locked out drama - what would you do?

- 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.