A key safe solves a common security problem: how to give someone access to your property without handing over a spare key or leaving one under the mat. For households that regularly need to provide access to cleaners, dog walkers, tradespeople, carers, or holiday rental guests, a well-chosen key lock box offers a practical way to control who can retrieve a key.

Choosing the right model is only part of the process. Where you install it, how securely it is fixed, and how you manage the access code can all affect its security. You can browse our range of key safes and cabinets before using the guidance below to compare your options and plan the installation.

How Do You Choose the Right Key Safe? 

A key safe is a secure storage unit designed to hold one or more keys behind a combination, digital, or keyed locking mechanism. Instead of making several copies of a key, you store one inside the unit and provide the access code to authorised users.

Key safes come in several forms. Wall-mounted units fix directly to a suitable surface and are generally intended for permanent installation. Portable shackle models attach to gates, railings, or other fixed structures, making them more flexible for temporary use. Recessed models fit into a wall cavity for a less prominent installation.

An outdoor key safe should be designed to withstand exposure to the weather. Look for suitable materials and protection around the keypad or combination mechanism. An indoor-only model may not provide the same resistance to rain and other outdoor conditions.

You will also need to choose between mechanical and electronic access. Mechanical combination locks are straightforward and do not rely on batteries. Digital models may provide features such as temporary access codes or access records. Some smart models also allow access to be managed remotely through an app.

If you are considering electronic access elsewhere around your property, digital locks are another option for doors where you would prefer keypad or smart entry rather than a stored physical key.

Check Security, Capacity, and Accreditation

Construction quality matters when comparing key safes. Look for a strong body and secure fixing points designed to make the unit difficult to remove. The locking mechanism should also be easy enough to operate and reset, as an unnecessarily complicated code-change process may discourage regular updates.

Capacity is another practical consideration. Traditional house keys require relatively little space, but modern car keys, fobs, and access cards can be considerably larger. Check the internal dimensions rather than assuming a model will accommodate everything you plan to store.

For higher-security applications, look at independently tested or accredited models. Some key safes are tested against recognised security standards such as the Loss Prevention Certification Board's LPS 1175 standard. Accreditation can provide additional information about the level of attack resistance a particular product has demonstrated under specified test conditions.

Always check the conditions attached to a product's accreditation. A security rating may depend on the installation method or mounting surface, which means an accredited unit may not retain the same rating if installed differently from the manufacturer's instructions.

Your choice should ultimately reflect how and where the safe will be used. A unit intended to provide occasional access at home may have different requirements from one used regularly at a holiday rental or commercial property.

Where Should You Install a Key Safe? 

Knowing how to install a key safe starts with choosing an appropriate position and mounting surface. For a standard wall-mounted model, you will generally need the key safe and its supplied fixings, a suitable drill, a screwdriver, and equipment for marking and levelling the unit. Appropriate eye protection should also be used while drilling.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions because fixing requirements differ between models. Use hardware suitable for the mounting surface and any specific fixings required to maintain the product's security rating.

The mounting surface is particularly important. Brick, concrete, or another solid substrate will generally provide a stronger base than plasterboard, plastic cladding, or a lightweight wooden fence. An accredited product may have specific installation requirements, including requirements for the mounting surface, so check the manufacturer's instructions before installation. 

Position also matters. Avoid making the safe unnecessarily prominent beside the main entrance. A solid wall near the relevant door can provide convenient access without putting the unit directly in the most obvious location.

Before drilling, check that the chosen position is practical to reach and gives enough clearance to operate the safe. Once you are satisfied with the location, you can begin the physical installation.

Install and Test the Key Safe

Position the key safe against the selected surface and use a pencil to mark the fixing points. Check that the unit is level before drilling. Use the correct drill bit for the substrate, following the manufacturer's specified hole size and depth.

Secure the safe firmly using the appropriate fixings. It should sit flush against the mounting surface without movement or gaps that could make it easier to lever away from the wall.

Once the unit is secure, set the access code according to the manufacturer's instructions. Test the combination several times before placing a key inside. Open and close the safe to confirm that the locking mechanism operates correctly and that the stored key does not obstruct the door.

Avoid choosing an easily guessed combination such as an address, birthday, or simple numerical sequence. The code should be memorable to authorised users without being obvious to someone trying to gain access.

After placing the key inside, perform one final test. Lock the unit, enter the code, retrieve the key, and secure the safe again. Completing the entire process confirms that the installation and locking mechanism work as intended before you rely on the unit for property access.

Manage the Code and Use the Safe Securely

Installation is not the end of key safe security. Access also depends on how carefully you manage the code. Only provide the combination to people who genuinely need access. Change it when someone no longer requires entry, such as after a tradesperson finishes a project or a short-term guest leaves. Periodic changes can also be useful if the same combination has been in circulation for an extended period.

Check the unit occasionally for signs of damage, corrosion, or loose fixings, particularly if you have an outdoor key safe exposed to changing weather conditions. Addressing movement or deterioration early helps maintain a secure installation.

Avoid attaching labels that identify the property or explain which door the stored key opens. The safe should provide practical access without revealing unnecessary information to anyone who happens to see it.

Portable shackle models require particular care because their security also depends on the object to which they are attached. If you use one on a gate or similar structure, make sure the attachment point itself is secure. For other applications where a removable locking solution is more suitable, you can also compare padlocks.

Avoid Common Key Safe Mistakes

Even with the right key safe and a secure installation, a few common mistakes can reduce its effectiveness. One of the most important is concentrating on the unit itself while overlooking the mounting surface. A strong key safe attached to a weak surface can still be vulnerable, so the installation deserves as much attention as the product specification. 

Another mistake is choosing a safe without checking its internal capacity. Measure larger keys or fobs before purchasing, particularly if you intend to store more than one item.

Code management can also undermine an otherwise good installation. Do not leave the manufacturer's default code in place or continue using a combination after it has been shared with someone who no longer needs access.

You should also confirm that a model is suitable for outdoor installation before exposing it to the weather. Products intended for indoor use may not have the materials or protection needed for long-term outdoor conditions.

Finally, consider any relevant insurance requirements. Policies and conditions differ, and the presence or use of a key safe may affect how an insurer assesses certain claims. If you are uncertain, check directly with your insurer before installing the unit or storing important keys inside.

Choose a Key Safe That Suits Your Property 

Choosing a key safe comes down to matching the model to its intended location, capacity requirements, and level of access control. A suitable unit installed correctly on a solid surface can provide a practical alternative to distributing spare keys or leaving them in insecure hiding places.

Before choosing a model, consider where it will be installed, what you need to store, and how different people will access it. Browse our range of key safes and cabinets to compare options and choose a key safe that suits your property and access needs.

FAQs

Are key safes suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, provided the model is designed for outdoor installation. Check its weather resistance and the manufacturer's installation requirements before placing it in an exposed location. Indoor-only models should not be assumed to provide the same protection outdoors.

Where is the best place to install a key safe?
Choose a solid mounting surface in a location that is accessible to authorised users without being unnecessarily prominent. A solid wall near the relevant entrance can work well, while weak surfaces such as plasterboard or lightweight fencing should generally be avoided.

Can a key safe be installed without drilling?
Portable shackle-style key lock boxes can attach to suitable fixed structures without drilling. Wall-mounted models normally require drilling and appropriate fixings to create a secure installation. The best option depends on how permanent you want the installation to be.

How often should a key safe code be changed?
Change the code when someone who previously had access no longer needs it. You may also choose to update it periodically as part of routine security maintenance. Avoid predictable combinations and limit the number of people who know the code.

Can I store more than one key in a key safe?
Yes, but capacity varies between models. Some key safes are designed for a single house key, while larger models can accommodate multiple keys, access cards, or bulkier items such as car fobs. Check the internal dimensions before buying to make sure the key lock box has enough space without interfering with the locking mechanism.