Fit a key safe to a rendered exterior wall

Fit a key safe to a rendered exterior wall securely, sealed against weather, with the right masonry fixings and safe drilling checks.

KS-01Choose and check the positionPick a spot near the door but out of sight of the street, at a comfortable height (around 1200-1500mm from the ground). Avoid drainpipes, airbricks, meter boxes and any visible cable runs. If the property is listed or in a conservation area, check with your local council before drilling into render, as altering the external finish may need consent.

RULES

KNOW THE RULES

Listed buildings and some conservation areas restrict changes to external walls, including render. Check with your council if unsure.

KS-02Gather your tools and materialsYou'll need a cable and pipe detector, a masonry drill bit, an SDS or combi drill, a spirit level, a pencil, silicone sealant and the key safe with its fixing pack. Most key safes come with masonry screws and plugs, but check they're long enough to bite at least 40mm into solid masonry once through the render.

1 each · Key safe with fixing kit

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1 each · Masonry drill bit 8mm x 150mm

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1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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KS-03Mark the fixing holesHold the key safe level against the wall and mark the screw holes with a pencil. Use a spirit level to check it's straight before you commit to drilling. Double-check the position against Step KS-01 for any nearby pipes, cables or meter equipment.

1 each · Spirit level

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KS-04Check for hidden services, then drillCables and pipes can run almost anywhere, even on an exterior wall — alarm wiring, satellite feeds and outside light cables are common culprits. Sweep the area with your detector, but still treat the wall as if something is there: drill slowly and stop the moment you feel any resistance or see anything other than brick or block dust. Before you start, find your stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink) and check it turns freely, and if you have any doubt at all, isolate the relevant circuit at the consumer unit first. Rendered walls are almost always solid brick or block behind the render, so drill through the render first at a slow speed, then switch to hammer action for the masonry, going to a depth of at least 50mm.

1 each · Safety goggles

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1 each · Dust mask FFP2

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KS-05Fit the wall plugsBlow or vacuum the dust out of each hole so the plug can grip properly. Push in a masonry wall plug sized to match your drill bit and screws — typically an 8mm plug for an 8mm hole. The plug should sit flush with the render, not sticking out.

4 each · Masonry wall plugs 8mm

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KS-06Fix the key safe to the wallHold the key safe in place and drive the masonry screws through the fixing holes into the plugs. Tighten firmly but don't overtighten, as this can crack the render around the hole. Check again with the spirit level before fully tightening the last screw.

4 each · Masonry screws 60mm

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KS-07Weatherproof the fixingsRun a thin bead of exterior-grade silicone sealant around the top and sides of the key safe where it meets the wall, and over each screw head. This stops rainwater tracking behind the unit and into the render, which can cause damp and frost damage over time.

1 tube · Exterior silicone sealant

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KS-08Set your own codeOpen the safe with the factory-set code from the instructions, then follow the reset procedure to set your own code. Test it several times with the door open before you trust it, then load your key and close it.

KS-09Test and tidy upOpen and close the key safe a few times to make sure it operates smoothly and the door seats properly against the sealant. Sweep up any render dust from the ground and wipe down your tools before you pack away.

PART OF A BIGGER PROJECT

Make a home easier to live in as you get older · Make your home more secure

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