How Safe Are Outdoor Key Cabinets?

Outdoor key cabinets provide a convenient way to store keys securely outside your home. However, there are some important factors to consider regarding their safety and security. Here is an in-depth look at how safe outdoor key cabinets are.

What Are Outdoor Key Cabinets?

Outdoor key cabinets, also known as lock boxes or key safes, are small metal boxes designed to hold keys outside the home. They are typically mounted on an exterior wall near the front or back door.

The key cabinet has a combination or keypad lock. Homeowners set a code to open the box and access the keys inside. Many models are weather-resistant and made of sturdy materials like steel.

Outdoor key boxes offer several benefits:

Provide secure outdoor key storage for homes without a hiding spot
Allow access for visitors, guests, dog walkers, contractors, etc.
Offer a backup way to enter the house if keys are lost or locked inside
Keep keys safe from burglars who could break in if keys are left under mats or pots

However, the convenience of outdoor key storage also raises safety concerns. Lock boxes can be broken into by criminals if not properly installed and secured.

Securing the Location

Where you mount the outdoor key cabinet impacts its security. Consider these tips:

Install out of sight – Position the box in a discreet spot, like around the corner or side of the home, away from the front door. Avoid placing it right next to the door where it is obvious.
Mount high up – Install at least 5-6 feet high, out of reach of burglars. This prevents easy access or tampering.
Consider lighting – Motion sensor lights near the box can help deter criminals at night. However, avoid shining lights directly on the box which could highlight it.
Check visibility – Ensure neighbors or passersby cannot easily see the lock box location to avoid alerting potential thieves.

Choosing the right location helps conceal the outdoor key safe and keep it away from criminals. Proper placement is the first step in keeping your lock box and keys secure.

Lock Box Construction

The build and quality of outdoor key safes can vary greatly. Look for models made of pry-resistant materials like:

Thick steel – Heavy-duty 16 or 18 gauge steel resists hand tools used to pry open boxes. Avoid thin, flimsy metals.
Aluminum – Sturdy aluminum with reinforced sides provides decent security, though not as strong as steel.
Solid wood – For a decorative look, select a coated or treated hardwood like cedar which is damage-resistant.
Weatherproof design – Rubber seals, foam padding, and drainage holes keep contents dry. Look for an IP65 ingress rating.

High-end key cabinets also offer advanced protections like:

Tamper alarms – Sound an alarm if movement or attack is detected.
Locking lids/doors – Prevent access if the body is pried.
Recessed/hidden locks – Stop lock picking and smashing.

A strong, pry-resistant exterior provides the first barrier against break-ins. But high-tech features like alarms can further improve security.

Lock Types

The lock mechanism is arguably the most critical safety component. Outdoor key boxes use either mechanical or electronic locks:

Mechanical Locks

Key locks – Require an actual key to open. Less convenient but avoid battery or tech issues.
Combination locks – Input a manual combination code. Some allow easy resetting of the code.
Biometric locks – Scan fingerprints to unlock and provide access.

Mechanical locks are the most secure option if properly designed against tampering. They open instantly and work without batteries. However, keys or combos can be copied or shared.

Electronic Locks

Keypad locks – Enter a unique PIN code to open the box.Codes can be easily changed.
Bluetooth/smart locks – Unlock via a smartphone app over Bluetooth. Allow virtual guest access.
RFID locks – Scan a keycard or fob to unlock. Offers proximity unlocking.

Electronic locks provide convenient access control from anywhere. But they rely on fallible technology like batteries, connectivity, and electronics. Smart models with encryption and rolling security codes offer higher digital protection.

Choosing the most robust mechanical or electronic lock suitable for the application helps deter break-ins. Avoid locks prone to picking, smashing, or hacking.

Installing Securely

Proper installation also plays a key role in outdoor key box security:

Use all hardware – Follow all provided screws, bolts, anchors, brackets to securely mount the box.
Reinforce with adhesive – After installing, also apply industrial adhesive or epoxy around the edges.
Check for movement – Verify the lock box does not wiggle or shift after mounting.
Avoid vibration – Do not mount on vibrating walls like next to garages which can loosen fasteners over time.

Taking steps to firmly fix the key safe to the wall eliminates movement which could loosen it or make it easier to remove by prying.

Using tamper-resistant screws specifically designed for safes also improves mounting security. They prevent easy removal with common drivers.

Limiting Access

While outdoor key boxes offer flexible access, this can also introduce risk:

Change default access codes – Set unique combos and update regularly or disable if not actively used.
Limit copies of keys/fobs – Only provide access credentials to trusted individuals.
Use scheduling/time restrictions – Electronically limit access hours on smart locks.
Keep records – Track all those with current or previous access.
Revoke access proactively – Change codes and rekey locks whenever people with access no longer need it.

By limiting key box access only to those who truly require it, you reduce the chances of misuse or burglary. Audit and update regularly as authorized users change.

Are Outdoor Key Cabinets Safe?

Outdoor key safes can certainly be a safe option for accessing your home if proper precautions are followed. The right cabinet, location, installation, and access controls enable secure outdoor key storage. However, there are some remaining risks to consider:

Persistent burglars may still attempt to pry open cabinets or pick complex locks given enough time and access. No lock or box is completely pry-proof forever.
Access codes and keys can still be stolen, copied, or shared by authorized entrants either intentionally or accidentally.
Inclement weather, system failures, or user errors could still result in someone being locked out without access to keys.
Hiding keys outdoors always poses some inherent risk not found with carrying keys directly on your person.

Weigh these tradeoffs against the benefits before installing an outdoor key box. Take steps to mitigate risks by installing high-security cabinets in discrete locations and limiting access codes. Outdoor key safes allow much safer key storage than obvious spots like fake rocks or planters. But ultimately storing keys inside the home or with trusted individuals are still the most secure options. Use outdoor lock boxes as just one prudent part of your overall home key safety strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Key Cabinets

Are outdoor key safes secure?

Outdoor key safes can be secure if high-quality lock boxes are installed properly in discreet locations. Select sturdy steel boxes withpick resistant designs. Properly mount the box out of sight and out of reach. Limit access to the lock box to only trusted individuals. But no key storage method is completely foolproof.

How do you keep an outdoor key box from being stolen?

Mount the lockbox 5-6 feet high in a hidden, hard to see location. Install with tamper-resistant hardware and adhesive. Choose pry-resistant or alarmed boxes. Avoid placing near doors or windows. Limit who has the entry code or key. Frequently update access credentials.

What is the most secure outdoor key box?

The most secure outdoor key cabinets use heavy pry-resistant metals, have alarms, use high-security mechanical or electronic locks resistant to picking, and feature hidden locking compartments. Top box brands known for excellent build quality and security include Kidde, Vault, Supra, Quicktec, and Lockey.

Should outdoor key boxes be hidden?

Yes, concealing and hiding outdoor lock boxes away from obvious locations improves security. Mount them discreetly around a corner or side of the house, not right by the entry door. Avoid placing them in visible spots where they can draw attention from burglars.

Can thieves steal keys from lock boxes?

Skilled thieves can potentially steal keys from outdoor boxes by picking complex locks or prying open the box itself if given enough undetected access. Reduce this risk by installing high-security lock boxes in hidden spots and updating access credentials frequently to authorized users only. No outdoor storage is completely immune though.

Conclusion

Outdoor key lock boxes provide handy access for visitors, families, and contractors. However, their convenience also introduces risk if not properly secured. Choosing robust storage boxes, impervious locks, and discreet locations is crucial. Limit access through strict controls and vigilant monitoring. While outdoor lock boxes will never reach the level of security found with carrying keys directly, they can still offer a prudent way to safely stash keys outside the home when installed with diligence and common sense.

In this detailed article, we have examined how secure outdoor key lock boxes and cabinets are. Key factors covered include:

Pros and cons of outdoor key storage
Importance of concealed, hard-to-access locations
Strength and pry-resistance of box materials
Mechanical vs. electronic lock options
Proper installation and mounting
Limiting access to trusted individuals only
Remaining risks even with high-security models

Properly installed high-quality lock boxes can provide reasonably safe outdoor key access. However, users should still exercise caution, limit access strictly to authorized entrants, and frequently update access credentials. While helpful for convenience, outdoor key storage introduces risks that carrying keys personally or hiding them well indoors does not.