Honestly, the fake rock always cracks me up. I had one as a kid, and it was so obviously “not a rock” that even the neighbor’s dog knew where to find our spare key. I get the appeal, though—no batteries to die, no codes to forget. But I have to challenge the idea that hidden keys are still king. These days, with porch pirates and nosy folks, I feel like hiding a key is just asking for trouble.
“I still think nothing beats a good old hidden key, even if it’s cliché.”
I’ve actually switched over to a mechanical keypad after my smart lock decided to take a nap during a thunderstorm. No batteries, just muscle memory (and maybe a little finger-crossing). It’s not perfect—once in a while I panic and forget the code—but at least there’s no glass to patch up or locksmiths to pay overtime. If you’re worried about forgetting numbers, maybe stash an emergency code somewhere safe... just not under that suspicious-looking rock out front.
Mechanical keypads are a solid move. I put one in after getting locked out twice in the same month—once with groceries melting in the car, once in the rain. Never again. The fake rock thing cracks me up too. I swear, every time I see one, it’s like a neon sign for “key here.” Might as well leave the door open.
I get the nostalgia for a hidden key, but these days, it just feels risky. Too many folks snooping around. At least with a keypad, I only have to remember one code (and yeah, I’ve blanked on it before and had to sit on the porch until it came back to me). Still beats waiting for a locksmith or breaking a window.
If you’re worried about forgetting the code, maybe jot it down somewhere that isn’t obvious—like inside your wallet or taped behind a cabinet. Just don’t put it under that plastic rock... everyone knows about that trick by now.
The fake rock thing cracks me up too. I swear, every time I see one, it’s like a neon sign for “key here.” Might as well leave the door open.
That fake rock trick is basically an open invitation these days. I’ve flipped a few houses and you’d be surprised how many times I’ve found keys in the most obvious spots—under rocks, doormats, even taped to the meter box. If I can find them, so can anyone else.
Mechanical keypads are a solid upgrade, but there are a few things I always recommend when installing one:
1. **Choose a code that isn’t obvious** (no birthdays, addresses, or repeating numbers). It’s tempting to use something easy, but those are the first combos someone will try.
2. **Change the code every so often.** I set a reminder on my phone to swap mine out every six months. It’s a pain, but worth it if you’ve ever had guests or contractors who might remember the old code.
3. **Keep a backup plan.** I know you mentioned writing the code down somewhere discreet, which is smart. Another option is to give a trusted neighbor or nearby friend the code, just in case. I’ve also seen people use password manager apps to store door codes securely—might be overkill for some, but it works.
4. **Check the batteries.** If you’re using an electronic keypad, set a calendar alert to swap batteries before they die. I’ve had one lock me out because the batteries went dead and it was a hassle getting back in.
One thing I’ll mildly disagree with—sometimes, a hidden key still makes sense, but only if you get creative. I’ve seen folks use magnetic lockboxes tucked up under metal railings or inside outdoor light fixtures (as long as it’s safe and dry). The key is to avoid the obvious spots.
Getting locked out is the worst, especially when you’re juggling groceries or caught in a downpour. Keypads aren’t perfect, but they’re a big step up from the old “hide-a-key” routine. Just takes a bit of planning to cover all your bases.
Honestly, I get the appeal of keypads—they’re super convenient and way better than the old “key under the mat” routine. But I’ve actually had a couple clients who didn’t love them, mostly because they felt a bit too techy or just didn’t fit the vibe of their entryway. Sometimes, especially with older homes or more traditional styles, a keypad can look out of place.
Here’s a little twist: I’ve seen some folks use decorative lockboxes that double as planters or even faux birdhouses. They blend right in with the porch decor and don’t scream “spare key here.” If you’re into DIY, you can even customize something to match your style—paint it, add some greenery, whatever works.
One thing I’d push back on is relying only on tech. Batteries die, codes get forgotten... Murphy’s Law and all that. Having a backup (even if it’s just a super well-hidden key) can save your day. Just skip the fake rock—everyone knows that trick by now.
I get where you’re coming from about keypads not fitting every style. I actually swapped one onto my 1920s bungalow and it looked so out of place, I ended up painting the trim to try and blend it in—still felt off. Ended up going with a disguised lockbox tucked behind a planter, like you mentioned. It’s not high-tech, but at least it doesn’t mess with the vibe of the porch. And yeah, relying only on batteries is risky... I’ve been locked out before when the keypad died mid-winter. Never again.
