Kingsley Guard-a-Key Black Realtor's Lockbox Portable Resettable Hanging Key Safe Combination Lock Box for House Keys, Realtors, Vacation Rentals, Black

Why I picked up this lock box

Between juggling contractors, guests, and the occasional neighbor who needs to water plants, I’ve used a lot of portable key safes over the years. I wanted something compact enough to hang on a doorknob without knocking the door, simple for first-time users, and resilient outdoors. The Kingsley Guard-a-Key lock box met those marks in my tests, and it’s become one of those “set it and forget it” tools I rely on.

Design and build quality

This is a shackle-style, portable combination box made of solid metal with a weather-resistant finish. It feels more substantial than the price suggests—dense in the hand without being bulky. The shackle has a vinyl sleeve that genuinely helps; I’ve hung it from painted steel and a powder-coated gate without scuffs.

The profile is slim. That matters because some shackle boxes bulk out so far they bang into the door or interfere with the handle throw. I can hang this on a standard knob or lever handle and still operate the door comfortably. The hinge and latch hardware feel tight with no rattles, and the dial wheels spin with consistent resistance.

It’s not a wall-mount vault, and it’s not pretending to be. Think “sturdy everyday lock box” rather than “pry-bar-proof safe.” For its intended role—temporary or semi-permanent key access—it strikes a good balance between heft and portability.

Setup and installation

Setup is quick. Out of the box, I:

1) Set the factory combination, opened the shackle, and found a mounting spot.
2) Hung it on a doorknob and later on a steel gate; both were secure.
3) Used the internal reset mechanism to program a new 4‑digit code.

You need the current code to change to a new one, which is exactly what you want for security. The reset process is intuitive if you read the small instruction card once. Codes accept repeated digits and leading zeros, so you can pick something memorable without odd constraints.

Because it’s shackle-mounted, installation is as simple as “hang and lock.” If you manage multiple properties, that portability saves time—you’re not drilling holes or committing to one location.

Day-to-day use

In use, it’s straightforward. Spin the four wheels to your code, press to open, and the door swings down to reveal the compartment. The wheels have enough tactile feedback that you can operate them with light gloves, though very thick winter gloves may be finicky. The numerals are legible, but like most wheel dials, they’re not ideal in the dark; a small flashlight or phone light helps.

Changing combinations between users takes under a minute once you’ve done it once or twice. I appreciate that it doesn’t require removing the shackle to reset—fewer steps means fewer mistakes when you’re doing it curbside.

Capacity and fit

Despite the slim silhouette, the interior holds more than you’d expect. I’ve comfortably stored:

• 3–5 standard flat house keys on a small ring, or
• 2 thicker plastic‑head keys plus a mailbox key.

If you’re hoping to stash a bulky car fob, this probably isn’t the right box. A very small fob might squeeze in, but it’s not what this model is designed for. For typical property keys, garage keys, and padlock keys, it’s a good fit.

One small detail I like: the door doesn’t spring open dramatically, so keys don’t tumble out when you’re juggling packages. The lip keeps contents seated as you open it.

Weather performance

I left the box outdoors for several weeks on a south-facing gate through rain and a few frosty mornings. The finish shrugged off moisture and didn’t show early signs of rust. The dials stayed smooth and didn’t seize, which is where cheaper boxes often fail first.

That said, “weather-resistant” isn’t the same as “submersible.” I wouldn’t store anything electronic inside, and if you live where it regularly freezes and thaws, a light spritz of silicone lubricant on the dials once or twice a season is a smart preventative step. After a sideways rain, my keys stayed dry, but I still recommend putting a spare key in a tiny zip bag if you’re in a very wet climate.

Security considerations

A 4‑digit combination gives you 10,000 possible codes, which is a meaningful bump over the 3‑digit models that flood big-box shelves. Against casual tampering or someone “trying a few combos,” it’s a solid deterrent. As with any portable lock box, a determined attacker with tools could defeat it, so situational placement matters. Hang it on a sturdy, semi-discreet spot rather than eye level on the front knob, and change codes regularly if multiple users access it.

The shackle’s vinyl cover protects surfaces but does not soften the lock itself. It feels robust and seats positively. I wouldn’t expect it to shrug off serious bolt cutters, but that’s true of nearly all portable key safes. If you need high security for long-term unattended access, consider a wall-mounted, through-bolted safe in a hidden location. For short- to medium-term access and convenience, this strikes the right compromise.

Portability and use cases

Because it’s compact and easy to reset, I’ve rotated it across:

• A rental unit for cleaner/handyman access
• A garden gate for landscapers
• A neighbor’s porch during a vacation swap
• My own front door for a medical alert situation scenario

The lighter weight and small footprint also make it less conspicuous. It doesn’t announce itself from the street, especially in black, which helps reduce interest from passersby.

What I’d change

No tool is perfect. A few limitations to keep in mind:

• Dial operation in low light is okay but not great; pushbutton keypads are easier at night.
• The interior capacity is optimized for flat keys, not for bulky fobs or keychains.
• If you forget the combination, you can’t reset it without the current code; that’s good security but unforgiving. Keep a secure record somewhere.
• In very cold conditions, the dials can stiffen slightly. Seasonal lubrication helps.

None of these were deal-breakers for me, but they’re worth noting so you pick the right style for your needs.

Tips for best results

• Place it out of direct line of sight—side gates, gas meters, or secondary railings are better than the front knob.
• Change the code between users; avoid patterns like 1234 or repeating digits.
• Add a tiny desiccant packet or zip bag for keys if you live in a damp climate.
• Periodically rinse dust off the dials and apply a light silicone lube to keep them smooth.
• Use a small split ring for keys to reduce bulk inside the compartment.

The bottom line

The Kingsley Guard-a-Key lock box gets the fundamentals right: solid metal construction, a slim form factor that doesn’t interfere with doors, a true 4‑digit resettable code, and enough interior space for multiple house keys. Setup is painless, daily operation is predictable, and outdoor durability is better than most budget boxes I’ve used. It’s not a fortress—no portable box is—but it’s reliable, unobtrusive, and practical.

Recommendation: I recommend this lock box for homeowners, hosts, and property managers who need a compact, weather‑resistant way to share access to standard keys. If you require capacity for large fobs or want keypad-style entry for nighttime use, look elsewhere. For everything else—spares, cleaners, dog walkers, contractors—this is an easy, dependable choice that balances convenience with sensible security.