But in addition, not all lock boxes are designed for outdoor use. If you want to keep it outside then you need to look for materials that can withstand extreme temperatures. For example, if you're in a snowy area, you need a lockbox that can not only handle cold weather, but also won't become corroded from the salt that is often used during winter. 

Even when you know what to look for, searching for a suitable lock box can be overwhelming. But many people enjoy options like PANGEA's Hide-a-Spare-Key Fake Rock, or Evrblock's similar product that runs a bit cheaper. Neither of them are considered super high security but they are budget-friendly options and, if placed well, can pass off as just another rock. 

For more traditional options, the WordLock KS-052-BX is highly-rated and, if you're a person that doesn't remember numbers well, works great since it uses letters to create your combination. But if you're able to spend extra money, consider a key safe instead of a lock box. The term key lock box and key safe are often used interchangeably but a safe offers far greater security. They are usually more resistant to forced entry and often have outside security certifications. Amongst key safes, the Kiddie AccessPoint 001014 and the Defender Push Button Key Safe are the most reliable.

Improving your home's general security can also ensure that your lock boxes or safes don't become a target. There are many inexpensive ways to protect your home like securing your door hinges with tamperproof screws. You can also invest in outdoor lighting to really maximize your security.