Where to hide a spare key or other options for when locked out

Mr Krinkle on 19/03/2022 - 14:59

I'm terrible at locking myself out.

When I live with someone else this isn't too much of an issue but now I'm living in an apartment on my own and not renting so I no longer have the option of relying on a partner or a real-estate agent for backup.

I've lived in my apartment for less than 3 months and have already locked myself out. Thankfully I'd given a spare key to a friend for this very situation and when it was required they were thankfully reachable and available. This wont always be the case.

So my options to avoid a costly locksmith call out:

Keep a spare key at work (Will need someone to
Install a keyless lock
Stash a key somewhere in the complex
Attach a spare key to the dogs leash and keep one in the car
Leave a key with the neighbours

What are your suggestions?

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Euphemistic on 20/03/2022 - 08:10

    We used to put a key out in a hollow garden ornament, only really leave it out when we were not on holidays though. Also had a garage remote with family nearby.

    Recently I installed a keysafe in an area obscured from the front door. Easy access and is handy for cleaner etc. on holidays at Christmas our neighbours could hear our smoke alarm low battery going off and I was able to give them the code to get in from 2hrs away. It’s more secure than hiding a key under a rock, quite convenient but at the end of the day despite probably being easy to pick the whole house is easy to break into with a rock anyway.

  • giftcardinspector on 20/03/2022 - 08:11
    +2

    Just install a smart lock with pin or fingerprint. I'd never go back to keys again

  • tabitha731 on 20/03/2022 - 08:19

    Do u have a garage? Keep a spare in ur garage. And if ur garage is padlocked use a keyless combination lock (enter a secret number of combination of numbers to unlock the padlock.

  • ModdySwag on 20/03/2022 - 08:20
    +1

    Shelve it !

  • subydooby on 20/03/2022 - 09:14

    Kiester that key…

  • SoapyWooder on 20/03/2022 - 11:03
    +3

    Nice try

  • gromit on 20/03/2022 - 11:07

    I used to keep one taped to the inside of the roof gutter in case of emergency obviously not so easy with an apartment, if you must just wrap it in plastic and tape it somewhere away from your apartment where if by chance it is ever found it isn't obvious that it is yours. Better still just get a keyless lock, this is what I have now, worth the cost, would never have anything else for my front door now.

  • Miss B on 20/03/2022 - 12:01
    +6

    Can you lock the apartment from the outside? Train yourself to lock it from the outside as you leave, so you don't lock your keys in the apartment.

    Between having the house key attached to my car keys (works for me because I have to drive to get anywhere) and locking the door from the outside I haven't had any issues.

  • hymio on 20/03/2022 - 12:06

    Put your key on a necklace and wear it permanently?

  • Name on 20/03/2022 - 12:16
    +8

    I'm surprised it hasn't been mentioned yet. Given you're in an apartment you're not allowed to go and install any lock you want. You'll need to run it past body corp. A lot of places won't allow you to change it as it has a heap of legal and safety requirements, particularly around fire rating.

    I'd just keep a spare key at your work.

    • idonteven on 23/03/2022 - 08:46

      Also if your complex is legit, they’ll do an annual fire safety check in every apartment which means testing smoke alarms. Any changes to the door lock will be noticed immediately.

  • JungliChilli on 20/03/2022 - 12:25

    Give it to a family member or friend you trust.

  • starburstyellow on 20/03/2022 - 12:31
    +5

    According to movies, get a safe deposit box. While you're at it, out the cash, multiple passports and a gun.

  • StonedWizard on 20/03/2022 - 13:00

    Keep multiple keys in bags, keyring, car etc and get an August lock if you can remember your phone or get a smart watch.

  • Cluelessly on 20/03/2022 - 13:39
    +1

    Under inner sole of your shoes.

    • Mosher on 20/03/2022 - 14:16

      But he might not have room with all those diamonds :)

  • Mosher on 20/03/2022 - 14:15

    Get a pitbull and hang it around his collar

    Like to see if someone has the guts to try and steal it from the dog

    • TEER3X on 20/03/2022 - 19:45
      -6

      Except Pitbulls are one of the most gentle dog breeds around.

      • dizzle on 20/03/2022 - 21:46
        +2

        Historically they were bred for the "sport" of bull baiting, and to this day are often one of the popular breeds used in dogfights. So you can understand why people consider them an agressive breed (rightly or wrongly). The key to it is how they are trained.

        The trouble is that any dog can snap, and with the strength and size of these dogs that accidental agression can cause a lot more harm than many other breeds. The other thing is that these breeds are often favoured by those that want a big muscular dog and many of those don't give the right training and discipline to control thier pets.

        • TEER3X on 21/03/2022 - 12:22
          -4

          Yeah most but not all of those fighting genes have been bred out of them. Those that haven't are normally aggressive to other dogs only…

          I've seen some monsters, but most of the ones I've come across are unbelievably gentle and friendly. Definitely the world's most misunderstood dog.

          • dizzle on 21/03/2022 - 14:00
            +5

            @TEER3X:

            Definitely the world's most misunderstood dog

            Top 5 in most dog attacks in Australia (a couple of years old, but likely still true). One of 5 breeds that equates to 75% of dog attacks in Australia
            Breed that has killed the most humans in the US (around 250 over a 13 year period. Next closest was rottweiler with around 45).

            I love dogs, but I'm not a fan of people buying historically agressive dogs and then being surprised when they act agressive. You don't see many headlines like "toddler mauled by vicous border collie".

  • RandomNinja on 20/03/2022 - 16:04

    Attach a spare key to something you won't leave home without eg: mobile phone, stash key between phone and case?

  • Pufff on 20/03/2022 - 16:11

    If this isn't a troll post.

    Get a strongbox for the keys and hide those keys in a neighbours bird cage.

  • Alexxx on 20/03/2022 - 17:29
    +1

    Hide a remote for the garage or the common key somewhere outside then have the key to your apartment hidden somewhere inside the building.
    3m double sided tape is great for this as you can attach it directly to the key (no keyring) and hide it just about anywhere, on the inside ceiling of your letterbox, underneath a handrail, behind meter boxes, behind the fire hose or fire extinguisher, just about anywhere that people can't see.

  • WhoGiveAShxt on 20/03/2022 - 18:46

    a-hole?

    • THICKnSLOW on 20/03/2022 - 19:39

      Double bagged condoms

      • trongy on 21/03/2022 - 18:58
        +1

        I saw a documentary about WWII prisoner of war camps. One former POW described how they hid their copied keys and lock picks from the prison guards while they were preparing to escape. They had to resort to an Upmann cigar case - there was a clue in the name he said.

  • RolandWaites on 20/03/2022 - 19:19

    Empty film cannister. Medium-size pot plant by the front door. Key in cannister. Bury in the soil.

    Will get your fingers dirty when you have to get it out, but ideally you'll only have to do it rarely. A thief might look under the pot, but they're unlikely to start digging through soil on the off chance there's a key in there.

    • Euphemistic on 21/03/2022 - 11:40

      Where do you get a film canister from these days?

      • RolandWaites on 21/03/2022 - 14:00

        You can buy film at Coles or any camera shop. The latter probably has empties for free

  • Herbse on 20/03/2022 - 19:34

    I have a fake stone among the other stones in my front yard.

  • THICKnSLOW on 20/03/2022 - 19:41

    Depends how your apartment security is configured too, as some apartments have ridiculous scenarios if you forget your key/pass/swipecard.

    Best thing would be to hide one internally on oneself.

  • OwMeKnees on 20/03/2022 - 19:41

    I have a set of lock picks stashed so that even if someone finds them they have to know how to pick locks :)

  • TEER3X on 20/03/2022 - 19:46
    +1

    Just keep the door unlocked.

    • Dreamcast on 20/03/2022 - 19:58

      That's what my neighbours did for 10 years lol.

  • TightLikeThisx on 20/03/2022 - 20:07

    Take a photo of the key with your phone (if it’s not a security key). A decent locksmith will be able to cut a copy of that if you provide it to them. Or learn to pick the lock with basic tools and stash them somewhere.

  • wfh on 20/03/2022 - 20:43

    OP didn't specify if apartment or house.

    But if house, you can put it somewhere in your backyard. The catch is that you might have to climb over a fence, but also, someone else would have climb over a fence to get to it. Obviously dependent on your backyard design if fenced/not fenced.

    If not fenced, then backyard would probably be better than front yard anyways.

    • John Kimble on 20/03/2022 - 20:52
      +1

      but now I'm living in an apartment on my own

      I've lived in my apartment for less than 3 months and have already locked myself out.

      🤔

      • wfh on 20/03/2022 - 21:39
        +1

        Oops - I'm blind.

  • BartholemewH on 20/03/2022 - 20:48

    Might just have to keister it OP.

  • cybapete on 20/03/2022 - 21:04

    my dad carries his spare house key in his wallet

  • Antikythera on 20/03/2022 - 22:05

    Ask your bartender to put it in the TAB safe in a sealed envelope with your name on it.

  • ozbargainsam on 20/03/2022 - 22:11

    If you don't trust your neighbours completely, cut the key in half (or more) and give out each part of the key to different neighbours. If you're in need, just find each neighbour and reassemble the key. It's the zero-trust model IRL.

    Learn to pick your own lock.

    First idea but instead of neighbours, hide it with several of those fake rocks all over the place. Make yourself a cryptic treasure hunt only you would understand to find all the pieces.

    The first and third idea, except you have some redundancy, so you don't need every piece.

    Stash some climbing gear somewhere. Leave your balcony sliding door unlocked. Be friendly with your upstairs neighbour. And you can abseil down in. Alternatively, you can keep your sliding door locked, but hide your key on the balcony, and abseil back up, and reenter via your front door.

    I live in a house, so I keep my key in a super inconvenient location on property so I hate whenever I need to retrieve it, so I'm reminded to always remember my keys.

    • drfuzzy on 21/03/2022 - 12:25

      This is not zero trust as your neighbours are also their own neighbours so they likely know each other.
      They certainly would have discussed the weirdo who moved in and gave them each half a key.

  • zjz93 on 20/03/2022 - 23:15

    Bury it under a rock

  • Pelicannn on 20/03/2022 - 23:18

    I have a key hiding in my car which you wouldn't find unless you ripped the car apart. I can then get into my car with my phone.

  • exilehunter on 20/03/2022 - 23:20

    assuming you have security in your apartment complex and randoms cant come to your door, hiding it in the complex, outside your door somewhere is an ok idea. just remember the apartment can have maintenance staff move, change, clean things so wherever you hide it, it may disappear randomly when you least expect it.
    if randoms can get to your door and if you have plants, mat, furniture, etc outside your door, its probably a bad idea to hide one anywhere there.

    best bet is to keep a key with a trustworthy neighbour, relative or friend.

  • skillet on 21/03/2022 - 00:19

    Get a copy of key in brass, gold plate. Necklace. Dont take it off.

  • UFO on 21/03/2022 - 06:13

    All the criminals are loving this thread :).

  • ModBot on 21/03/2022 - 07:44
    +1

    Get yourself certified to become a locksmith.

    https://www.tafensw.edu.au/course/-/c/c/MEM30819-01/Certific…

  • Murdrum on 21/03/2022 - 08:08

    Do you normally carry any sort of bag? Handbag or a laptop bag for work. Attach a key to an inside zip of your bag. Never detach the key from your bag.

  • Void on 21/03/2022 - 08:29
    +1

    Find a way to make it impossible for you to leave the house without your keys. Like a silly poster on the door, or drop the keys by the door so that they slide around when you open it. Maybe even a two way lock so you have to grab your keys to leave?

  • grr1701 on 21/03/2022 - 09:35
    +2

    Use the key to lock the house as you leave. Then you’ll always have the key with you. (Might need to change the door lock to suit, first, though.)

  • trapper on 21/03/2022 - 12:11

    At a normal house there are loads of hiding places, but an apartment is a little trickier.

    I would keep a spare key in a special spot in my car. Don't use this key normally and be strict about putting it back immediately after you use it.

    If you are worried about getting locked out without your car keys also then you can get a magnetic key holder and put it up under the bumper somewhere.

  • drfuzzy on 21/03/2022 - 12:18

    Tip: Hide a pencil in your garden in case your lock ever seizes up.

    I have a new lock that very occasionally seizes up and won't allow the key to turn.
    Once while locked out I read online that graphene powder sprayed into a lock will lubricate the mechanism without making it sticky like an oil would.
    I didn't have any graphene powder so I bought a pencil from the convenience store and used it to draw all over the key. Worked almost immediately.

  • antonthenet on 21/03/2022 - 12:29

    Tape a key underneath your letter box.

  • scrambledeggs on 21/03/2022 - 12:36

    Nice try, robber

  • CheeryCheapskate on 21/03/2022 - 12:39
    +1

    Key safe that locks somewhere. I got one at Bunnings (Master Lock Compact Portable Key Safe) but they have different varieties of them. It saved me from accidental lock outs a few times and it's good if you want to go out but don't want to carry anything (I use it for when I go for a run/cycle but want to leave the keys).

  • tonsta on 21/03/2022 - 12:49

    Anyone see a deal for popcorn 🍿? Gonna need it for this one.

  • netjock on 21/03/2022 - 13:05
    -1

    Don't have a building manager or concierge to leave keys with? If you are renting keep one with the agent.

  • JTTheMan on 21/03/2022 - 13:48

    Put the spare key in a digitally coded safe lock then put the lock inside a fake rock then break into your neighbour's house and put the rock somewhere inconspicuous in their house.
    Problem solved!

  • payless69 on 21/03/2022 - 14:25

    After having myself locked out 3 times I bought the cheapest Samsung smartlock online. It is crap as it allows ony ONE pin code.
    Preference would be the next model up sold under the Schlage brand at Bunnings. Stuck the rfid sticker onto the phone and would never go back.
    No keyhole for some LPL freak to insert a Lishi tool. Of course if you have a permanent network you can integrate endless functions by getting a networked one.

  • capslock janitor on 21/03/2022 - 15:38

    glad-wrapped in ya bhole

    • drfuzzy on 23/03/2022 - 01:40

      Glad wrapped in your neighbours bhole

  • gstfree on 21/03/2022 - 16:47

    Get a restricted key. In case lock out contact the locksmith and cut another key with your ID.

  • nekro on 21/03/2022 - 17:52
    +1

    Leave a spare key with the local bikies

  • akashra on 21/03/2022 - 19:29

    Is there a nearby park? Great! Find something obscure there - a rock under an out-of-the-way tree, a metal fence post, a piece of playground equipment with a cap that can be unscrewed. There's your new hiding place. For best results, colour-match it.

    Best of all, if someone finds it they're going to have no idea what it's for.

    If you want to do the same thing on your property, if you have pebbles, lodged between a sleeper and the garden bed with the pebbles can be a good place; If you have caps on your fenceposts, you can create an insert where it can go (paint an Eclipse mint tin in the colourbond brown colour used for fences, then glue a fridge magnet to the outside so it's magnetic to stick to the fence - or just use velcro dots); Got a compost bucket? Noone will check there!

  • niffy on 21/03/2022 - 19:43

    I used to put my spare in my work locker. However I don't recommend putting a spare set in your car, obviously if you park in the complex and someone breaks into your car its obvious they will use it to try to open your door. In my building 2 people had cars broken into while parked in the complex and had to recode their door lock and also means paying more $$ for the entry fob copy

  • htc on 21/03/2022 - 21:55

    Is this thread becoming the burglar's bible?

  • htc on 21/03/2022 - 21:57

    btw I remembered watching a tv series, decades ago, a guy locked himself out, neighbour was walking past and asked if he can help, asked if he can try his key, it worked! The next day, the neighour found out the guy changed the lock.

  • terrys on 21/03/2022 - 22:06

    $23 and a few minutes with a drill sorts you out. The problem has been met - and solved - for a while now.

    https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/sandleford…

  • idonotknowwhy on 21/03/2022 - 23:16
    +1

    Nice try, ya thief

  • CocaKoala on 21/03/2022 - 23:38

    I purchased a realistic looking silicone turd from ebay and put a spare key inside it and left it on the lawn right outside my house. I spray a generous amount of liquid fart onto the turd to have it smell more realistic. But we are only half way through here because we need the flies to sit on our key turd! I apply a drop of maple syrup now and then on the turd (this is also when I "top-up" the liquid fart) so the flies are attracted to it.

    Any wannabe burglar coming to my house will be instantly repelled by it. In other words, my spare key is hiding in plain shite. I've a couple of similar turds with keys in them (both turds doused in liquid fart of course). One of them I've buried outside the airport and another one is stuck to the bottom of my car with a magnet.

    The car does smell like shit, but I am at peace knowing that it's the smell of my fallback plan.

    Hope this helps.

  • sweetchilli on 22/03/2022 - 01:28

    I’ve got one of these hanging off the back of my shed, we used to use them on job sites with shared access.
    https://www.bunnings.com.au/master-lock-portable-key-storage…

  • ujwols on 22/03/2022 - 05:35

    Put keys in your office locker if you have one

  • g0dskitchen on 22/03/2022 - 06:53

    Install a smart lock. I had same issue. Never remember to bring my key.
    After I install this problem solved. Can unlock with finger print, nfc, pin, remote unlock, google voice…. Best lock I ever had

    https://www.bunnings.com.au/samsung-smart-wi-fi-fingerprint-…

    • John Kimble on 22/03/2022 - 09:39

      Woah, pretty pricey!

  • John Kimble on 22/03/2022 - 09:39
    +1

    Just left my keys in my front door overnight by accident 🤦‍♂️

    • Euphemistic on 22/03/2022 - 15:29
      +1

      burglar spent all night picking up rocks in the garden looking for a key but gave up when there was none.

  • Gnilgorf on 22/03/2022 - 12:58

    Similar to other folks here, we got copies spread out amongst household members and spares with relatives who live close by. Hopefully we never run into a situation where all keys are locked in the house.

    Though as a side note, i've always kept in the back of my mind…how would I break into my own home non-destructively if I ever found myself locked out. And wanted to pick up lockpicking as a hobby.

    Also, this thread reminds me I should get my spare car key back from my folks who live on the other side of the city…

  • kiriakoz on 22/03/2022 - 17:22

    I have a lock for my standalone garage which opens by a number combination. I put my spare key in there so I can always access it, it doesn’t rely on anyone else.

  • Gojkins on 22/03/2022 - 18:37

    Wall mounted spare key lock box in a semi hidden location in a garage with a smart garage door opener.

  • Mr Krinkle on 22/03/2022 - 18:47

    Well this has certainly become a hot topic. Thank you for the input and laughs.

    I have written to the body corporate for permission to install a digital lock.

  • ddhar on 22/03/2022 - 20:23
    +1

    Would love to be able to scream: "Alexa! Open the door!!!"

    • John Kimble on 22/03/2022 - 20:40
      +1

      You could in about 5 or 6 years if you had a daughter and named her Alexa.

      • sam-1966 on 23/03/2022 - 17:22

        I read about a women in (of all places!) the USA, who has complained bitterly about the AI or whatever being called Alexa because it is her daughter's name and the company should change it.

        There was also a woman who is offended by the terrorism outfit called Isis, as that is her daughter's name and the media should be calling it something else.

  • unelectric on 22/03/2022 - 23:23

    I'm unlikely to forget both my keys and wallet at the same time so I have a key in my wallet.

    • Gojkins on 23/03/2022 - 00:43

      but then you have to change your locks in case you lose your wallet?

  • shiznit on 22/03/2022 - 23:57
    +2

    I'm terrible at locking myself out.

    Don't be so hard on yourself, it sounds like you're actually really good at locking yourself out.

  • johnno07 on 23/03/2022 - 01:43
    +2

    "Cheers for the ideas, guys" - Your Friendly Neighbourhood Burglar

  • Dreamcast on 23/03/2022 - 09:08
    +2

    Write "Do Not Forget Keys" on a piece of paper and stick it to the back of your door.

  • Munki on 23/03/2022 - 12:52

    I saw someone with one of those master key lock boxes mounted on their car. Not sure how secure that would be though.

    • whitelie on 24/03/2022 - 01:52

      Common for surfers or beach goers, saves getting your car keys pinched while you're in the water

  • [Deactivated] on 23/03/2022 - 14:45

    Not an authority on this but personally found stepping away from the bong resolves this issue.
    "Current evidence shows that cannabis intoxication may temporarily alter or distort short-term memory processing. This seems to be caused by compounds in cannabis that disrupt neural signalling when binding to receptors responsible for memory in the brain. Interrupted short-term memory can indeed impact on learning, and may also cause loss of interest or problems with concentration."

  • unhallowed on 24/03/2022 - 01:13

    attach a bluetooth smart tag like apple/samsung to your keys

  • cupcake on 30/03/2022 - 09:59

    Leave a key in your mail box - but you have to lock your mail box.
    I leave a spare key at Mum's.

  • kiitos on 04/04/2022 - 15:08
    +2

    In your backyard, follow the long rock wall with a big oak tree at the north end. It’s like something out of a Robert Frost poem. It’s where I asked my wife to marry me. We went there for a picnic and made love under that oak and I asked and she said yes. Find that spot. At the base of that wall, you’ll find a rock that has no earthly business in a Maine hayfield. Piece of black, volcanic glass.

    Bury the key under there.

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