Key safes are a great bit of kit that are designed to be installed by anyone and without the need of a professional. Most brand’s include all of the hardware required to install a key safe within the box as well as instructions. However, if you are yet to purchase a key safe yourself, we have a guide that shows how to install a key safe in just six steps.
As you can see in the image above, we installed the best rated key safe to one of our properties. It’s known as the Supra C500 and it’s a police approved key safe that we would highly recommend.
Where To Put A Key Safe
Before you even begin to install a key safe, you will want to decide upon a location to put it. The best location to put a key safe is somewhere that’s out of view but still receives some light for anyone that uses it. Ideally, you also want it to be easily accessible without having to reach or bend over in awkward positions. Most brand’s will also state that it shouldn’t be installed upon the edge of a wall and it should be at least 6 inches away.
What You’ll Need
- Corded hammer drill and masonry drill bit
- Red plugs and screws (usually included in the pack)
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Pencil and tape
- Spirit level (optional)
How To Install A Key Safe
1. Set The Code
Before you begin to install your key safe, it’s recommended to set the code beforehand as it’s much easier to do it now before its mounted to the wall.
2. Drill Mounting Holes
Use the mounting hole template to mark the drill holes in the wall. Once the holes have been marked out, drill the holes using a corded hammer drill and a masonry bit.
3. Clear Any Dust & Debris
Before placing in any of the rawlplugs, use a brush to clear away any dust and debris.
4. Position The Key Safe
Position the key safe so that the newly drilled holes line up with screw holes inside.
5. Tighten The Screws Inside
Tighten each of the screws required to mount the key safe. You’ll want to tighten each screw bit by bit and ensure that the screw heads are fit snugly against the back of the key safe.
6. Test Locking & Unlocking
Now that you have installed the key safe, you can test that the code works and that it securely locks in place.
How To Change The Code
Depending upon the key safe you are using will determine the method to which you change the code. However, the majority follow similar steps in order to change the code on the key safe:
- Open the cover
- Press and hold the “clear” button
- Enter the existing code and then turn the open dial
- Slide the plastic instruction card on the lid and remove
- Turn the open dial back to its locked position
- Use the plastic instruction card to turn all the grey dials to the “off” position
- Use the card to turn the grey dial 180 degrees until the button pops back up completely
- Set your new code and then place the card over the back of the lid
- Test that the new code works
How To Open It Without A Code
If you need to open a key safe without a code, you can do so by removing it from the wall. This can be achieved by locating the screws from within the vault and using heavy duty power tools to gain access to the screws.
Conclusion
Although a key safe is relatively easy to install, you will want to follow the brand’s instructions very carefully. The reason we are stating this is because it may invalidate the security rating certification as well as any warranty. The above steps walk you through everything you need to know regarding the installation of key safes. However, depending upon the key safe you choose, there may be some differences due to the amount of different key safes on the market.
