Keys

[Wolfiefan]

Boring I know!
We've just got new double glazing and a new front door. The old one was locked as soon as you shut it. The new door requires locking once closed. I don't want to leave a key in or too close to the door but need to be able to open the door without hunting round for keys. What do you do!?

Keys on a lanyard round the door knob

I don't want a potential burglar helping themselves to the keys through the letterbox! I could put a hook high up.

Please don't put your keys on a lanyard hanging off the door handle! A hook through your letterbox will pick them up so easily!

We just put ours somewhere consistent but not reachable from the letterbox by someone using a long stick with a hook. It will depend completely on your own home layout.

Oh I don't have a letterbox as it's flats so no issue for me

We have a little keyhook just inside the kitchen - close to the front door but too far for anyone to see/reach through the letterbox. We just got into the habit of ALWAYS hanging the keys there, so they don't get lost.

you can put a cuphook on the top corner of the doorframe furthest from the opening side, where it can't be seen or grabbed from outside.

Mostly you won't need it. Every time you come in you will have a key. Every time you go out you will have a key.

Change the lock barrel for a thumb turn. Can DIY it

Safer in a fire. Doesn’t auto lock but don’t need keys to get out.

We take our keys upstairs at night for security so the thumb turn means we can get out in an emergency without keys

yes, an "escape lock" or a thumbturn means you can always get out in an emergency, so insurers permit them, for example in flats where there is no other way out, and you can't climb through a window.

Very insecure if you have a nearby letterbox, though, as there are some techniques for manipulating turns and handles, and even a key if you have left it in the lock or hanging on the doorknob.

Thumbturns are also handy on bathroom and WC doors, where you have no need of a keylock, and an emergency slot can be used on the outside. Might also be useful for bedroom privacy. They are available in standard sizes so can often be fitted in an older house to match the original.

Thanks Piglet. Letterbox is near. If it wasn't I would leave a spare key in the lock. Maybe just a hook up high where it can't be seen or reached through letter box.