I totally get where you’re coming from—my place has these creaky old doors with glass knobs, and I just couldn’t bring myself to mess with them. Ended up hiding a spare key in a fake rock out back, which sounds silly but has saved me more than once. Ever worry about someone spotting your key safe, though? I always wonder if the “hidden” spots are as clever as we think...
Ever worry about someone spotting your key safe, though? I always wonder if the “hidden” spots are as clever as we think...
- Honestly, I do worry about that. Those fake rocks are everywhere now—anyone snooping around probably knows to check them first.
- I’ve tried a few things:
- Magnetic box under the porch (but those can rust out or fall off).
- Gave a spare to my neighbor, but then you’re stuck if they’re not home.
- Once hid a key in an old birdhouse—worked until squirrels moved in.
- For these old houses, I’d rather not mess with the original doors either. Replacing locks just feels wrong.
- If you’re set on hiding a key, maybe try somewhere less obvious than the usual spots. Like inside a hollow fence post or behind loose bricks (if you’ve got any).
- Honestly, nothing’s foolproof. I figure it’s about making it just inconvenient enough that someone moves on.
I still get nervous sometimes, but it beats paying a locksmith every time I forget my keys.
Once hid a key in an old birdhouse—worked until squirrels moved in.
That cracked me up—nature always finds a way, right? I get what you mean about not wanting to mess with original doors. Have you ever thought about one of those smart locks with a keypad? I used to be skeptical, but after getting locked out twice in one month, I caved. It’s not as “classic” looking, but honestly, it’s been a game changer for me. Curious if anyone else here has tried them and regretted it?
Smart locks with keypads have definitely come a long way. I remember the first time a client asked me to install one, I was a bit hesitant—mostly because I love the look of old hardware and hate drilling new holes in vintage doors. But after seeing how much easier it made life for them (and not having to call me for emergency lockouts), I started recommending them more often.
One thing I’ve noticed: if you pick a model that lets you keep your original deadbolt, it doesn’t mess with the look too much. There are even some that fit right over the existing lock, so you don’t have to swap out the whole thing. That said, I’ve had a couple folks complain about battery issues—nothing major, just forgetting to swap them out and getting locked out anyway. Kind of ironic.
Personally, I still keep a spare key with a neighbor just in case. Old habits die hard... but I can’t deny the convenience factor of punching in a code when my hands are full of groceries.
Funny, I’ve had the same internal debate—modern convenience vs. preserving the old charm. I’m pretty picky about what goes on my 1920s front door, so I went with a retrofit keypad that just replaces the thumbturn inside. No new holes, no messing with the antique brass outside. Battery anxiety is real though... I set a calendar reminder to swap them every six months, but I still keep a physical key hidden in the garden shed. Trust issues, maybe, but tech isn’t foolproof and neither am I.
