- 100% agree, tech always craps out when you need it most. Battery anxiety is real.
- Hiding a key under the mat is basically asking for trouble. Might as well put up a sign, “Key Here.”
- Fake rock’s not the worst, but honestly… if you’ve got landscapers or nosey neighbors, they spot those pretty quick. I used to use one till my kid’s friend picked it up without even looking for a key. Just thought it looked weird.
- What I do now:
- Installed a combo lockbox on the side gate. Not fancy, but at least it’s not obvious and you can swap codes.
- Made sure my neighbor has a spare. Only works if you trust ‘em, but it’s saved me twice.
- Also, swapped to a keypad deadbolt that runs on regular batteries (and warns you when low). Still not perfect—if you forget to change the batteries, you’re back at square one.
- Honestly, the only truly eco-friendly solution is to just remember your damn keys… but I’m not that organized.
- If you’re doing any remodeling, maybe think about adding a secure key drop box or coded entry. Less waste than replacing locks or calling locksmiths every time you mess up.
- Bottom line: there’s no perfect answer. Just gotta outsmart your last mistake and hope you don’t make a new one.
Hiding a key under the mat is basically asking for trouble. Might as well put up a sign, “Key Here.”
Yeah, I’ve seen way too many folks do the mat or flowerpot trick—never ends well. Had a client once who hid their spare in a fake sprinkler head... landscaper found it within five minutes. If you’re remodeling, I always suggest carving out a spot for a recessed lockbox near the garage or side entry. It’s not flashy, but it blends in and you can change codes if needed. Just don’t rely on tech alone—batteries die at the worst times, no matter what the packaging says.
Had a buddy who thought he was clever hiding his key in a magnetic box under the grill—guess what, thief found it before he did. I’m with you on the lockbox idea, but what about those keypad deadbolts? Anyone actually trust those long-term, or do they glitch out?
Keypad deadbolts are a game-changer for my rentals, honestly. I used to worry about tenants losing keys or hiding them in the worst spots (like under a flowerpot... classic). With keypads, I just swap codes between tenants—no rekeying, no fuss. Had one cheap model freeze up in a snowstorm once, but the better brands hold up fine. Batteries dying is more of a headache than glitches, but as long as you swap them out every year or so, it’s smooth sailing.
Had a client once who swore by keypad locks, then called me in a panic when the battery died in the middle of winter—door wouldn’t budge, and backup key was inside. Ended up drilling it out. I like the convenience but I still recommend keeping a hidden key somewhere (not under the flowerpot, though). These things are great, but nothing’s foolproof, especially with electronics and cold weather.
