Snap-On Car Key Cover

I grew weary of objects in my pocket accidentally hitting the buttons on my car keys. On my car if you press the unlock and lock buttons simultaneously, both front windows will automatically roll down. Also, there was the problem of accidentally hitting the panic button and launching the horn, and walking away from the locked car only to hear it unlock when something in my pocket found the button on my key.

I solved this problem by making a cover for the buttons on my key that easily snaps on and snaps off. My key has the buttons built in, but this would also work on a separate key fob.

Supplies used were minimal:

• small piece of heat mold-able plastic. I used a scrap piece of 1/8th thick kydex, but any similar thermal plastic will do.
• a couple of small washers for spacers. These may be optional, depending on how flat or curved the surface you are covering is.
• piece of paper and pen to make a pattern

Tools used were:

• something to cut out the kydex with (I used a bandsaw, but a coping saw or even a sharp knife will do).
• small piece of sandpaper
• heat gun
• drill & bit
• pair of cotton gloves

The first step is to make a paper pattern based on your key or fob. The pattern should cover all the buttons, and have "ears" (tabs) long enough to wrap around the sides of the key/fob. Simply trace around the portion of the fob you need to cover, and add tabs of sufficient size to go around the sides.

Transfer the pattern to the kydex and cut out the cover. Sand all the edges smooth. I didn't think to take a photo of this step, but what you're doing is making a blank that you will heat and mold to fit your key/fob. Heat the kydex until it is pliable, and mold it around your key/fob. Because you are using hot plastic, it helps to wear a pair of cotton gloves as you are molding it. Hold it in place until the kydex has set. You will want it to go down the sides and just barely start to curve around the back side. Drill a hole in the cover to allow for your keychain.

You will want the tabs that wrap around the sides of the key/fob to be adjusted so the cover will easily snap on and off. Trim and sand the ends of the tabs as needed until you are satisfied. It helps to round the ends of the tabs with fine sandpaper. adjusted mine so that I can flip open the cover one-handed.

My key had a raised dome shape in the center, so I added a couple of washers as spacers at the keyring hole so the cover would sit flat and even.

You are done! I made this cover for my key several years ago and it works great. I no longer have to worry about accidentally locking or unlocking the doors, or sending a signal to open both front windows, or having my horn go into panic mode!