Introduction: DIY KeySmart/Key Organizer
So, I was browsing the internet and came across a couple of key organizers such as these: http://getkeysmart.com/products/keysmart and http://www.keybar.us/aluminum-key-bar/
These are pretty cool right? What's not cool is their price tag, so why not make one that is just as effective and durable for a fraction of the cost? This project in all of its entirety costs ~$6.80 (not including keys). That's more than $38 dollars less than the name-brand key organizers!
Today, I have the honor of showing you how to make your very own KeySmart/KeyBar/Key Organizer. It keeps your keys all organized, easy to use and take out, and no more key "jingle"!
Step 1: Materials
So here's what you'll need for this project:
Keys (Preferably 3+)
2 Mending plates ☺
2 Bolts ♥
2 Nuts
Key loop ♦
*Using all the items on this list will cost you about $6.80.*
☺I used 3.5" but these 3" ones should work just as fine.
☻Amount of washers needed depends on how many keys/key loops you want to store
♥ I used hex bolts but these are fine
♦ You can make a key loop out of a soda tab. I'm not sure what this piece is called though.
Step 2: Beginning Your Key Organizer
Start by inserting your bolts to the end holes of one of your mending plates. Then, flip the whole thing upside down so that the threaded end of the bolts face up. Slide two washers down the bolts.
Step 3: Key Placement
Place two keys on the bolt over the washers you recently placed down. Then place another washer over each key, to provide space for the next key. Repeat this process until you have all your keys placed, spaced by washers. I like to place the keys in which the "teeth" of the keys face inward. Also stagger the stacking of each key so that one key from the left lays on one from the right making it so that when the keys are stored in, they all fit nicely together. Use washers to make sure that you use as much of the bolt thread as possible (I will say why in the next step). When you're finished, place two washers on top.
*Check out the pictures for clarification.
Step 4: Finishing Your Key Organizer
Make sure there are washers on top of the last set of keys/key loop. Also, make sure you have a little thread left showing on the top of the bolt. This will minimize the excess thread left showing that might catch on clothing or cause discomfort when stored in your pocket.
Then, place the second mending bracket on top of the keys, aligning the bolts to the correct holes. Then, place a nut on each end of the bolt and tighten.
The more you tighten the bolt, the more tightly the key will be held in, but it will also be more difficult to pull the keys out. Vice versa for not tightening the bolts as much.
Step 5: DIY GOODNESS
Yay! Now you have completed the DIY KeySmart/KeyBar/Key Organizer and saved yourself $38+! No more key jingle, fumbling around for keys, porcupine feeling in your pocket due to bunched up keys, and now you have a really awesome way to hold your keys! I hope you enjoyed my "ible" and I look forward to seeing everyone's take on my key organizer.
Make sure you share your experience and pictures with me if you decide to create this project as well.
While you're here, may I ask that you vote for my "ible" in the contests in which it is entered in. I would appreciate it immensely.
Thanks!
-Mark