Fit a key safe to an exterior brick wall

Fit a key safe securely to exterior brick, checking for cables first and sealing it against weather.

KS-01Choose the positionPick a spot near the door but out of direct sightline from the street, at a comfortable height (roughly 1200-1500mm off the ground). Avoid fixing near a downpipe, airbrick or damp patch, and check the wall is solid brick or block, not a rendered timber frame extension. Check whether the property is listed or in a conservation area before drilling into the outside wall.

RULES

KNOW THE RULES

If the building is listed, you need Listed Building Consent before fixing anything to the exterior wall, even a small key safe. Check with your local council if unsure.

KS-02Check what's behind the wall before you drillRun a cable and pipe detector over the area, but do not trust it completely — detectors can miss cables in metal conduit or buried deep, especially near an alarm box, outside light or old wiring run up from below. Find your stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink) and check it turns freely, so you can shut off the water fast if you hit a pipe. If there's any doubt, isolate the relevant circuit at the consumer unit before drilling.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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KS-03Gather your tools and fixingsYou'll need a masonry drill bit sized to match the plugs supplied with the key safe (commonly 6mm or 8mm), a hammer drill, wall plugs rated for exterior masonry, and stainless steel screws so they don't rust. Add a spirit level, pencil, tape measure, dust mask and safety goggles.

1 each · Key safe (exterior grade)

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1 each · Masonry drill bit 6-8mm

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4 each · Exterior-rated wall plugs

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4 each · Stainless steel screws 50-60mm

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KS-04Mark the fixing holesHold the key safe against the wall at your chosen height and use a spirit level to get it straight. Mark through the fixing holes on the back plate with a pencil, then double-check the marks are level before you drill.

1 each · Spirit level

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KS-05Drill the fixing holesWearing goggles and a dust mask, drill each marked point with the masonry bit, going about 5mm deeper than the plug length so it seats fully. Drill straight and steady — don't force it, brick drills slower than blockwork. Blow or brush out the dust from each hole before inserting the plugs.

1 set · Safety goggles and dust mask

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KS-06Fit the plugs and fix the key safePush a wall plug into each hole flush with the surface, tapping gently with the handle of a screwdriver if needed. Hold the key safe in place and drive the screws through the back plate into the plugs, tightening until snug — don't overtighten and crack the plug. Check the safe doesn't rock or twist once fixed.

1 each · Screwdriver or drill driver

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KS-07Weatherproof the fixingRun a thin bead of exterior silicone sealant around the top edge and sides of the back plate, and dab a little over each screw head. This stops water tracking behind the safe and rusting the fixings from inside.

1 tube · Exterior silicone sealant

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KS-08Set your code and test itFollow the manufacturer's instructions to set your own code — most safes need the factory code entered first. Open and close it a few times to make sure it works smoothly before you rely on it, then store your key inside.

KS-09Tidy upSweep or vacuum up any brick dust from the ground below the safe. Wipe down the wall and dispose of packaging responsibly.

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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