Introduction: How to Hide a Key, Effectivley
So, my house got broken into over the summer. Since then, we've been changing locks and such, until we got to a door with a huge window in it.
It's the door that goes outside to our firewood storage area, and we use it regularly. Only issue is, any lock we put on it can be opened by just breaking the glass, and putting your arm through.
We narrowed our options down to two, get a new door without glass, or a double locking deadbolt.
So, after hours of battling with the lock, one side one side working, and the other not, (Bought at home depot, figures) we had to make the tough decision about what to do with the key. We couldn't just leave it in, or put it anywhere close by. That would defeat the purpose.
We decided to disguise it. Read on for details, if the picture isn't enough.
It's the door that goes outside to our firewood storage area, and we use it regularly. Only issue is, any lock we put on it can be opened by just breaking the glass, and putting your arm through.
We narrowed our options down to two, get a new door without glass, or a double locking deadbolt.
So, after hours of battling with the lock, one side one side working, and the other not, (Bought at home depot, figures) we had to make the tough decision about what to do with the key. We couldn't just leave it in, or put it anywhere close by. That would defeat the purpose.
We decided to disguise it. Read on for details, if the picture isn't enough.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials and Tools
There's not a lot you need.
For parts, you need a spare light switch plate, a dimmer knob, and obviously, a key.
For tools, you need a torch (lighter works, torch better), a pair of pliers, and a 4 sided square file, a glue gun, and hot glue sticks.
For parts, you need a spare light switch plate, a dimmer knob, and obviously, a key.
For tools, you need a torch (lighter works, torch better), a pair of pliers, and a 4 sided square file, a glue gun, and hot glue sticks.
Step 2: Make the Knob and Key Assembly
Honestly, I didn't do this the best way that I could have done it. It still works, but, I suggest using better methods. Perhaps using a dremel or milling out the space for the key, instead of how I did it. But I didn't feel like breaking out any tools, so, bear with me.
First, grab the key with the pliers. You wouldn't want to get a severe burn. Then start the torch up, and proceed to heat the end of the key that'll go into knob. Check every few seconds for when it's hot enough to melt the plastic ring type thing in the middle of the knob. Once it's at that point, turn off the torch, and melt yourself a groove in the knob where the key will reside. Push it down with the pliers until it hits the bottom, then stop and hold the key straight up till it cools. I wouldn't recommend dipping it in water, since the plastic may crack.
Once that's cooled, grab your glue gun, and fill in the area around the base of the key. This isn't completely necessary, if your key is held in good enough by the melted plastic, but I did it for added strength.
First, grab the key with the pliers. You wouldn't want to get a severe burn. Then start the torch up, and proceed to heat the end of the key that'll go into knob. Check every few seconds for when it's hot enough to melt the plastic ring type thing in the middle of the knob. Once it's at that point, turn off the torch, and melt yourself a groove in the knob where the key will reside. Push it down with the pliers until it hits the bottom, then stop and hold the key straight up till it cools. I wouldn't recommend dipping it in water, since the plastic may crack.
Once that's cooled, grab your glue gun, and fill in the area around the base of the key. This isn't completely necessary, if your key is held in good enough by the melted plastic, but I did it for added strength.
Step 3: Take Care of the Plate
Depending on which kind of key you have, it might be larger than the hole in the plate. If it is, then take the 4 side file and sand the top and bottom. Continually test the key, to make sure you have a good fit. Alternatively, you could use a dremel.
Once that's done, you want to mount the plate on the wall. You need to make sure it's NOT on a stud, just in drywall. This is so the key can go in without any issues. Don't forget to use a level!
Once that's done, you want to mount the plate on the wall. You need to make sure it's NOT on a stud, just in drywall. This is so the key can go in without any issues. Don't forget to use a level!
Step 4: Make the Key Fit
Simplest step. Just push the key through the drywall in the hole of the plate. Do it slowly, so it's just a hole, not a crater.