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What is an outdoor key box and how does it work?


A key lock box is a small, sturdy metal box that stores keys or access cards. Similar safes come in different sizes and feature different locking mechanisms. They are often built into concrete or brick outside the building. To open a key lock box, you need to enter a proper combination. This type of key protection is convenient for realtors, property owners, or even family use.

Imagine the situation – you urgently need to call a technician at a time when you have scheduled a work appointment. Or your relatives unexpectedly announced their arrival, and you are out of the house. That's when a key lock box will come in handy. By using it, you'll be able to guarantee access to certain people without being present at the location.

In order to deal with this type of lockbox, you might need a professional safe locksmith. Read more about other benefits and other features of it in our blog post.

How Secure is a Key lockbox?


No key storage is 100% secure and the key lockbox is no exception, it has a few disadvantages as well. However, storing keys in a locked space is much better than keeping them under the doormat at the front door.
Outdoor key box has several drawbacks that affect your keys' security level.
  • If you have installed key lock boxes, it's essential to change the code after each new user. This way, you know that the code will only be used by the people you need.
  • Another disadvantage is that such key lockers are usually located right next to the front door, which means that thieves are convinced that if they break into this locker, they will have access to the entire house.
  • In addition, rainy or frosty weather also has an impact, causing locks to rust and freeze.
Key lockbox
Everyone can decide how safe it is to use key lock boxes. However, to avoid losing your home insurance, it might be much better to keep your keys in a locked space.
Key lockbox

Types of key lock boxes


There are two types of key lock boxes – portable and wall-mounted. Each of these types has its advantages and disadvantages.
Their main difference is that portable safes can be attached to a fence or door handle without any assistance, while wall-mounted safes require professional installation.
  • Portable key lock boxes are more flexible. It can be easily moved from place to place whenever the need arises. They also don't require professional installation, making them ideal for short-term use. The disadvantages of similar key lock boxes include a low level of security, as it is quite vulnerable to theft.
  • Wall-mounted key lock boxes are superior in terms of security and durability. If you want to find a place where you will keep your house keys for many years, you can take this type into consideration.
Portable key lock boxe
The choice between these two types generally depends on your needs and the level of security you expect.
Portable key lock boxe

Benefits of key lock boxes


Key safes can become an integral part of your security system, as they have many advantages in terms of protection. Let's take a closer look at them.
  • Security. Leaving your keys in a safe is much safer than hiding them under the mat or in the garden.
  • Convenience. By installing a key safe, you won't need to carry your keys around, which means you'll be less likely to lose them.
  • The ability to let people into your home when you are not there. Now you don't need to be present whenever someone visits you. You can provide access to the safe, and a person you trust will enter your property.
  • Emergency access to the house. You can store spare keys in the key safe. Then, even if you lose your key, you can still get inside.
  • Budget savings. Using a safe is more economical because you don't need to order a key for each family member.

Where to install a key lock box?


After choosing the type of key lock box, the question of where to install it immediately arises. It is clear that it is installed outside your home on a brick or concrete wall. However, what other nuances should you consider?
  • If you choose a wall-mounted key lock box, it's essential to contact a professional security company for the installation process.
  • To reduce the level of danger, it's better not to install the safe right next to the front door but hide it a little from the eyes of criminals.
If you keep these few rules in mind, your key lock box will be a safe place to keep your keys.

Summing Up


In conclusion, a key lock box is a good solution to complement your home security system. If you choose this option for storing your keys, consider all the advantages and disadvantages described above.
Looking for a professional company to install a key lock box? Sure Lock & Key can help you. We will happily select and install a safe lock for your keys that suits your needs and wishes perfectly. Don't hesitate to call us!

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Are hotel safes safe to use

There are a lot of aspects to consider during vacation or business trips. Flights schedule, fuss with luggage, hotel check-ups and many other things that are undoubtedly important. Still, after you are already in your hotel room and have unpacked all your stuff, usually, the first question that arises is – "How to keep my valuables safe in the hotel room?". It's understandable because there were so many stories when valuable assets got stolen from the hotel safes. Not the most pleasant situation, right? However, when you are out of your hotel room, keeping your laptop or photo camera in a safe still remains the most reasonable option. To be honest, hotels frequently make their safes less secure by themselves. This can be explained by placing safes in the obvious locations, which makes them easy to access, or installing them faulty, which makes them easy to be stolen. Some hotel managers also use the master key systems, which also reduces the overall hotel safe's security. Still, to make you less worried about your valuables, Sure Lock & Key took a closer look at the most frequent hotel safes and aspects that make hotel safes more reliable and secure.