Introduction: Vehicle Key Safe
I headed off to go surfing...in my new to me van
...it has a door lock button and wouldn't work well after being tucked inside my wetsuit!
Grab an old bike frame and make a super easy vehicle key safe...
Step 1: Bits + Pieces
Just a few materials -
An old steel bike frame, large enough for the key to fit inside.
A long shackle combination lock
Vinyl adhesive paper for stencils
Spray paint - colour of choice [Montana 94 cans are my preferred for stencil spraying due to the low pressure spray]
Welding wire or rivets
Tools -
Angle grinder and cutting + grinding discs
Hacksaw
Metal files
Hammer
Drill - slightly larger than padlock shackle
Metal countersink
Welder or pop riveter
Step 2: Clean Up the End
Cut the frame to make sure that the key can fit easily inside...
...and grind off the paint to the end
Step 3: Flatten
Hammer the end flat, leaving the corners open so that any water that may get into the key safe will run out.
Step 4: Cut to Length
Work out the length that you need, allowing for a key fob if you have one...
...rough cut to length
Step 5: Weld
Weld the flattened end to stop the metal being prised apart.
Remember to leave the ends open for water to run out in use.
I was fortunate to borrow a friends welder though if you don't have the use of one pop rivets would work well.
Step 6: Clean Up
Clean up all of the outside of the frame section if you have not done so already
Step 7: Final Cut to Length
Make a nice end cut allowing for the key and the hole to be drilled for the padlock...
...clean the cut end with metal files until nice to the touch
Step 8: Drill a Hole
Drill a hole slightly larger than the padlock shackle right through both sides of the open end.
Check before drilling that the key will not bypass the padlock shackle.
Countersink the holes a little to clean them up.
Step 9: Stencil + Paint
Cut out some cool graphic stencils from some adhesive vinyl...
...stick on...
...and spray with your colour of choice
Step 10: Final Coat
As the bare metal was left by the stencils I added a clear lacquer coat to the key safe, both inside + out...this will help prevent rusting.
Step 11: All Ready to Use
Pop in the key...
...padlock to the underside of the vehicle...
...and go and enjoy the surf, canoe, run...
Step 12: Looking Good
This is a super easy little project that looks cool, I really like the ground metal stencil against the spray paint, and allows me to go surfing in the knowledge that the van was safe.
I am entering this project into the Vanlife Competition. If you have enjoyed this project, I would really appreciate your vote. Many thanks.
This project is part of my YouTube channel where I try to make cool and interesting projects.
Please check out my channel if you want to see more of the projects, if not there will be more coming to Instructables soon.
Why not check out what I am up to with pricklysauce.com
And also catch me on Facebook + Twitter
and now on Instagram!