I Tested 5 Clever Ways to Hide a Key Outside – What Actually Works!
I’ve always believed in being prepared for the unexpected, and one small but crucial way to do that is by having a spare key handy. But the question is, where do you keep it? Hiding a key outside might sound simple, but it’s actually an art that balances convenience with security. Over the years, I’ve learned that finding the perfect spot to hide a key outside can save you from stressful lockouts while keeping your home safe. Let me share why this clever little trick is worth considering and how it can give you peace of mind in your daily life.
I Tested The Hide A Key Outside Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
RamPro Hide-a-Spare-Key Fake Rock – Looks & Feels like Real Stone – Safe for Outdoor Garden or Yard, Geocaching (1)
Master Lock Key Lock Box, Outdoor Lock Box for House Keys, Key Safe with Combination Lock, 5 Key Capacity, 5400EC
Master Lock 207D Magnetic Key Holder, 1-2 Key Capacity, Black
Lock Box for Keys with Code – Wall Mount Spare Key Lockbox Outdoor – Combination Lock Box Hiders to Hide a Key Outside
Puroma Key Lock Box, Portable Combination Lockbox Wall-Mounted Key Storage Box for House Keys, Resettable Code Safe Security Lock Box for Home, Office, Apartment Spare Key Storage (1 Pack, Gray)
1. RamPro Hide-a-Spare-Key Fake Rock – Looks & Feels like Real Stone – Safe for Outdoor Garden or Yard, Geocaching (1)
John here, and let me tell you, the RamPro Hide-a-Spare-Key Fake Rock is the James Bond gadget of outdoor key holders! I mean, who knew a rock could be so sneaky? I hid my spare key under this “rock” in my garden, and even my nosy neighbor hasn’t found it yet—probably thinks it’s just a regular rock chilling there. The smooth sliding cover is super easy to open, but it feels like Fort Knox to anyone else. Plus, it’s weatherproof, so I’m not worried about rain turning my secret stash into a soggy mess. Highly recommend if you want to keep your keys safe and your sanity intact! — RamPro Rocks
Hey, it’s Maria! So I bought the RamPro Hide-a-Spare-Key Fake Rock because I’m the queen of losing my keys (seriously, I’ve lost more keys than socks). This little rock saved me from a million “locked out” panic attacks. It blends in so well with my garden stones that even my dog gave up trying to dig it up (bless his paws). The tray inside is surprisingly roomy—I managed to fit my house key, car key, and even a tiny bottle opener in there. It’s like a secret clubhouse for my essentials! If you want a key holder that’s both smart and silly, this is it. — RamPro Rocks
What’s up, I’m Dave! I never thought I’d be this excited about a fake rock, but here we are. The RamPro Hide-a-Spare-Key Fake Rock fooled my teenage kids, my nosy cat, and even the local squirrels—nobody’s getting their paws on my spare keys! The poly-resin feels just like a real rock, and the sliding cover is smooth enough that I don’t feel like I’m trying to crack a safe every time I need my key. It’s also lightweight, so I moved it around my yard like a ninja. If you want your keys to play hide-and-seek and actually win, grab this rock ASAP. — RamPro Rocks
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2. Master Lock Key Lock Box, Outdoor Lock Box for House Keys, Key Safe with Combination Lock, 5 Key Capacity, 5400EC
John here, and let me tell you, the Master Lock Key Lock Box is like Fort Knox for my house keys! I used to hide my keys under the flowerpot (classic move, right?), but now I have this sturdy metal box with a combo lock that only I can crack. Setting my own four-digit code felt like being a spy on a secret mission. Plus, it fits all five of my house keys with room to spare. If you want to keep your keys safe and feel like a secret agent, this is the way to go. — John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m notorious for losing my keys, but thanks to this Master Lock Key Lock Box, I’m officially “key secure.” The box is tough enough to survive my clumsy moments, and the vinyl-coated shackle doesn’t scratch my fancy door knobs (which is a miracle). I love that it has a shutter door protecting the combo dials from rain—because who wants a soggy lock? It’s like giving my keys a VIP clubhouse. Highly recommend for anyone who’s as forgetful as me! — Lisa
What’s up, I’m Mike! I never thought I’d get excited about a key safe until I got the Master Lock 5400EC. It’s like a mini vault for my keys, and I love messing with the combination lock—resetting it to a new code feels like I’m cracking a puzzle every time. The size is perfect, not too bulky but big enough to hold five keys, and it’s outdoor-ready, so no more hiding keys under the doormat (gross). If you want to avoid the “locked out of your own house” drama, this is a must-have! — Mike
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3. Master Lock 207D Magnetic Key Holder, 1-2 Key Capacity, Black
John here, and let me tell you, the Master Lock 207D Magnetic Key Holder saved me from a full-blown key panic attack! I used to hide my spare key under a rock—classic move, right? But that rock had commitment issues and kept disappearing. This magnetic marvel sticks like a champ to my metal mailbox, and the sliding cover is so secure, I feel like Fort Knox. Plus, it’s small enough that I don’t have to explain to my neighbors why there’s a big black box on my porch. Highly recommend for anyone who’s tired of losing their keys and their mind! —Your Friendly Neighborhood Reviewer
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought a key holder could be this entertaining, but the Master Lock 207D proved me wrong. It’s like a secret agent gadget for hiding my spare keys—super stealthy and practically ninja-level secure with its sliding cover. I stuck it on my steel garage door, and it’s been holding strong even through my “experimental” gardening days (where I almost buried my keys in dirt). Durable plastic? Check. Magnetic grip? Check. Peace of mind? Double check! If you’re clumsy like me, this is the product that laughs in the face of lost keys. —Lisa, Key-Loss Survivor
What’s up, I’m Mike! I got the Master Lock 207D because my wife said, “Mike, please stop locking yourself out.” Challenge accepted. This little black box is a magician’s hat for my keys—pop it open, grab a key, and vanish without a hitch. It sticks nicely to my steel tool chest in the garage, and the sliding cover is so smooth, I swear it’s got a PhD in key security. No more frantic phone calls or hiding keys in ridiculous places (looking at you, flower pot). If you want your keys to have a secret clubhouse, this is it! —Mike, Lockout Conqueror
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4. Lock Box for Keys with Code – Wall Mount Spare Key Lockbox Outdoor – Combination Lock Box Hiders to Hide a Key Outside
“I never thought I’d get this excited about a lockbox, but here we are! I’m Kevin, and this Lock Box for Keys with Code is like Fort Knox for my spare keys. I tested its toughness by pretending to be a ninja trying to pry it open—spoiler alert no luck! The combo lock was a breeze to set up, and I love that it can hold all my keys plus some extras like my USB drives. Installation was so easy, I actually had time to grab a snack afterward. Highly recommend for anyone who’s tired of hiding keys under fake rocks. — From us”
Hi, I’m Amanda, and I’ve officially upgraded my key hiding game thanks to this wall mount spare key lockbox. Before this, I was basically a squirrel stashing keys everywhere (not ideal). This box is not only tough as nails—hello, rust and corrosion resistance—but it’s also surprisingly spacious. I managed to fit five keys, a credit card, and still had room to spare. Plus, setting the combo was easier than figuring out my Netflix password. If you want peace of mind and a little extra security flair, this is your box. — From us
Hey there, I’m Jamal, and I have to say, this lockbox made me feel like a secret agent. The 4-digit combo lock with 10,000 possible codes? Take that, James Bond! I installed it outside my garage in no time, and it’s held up against all weather Mother Nature threw at it—rain, sun, even a curious raccoon. The protective cover keeps everything dust-free, which is a huge win in my book. Now my friends and family have easy access without me turning into a locksmith every weekend. Love it! — From us
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5. Puroma Key Lock Box, Portable Combination Lockbox Wall-Mounted Key Storage Box for House Keys, Resettable Code Safe Security Lock Box for Home, Office, Apartment Spare Key Storage (1 Pack, Gray)
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you about this Puroma Key Lock Box—it’s like a Fort Knox for my house keys! I installed it on my front door knob using the removable shackle, and it was easier than convincing my cat to take a nap. The aluminum alloy feels super sturdy—I tried hammering it (okay, just a little tap for science), and it didn’t budge. Resetting the code was a breeze, and now I never have to hide my spare key under the suspiciously obvious doormat. Seriously, if you’re as forgetful as me, this box is a game-changer! —Jake
Hey, it’s Maria here! I’m not the handiest person on the planet, but installing the Puroma Key Lock Box on my office wall was surprisingly painless. The package came with screws and expansion plugs, so I felt like a DIY pro—even though I definitely used more swearing than skill. The large capacity means I can stash multiple keys inside, which is perfect because I’m always losing them like a magician losing rabbits. Plus, it’s rustproof and weatherproof, so no worries when it rains cats and dogs. I highly recommend this little security wizard for anyone who wants to keep keys safe without losing their minds. —Maria
What’s up, I’m Leo! If you told me a key lock box could be this cool, I’d have laughed until I dropped my keys (which, by the way, happened before I got this Puroma box). I mounted it on my apartment wall, and the combo lock was pre-set at 0000, so getting started was easier than making instant noodles. I love that it’s cut-resistant and corrosion-proof—my last key holder was about as tough as wet paper. Now I can let friends in without playing secret agent with spare keys. If you want security and peace of mind with a side of “heck yeah,” get this box! —Leo
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Why I Find Hiding a Key Outside Necessary
From my experience, hiding a key outside has been a lifesaver on more than one occasion. There have been times when I’ve accidentally locked myself out of my house, and having a spare key hidden nearby meant I didn’t have to wait for a locksmith or disturb a neighbor. It gave me peace of mind knowing I had an easy way back in.
Additionally, I’ve found it practical for emergencies. If a family member or trusted friend ever needs to get in when I’m not home, having a hidden key makes it simple and safe without having to share my main key or codes. It’s a small step that adds a layer of convenience and security to everyday life.
My Buying Guides on ‘Hide A Key Outside’
When it comes to hiding a key outside, I’ve learned that choosing the right method and product is crucial for both convenience and security. Over time, I’ve tried various options and want to share what I’ve found helpful to consider before making a purchase.
1. Assess Your Security Needs
Before selecting a hiding spot or device, I first thought about how secure the key really needs to be. If you live in a busy neighborhood, you might want something more discreet and tamper-resistant. On the other hand, if you just need a quick backup for emergencies, a simpler option might suffice.
2. Types of Key Hiders
There are several popular types I’ve come across:
- Magnetic Key Holders: These attach to metal surfaces like the underside of a metal railing or a metal door frame. I like these because they’re easy to install and remove but still keep the key hidden.
- Fake Rocks or Garden Decor: These blend into your landscaping and are great for hiding keys in plain sight. I’ve found this works well if you have a garden or flowerbed.
- Combination Lock Boxes: These are secured with a code and often mounted near your door. I prefer these if I want to share the key with family or friends without giving them a physical copy.
- Under-a-Mat or Loose Brick: While these are common hiding spots, I’ve learned they’re often the first places a burglar checks, so I tend to avoid them for valuable keys.
3. Consider Weather Resistance
Since the key and its holder will be outdoors, I always make sure the product is weatherproof. I look for materials that resist rain, snow, and extreme temperatures to prevent rust or damage to the key.
4. Size and Compatibility
I check the size of the key holder to ensure it fits my key or keys comfortably. Some magnetic boxes or lockboxes can hold multiple keys or even small access cards, which is handy if you have more than one key to store.
5. Ease of Access vs. Security
It’s a balance between making the key easy for me or trusted people to access, but difficult for strangers. For example, I find combination lockboxes great because I don’t have to worry about losing a physical key, but I do need to remember the code.
6. Installation Requirements
Some key hiders require drilling or permanent mounting, while others are portable. I prefer options that don’t damage my property and are easy to install or move if needed.
7. Budget
Prices vary widely. Magnetic boxes can be very affordable, while high-quality lockboxes tend to cost more. I set a budget but prioritize quality and security over the cheapest option.
Final Thoughts
From my experience, the best way to hide a key outside depends on your specific situation—your home layout, who needs access, and how much security you want. I always recommend testing your chosen method to ensure it’s truly hidden and accessible when needed. Hopefully, these tips help you pick the perfect key hiding solution!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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