Blog Post

Opening Key safe boxes, installing key safe boxes, what are key safes and are they any good?

Jan 26, 2021

Opening, installing and information about key safe boxes

First we will start with what is a Key safe.

A Key Safe box – Keysafe - is a strong metal box in which you can securely store the key or keys to your property. It is installed into brick or concrete on the outside of your property and can be accessed using a combination code. It is a mechanical digital lock – meaning it does not require electricity or batteries as it is not electronic. This saves you from having to make sure the batteries are topped up and any failures that can result from dead batteries.

Why would I need a key safe?

There are a few reasons you would want a lockbox installed outside your property. 

  • • Allowing guests to enter your property when renting as a holiday flat in websites like Airbnb.
  • • Gain access to medical staff when there is an elderly or disabled person at home.
  • • Access to cleaners, babysitters or other temporary staff.
  • • Keeping a spare key for yourself if you tend to forget or lose your keys.
  • • Allowing access to couriers and delivery man while away from home. Usually when customers have porches or front entrance extensions.


A key safe can be a real time and money saver allowing temporary access to your home, flat or property. Perhaps you have an elderly person at home and are expecting NHS staff or health care professional for daily sessions. You could also be expecting deliveries to a safe location or cleaners to come to your house during work hours or while running errands. Key safe boxes will also give you and your guest flexibility when checking in or out of short term rented holiday properties.

In these times this can be especially relevant if you have someone needing to obtain keys that must quarantine. Simply place the keys and they can access without human contact, perfect solution for passing along keys during Covid19 Lockdowns.



Priorities when installing a key safe box.


When choosing to install a key safe box make sure you follow some safety procedures


1.     Make sure the Key safe is essential. We advise only using them in situations where there is no other option whilst also following these guidelines.

2.     Keep the key safe box off site – or out of eyesight. If there is a ledge near the house behind a wall underneath a shrub, that would be the best place for it. Even better if you can’t tell which property it belongs to.

3.      Securing it in a solid concrete or brick wall. This will minimise damage or burglary attempts and ensures the best job is done to secure it in place.

4.      Choosing a combination of more than 5 digits. Don’t make it easy like 12345 either…

5.      Change the code regularly.

6.     Last but not least, if you decide to buy it yourself – do not buy the cheapest one on the market - these can be easily opened with as little as a red bull can.



Key safe box not opening? Are the buttons or dials not working on the key safe box?


First things first here’s some advice on avoiding it jamming.

Always place the keys exactly where marked on the inside of the key safe box, make sure they don't jiggle around too much as they can get caught in the mechanism of the lock. Do not attach chains and many rings to the keys being placed inside the key safe box.


If you have found that you key safe box is not opening, you’ve tried spraying it with WD-40 and maybe even some grease and it still won’t open here is some advice from one of the leading manufacturers “Supra”.


“Grasp the keybox with one hand, then reach under the keybox and try to wiggle the key container to loosen them, then try to obtain the key/s again. If it appears that a house key is jammed between the keybox and the key container, try sliding a thin strong object such as a metal fingernail file up between the inside of the keybox and the key container, to dislodge it.”



In the case of a seriously jammed Key safe box, most bypass methods won't work either. This is because if the mechanism isn't working or very seriously jammed - even for the correct code - it won't be possible to open it via bypass. In situations like this the best option is to call a locksmith who will be able to open the jammed key safe box without causing damage to the contents or property and then replace it.


Choosing a Key safe box


There are varying degrees of security to key safes, especially the outdoor variety. Three and four wheel combination style key safes are the most common but also the easiest to break into. Push button key safes are a better option as they don’t have a simple bypass method and also allow you to choose a code from thousands of numerical options. Most outdoor Key safe boxes will be weatherproof – barring the cheapest models on the market of course.

It is vitally important that you purchase an outdoor key safe that can hold thousands of possible combinations. The more push buttons a key safe has the harder it will be for someone to guess the code.

Finally, always choose security items, which is especially important that they have a police approved Secured By Design logo on them.


Will installing a key safe box invalidate my home insurance?


A Key Safe box is a safe and secure method of leaving keys outside a property, for a wide range of reasons. Whether your Key box is for emergency purposes, to help a forgetful member of the family or to ensure the safety of an elderly
or vulnerable relative, secure key storage is the only safe alternative to leaving a key under a doormat, gnome or plant pot.

If a burglar was to gain access via a key under the doormat or under the pot an insurance company would be reluctant to help. But “what if I use a key safe box” we hear you ask. Well, that would depend on the type of key safe box you choose to install. If you go with the lower end lock safe boxes, in fact almost all the key safe boxes on the market, will most likely get you in trouble if the insurance companies find out.


There are a few products on the market that will keep you safe, your keys safe and your insurance company happy –


1.     The Supra C500

2.     Supra P500

3.     Burton Keyguard Digital XL


They are weather resistant key safes - all perfect for use on the exterior of your property. They are certified and, as police approved key safes, offer the ultimate security for your external key storage. It’s perfect for homes where access is needed by family, carers and nurses or for a property where lots of people are often in and out at separate times.


The below statement is recognised by many leading underwriters of UK insurance - 


“No claim for theft from a client’s home would be compromised or prejudiced”. 


 including;

 

Direct Line

Green Flag

Churchill

AIG

Groupama Insurances

AVIVA and FORTIS in partnership with AGE UK.

 



If you are looking for a reliable Locksmith service to install the Key safe box correctly and safely, we are only a phone call away. We can usually have a Key safe box locksmith on site within 45 minutes to install a key safe box. This means no waiting and an immediate solution. We provide a one year warranty on all of our work and on all the products we supply, we also always advise installing police approved Key safes above all others.



01 May, 2024
When it comes to ensuring a happy and secure home, few elements play a more crucial role than the humble door lock. However, like any frequently used mechanical component, locks require regular maintenance to prevent malfunctions and extend their lifespan. This guide will help you with the essential practices for maintaining door locks, ensuring they stay functional and secure year-round. Alternatively just call us and our lock repair locksmith will take care of it for you.
18 Apr, 2024
Do you have superglue in your lock? Need to remove it? We can help.
By Simon Gabriel 01 Dec, 2023
Homeowners and business owners frequently experience lockouts, damaged locks, and missing, stolen, and damaged keys.
By Simon Gabriel 01 Dec, 2023
Are you locked out of your home or business in Richmond? Do you need to upgrade, repair, and replace any of its door locks, window locks?
By Simon Gabriel 01 Dec, 2023
Does your residential home or business need a security upgrade in Richmond upon Thames?
By Simon Gabriel 20 Nov, 2023
Emergency lockouts can happen unexpectedly. You may come home and find your door lock damaged from an attempted burglary intrusion. Perhaps you have lost your keys and cannot gain entry to your home. Whatever the emergency, you must call a professional locksmith company with the proper skillset and tools to address the problem quickly. That is where we can help. SMS Locksmith is a professional emergency locksmith company serving homeowners and business owners in Twickenham and surrounding locations. Our company can dispatch a qualified and licenced locksmith to your Twickenham-based location within 30 minutes after you request our help. The locksmith will arrive at your property with all the tools and equipment needed to perform the emergency service. Our emergency lock-opening services use non-destructive techniques to unlock doors and windows. We will not damage the doors and windows during the lock-opening process. However, if your lock is damaged or you have lost your keys, we may recommend our lock and key replacement service to ensure your property remains secure. It all depends on the situation. SMS Locksmith employs the most qualified and dedicated locksmiths in Twickenham . Our emergency locksmith services include lock picking & bypassing, lock slipping, and lock drilling. Afterward, we can replace old or damaged locks. Then, you can have peace of mind about the security of your home or business. Request Emergency Assistance Would you like to request emergency assistance with a lockout or other emergency lock situation in Twickenham ? Call us at 0203-3151-0531 to submit your request today. We look forward to serving you.
Locksmith in Twickenham
By Simon Gabriel 20 Nov, 2023
Do you need a mobile locksmith in Twickenham? Whether you have been locked out of your building or wish to repair or replace its door or window locks, you must hire a professional and trustworthy locksmithing company to do the job right.
By Simon Gabriel 30 Oct, 2023
Some homes and businesses use lockable post boxes to store incoming or outgoing mail securely. Does this sound like your situation? Perhaps you live or work in a neighbourhood with a lot of crime and worry about your packages and letters getting stolen. If that is the case, you must hire a professional locksmith to install sturdy and durable locks in your post box, post room, or letter box. Post boxes and letter boxes are essential to keep secure because they often contain critical financial, personal, and legal documents. The last thing you would want to happen is to see those documents end up in the wrong hands. But that could happen if you lose your keys or have a broken lock in the post box or letter box. Every post box and letter box requires a different type of lock and key. So, if your post box lock is malfunctioning or you have lost or damaged the key, you will need a professional locksmith to install the proper lock and key system for the box. Do not attempt to replace the lock or key yourself because you could worsen the problem. Top Reasons for Post Box Lock and Key Issues Here are the common reasons why you might experience problems with your post box lock or key: 1) Vandalism to the Box Your post box or letter box is always out in the open, where it is susceptible to vandalism. If you live in a neighbourhood with a high rate of vandalized and burglarized properties, don’t be surprised if your post box suffers intentional damage. It should be easy to recognize the signs of a vandalized post box because it will contain scrapes, marks, and scuffs around the lock area. If the lock feels loose or unusual after inserting your key, then you should replace the lock immediately. 2) Stolen Keys Did someone steal the keys to your post box or letter box? If so, you cannot run the risk of the thief using the keys to access the contents of your post box. Contact a professional locksmith to replace the lock and create a new key. That way, the stolen keys will no longer work on your post box. 3) Wear and Tear The locking mechanisms of post boxes and letter boxes will not stay viable forever. There will come a point when the locking mechanisms stop working correctly due to wear and tear from years of usage. Have a professional locksmith replace the lock when the signs of wear and tear appear. Even if the lock is still functional, it is only a matter of time before it malfunctions. Take all signs of wear and tear seriously. Contact a Professional Locksmith SMS Locksmith offers fast, affordable, quality lock replacement services for post boxes, post rooms, and letter boxes. If you need to request this service, please call us at 020-3151-0531 to schedule an appointment. Please note that you must be the property owner or tenant authorized to access the post box, post room, or letter box. Our services cannot be used to access a box or room that you have no authority to use.
By Simon Gabriel 30 Oct, 2023
Everyone expects their keys to work well with their locks. When you stick your key into a keyhole and turn the key to unlock a door or locking mechanism, you expect the latch to release immediately. Failure is not an option for the sake and security of your property. A healthy lock will never keep rotating indefinitely. A key requires you to apply a slight force as you turn it. Usually, a 90 or 180-degree turn of the key will unlock the lock. But what happens if your key keeps turning in the lock? Is that normal, or is there something wrong with the lock or key? Well, it is certainly not normal. A key keeps turning in a lock because a small component within the locking mechanism has suffered damage or wear. In most cases, the actuator is the component that has stopped functioning correctly. It is the component responsible for transmitting power when turning the key. This power transmits to the latch or deadbolt to lock or unlock it. If the actuator is damaged, worn out, detached, or broken, it cannot transmit the necessary turning force to lock or unlock the deadbolt. Instead, the key will feel looser with less resistance as you turn it. And the key won’t stop rotating after turning it 90 or 180 degrees. It will keep turning all the way around. Of course, different locks have varying components and mechanisms installed. Many small parts correspond with the actuator and help it function. For instance, Euro cylinders use a clip to secure the actuator firmly. But if the clip suffers wear or damage, it will release the actuator and prevent it from operating the deadbolt correctly. The best-case scenario is that some screws are loose in the locking mechanism. If you see the entire lock or cylinder rotate as you turn the key, you may only need to tighten some loose screws. But you won’t know for sure unless you contact a professional locksmith to evaluate the problem. It is better to be safe than sorry. Call a Professional A lock no longer works if your key keeps turning and turning without ever stopping. Sometimes, it could even cause you to be locked out of your home, garage, or building. The only way out of this situation is to contact a professional locksmith for an emergency lock repair or replacement service. One phone call to SMS Locksmith can resolve the issue quickly. We can send a professional and certified locksmith to your property to repair or replace your lock. If we determine the locking mechanism is outdated, we may recommend upgrading to a more advanced lock for better security and functionality. Call 020-3151-0531 for more information on our door lock repair and replacement services. We offer affordable prices on our locksmithing services for business owners and homeowners nationwide.
By Simon Bernstein 30 Oct, 2023
Did you know a door key wears down each time you use it? Many assume door keys last forever because people use them thousands of times without problems. However, a key may survive hundreds of thousands of locking and unlocking cycles before it breaks down or snaps in half. Some people even get things stuck on the teeth of their keys that prevent them from working in the locks. Private residents and commercial property owners will likely experience problems with their keys at some point. For example, you could find yourself in a situation where your key breaks, snaps, malfunctions, or gets stuck in a lock or keyhole. Once this happens, you will need the professional services of a licensed locksmithing company to assist you in making a replacement key. SMS Locksmith is one of the most trusted and professional locksmithing companies around. We have the tools, skills, and expertise to replace the broken, stuck, or blocked keys for any lock. If your key is stuck in a keyhole, our professional locksmiths have advanced tools and techniques for removing the key without damaging the lock. We aim to ensure you have a fully functional lock and key to secure your doors sufficiently. Here are some tips to remember when your key snaps, breaks, or gets stuck in a lock: Do Not Attempt to Remove the Key Yourself You may feel tempted to remove your key when it gets stuck in a lock. We recommend you refrain from taking personal action because you could risk damaging the lock or door. If that were to happen, you would have to pay extra money to replace the lock. Why take the risk when you can call a professional like us to replace your key for a much lower price? Never Force Too Much Pressure on Your Keys in the Future Wear and tear are common reasons for keys snapping in half. But they can also snap in half if you put too much pressure on them. Anytime you insert a key into a keyhole and turn the key, you should not have to apply more than a few pounds of pressure to the key to lock or unlock the latch. If you must place extensive pressure on the key, then something must be wrong with your lock or keyhole. Perhaps something is stuck in it, or the locking mechanism is broken. Either way, you should contact a professional locksmith to investigate the situation instead of forcing a key to work. Contact Our Professional Locksmiths SMS Locksmith can repair, replace, or remove keys for all kinds of locks, including front door locks, garage door locks, window locks, padlocks, and more! Our locksmiths work fast and efficiently to perform the service for clients and reduce the inconvenience. It should take no longer than 30 to 60 minutes for our locksmiths to remove or duplicate keys as needed. Call 020-3151-0531 to submit your key service request today. Our locksmiths offer emergency and non-emergency key repair and replacement services.
Show More
Share by: