Totally get where you’re coming from—those chunky smart lock interiors just kill the vibe on an old door. I’ve tried retrofitting a Yale module into a vintage mortise lock before, and honestly, it was more hassle than it was worth. If you’re set on keeping the original hardware, sometimes just upgrading to a high-security deadbolt (like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock) gives peace of mind without the sci-fi look. Hide-a-key rocks are classic, but I’d at least stash it somewhere creative... those fake rocks are getting pretty obvious these days.
Yeah, those fake rocks are basically a neon sign at this point—everyone knows to check them. I’ve swapped out a few old locks for Medeco and honestly, it’s a solid upgrade without making the door look weird. Ever tried one of those lockboxes with a combo? Not the prettiest, but you can tuck them somewhere less obvious. Curious if anyone’s actually had luck with those “hidden in plain sight” key holders, like the sprinkler head ones... they seem clever but maybe too clever?
I’ve always wondered about those sprinkler head key holders too—like, are they actually fooling anyone who’s even a little bit nosy? I get the appeal, but it feels like the kind of thing that’d stand out if you’re looking for it. Has anyone tried using something more eco-friendly, like a small planter with a hidden compartment? I’m curious if that blends in better or just ends up being another version of the fake rock problem...
Has anyone tried using something more eco-friendly, like a small planter with a hidden compartment?
- Tried the planter trick last summer. Looked totally normal... until I forgot to water it and the plant died. Dead giveaway (pun intended).
- Sprinkler heads seem clever, but up close, they're usually too clean or out of place. Anyone who’s even a little observant will notice.
- If you want stealth, maybe a magnetic box under metal stairs or rails? Less obvious than anything sitting on the ground.
- Honestly, fake rocks are the worst. Nothing says "key inside" like a weirdly smooth boulder next to mulch.
Guess it comes down to how much you trust your neighbors not to snoop.
I’ve always wondered about the magnetic box thing—like, does it actually stay put? My luck, I’d knock it off with my foot or it’d slide somewhere totally unreachable. Also, what about folks with no metal steps or rails? I’m in an older house with mostly wood outside. Anyone tried hiding a key in something super basic, like taped under a gutter or behind a loose board? Just seems like everything “hidden” gets obvious once you start looking for it...
