The Key Keeper

Do you ever set your keys down on the desk, to turn around and see them walking off with the small person, aka little brother. As the oldest of eight it happens to me all the time. So I made my self this key keeper, its my take on the classic hook that you hang your keys on.

Thank you! Caleb Stephens

Materials

I used two air fittings a quick coupler and the plug that goes in to it. You can get those at any hardware store or Amazon.com.

For the wood I used a scrap of black walnut I had cut for some knife scales. You can use what ever wood you prefer though. If you feel really bold try some iron wood. ;)

This is optional but I used a 12 gauge Winchester shot gun shell to make a cap to cover the screw I used to mount it. If your not the gun type you could always use a dowel rod, or nothing at all!

Tools

A drill with a 3/4 inch spade bit and 1/2 inch drill bit.

Sand paper various grits

And you do not need this but I used a belt grinder and buffing wheel to finish some of the brass and metal pieces.

I cut my block 4 1/2" by 3" you can make it as small or as big as you want though, if you want multiple key keepers on one board then cut your self a longer one. After your board is cut just sand away get that thing so smooth that it feels like something really smooth! Remember to go with the grain of the wood as well that's always important to getting it smooth.

Now you need to make the piece that will hold your keys to the holder. I ground the threads off the fitting because I wanted to if your not picky like that then just skip this part and drill that thing!

If you do want to grind them off just start sanding with your belt sander till its all smooth. A very good suggestion that was put in the comets is to place the fitting in a drill and use a file or sand paper to crate a lathe affect. If you do not have a belt sander this would be the best way to do this step.

Drill your hole about 1/4'' in from the end of the fitting, that way you can get it on the key ring. Once your holes drilled clean it up with some 220 grit and buff it all shiny. If you don't have a buffing wheel i'm sorry I charge $20 per a fitting if you want me to do it for you.

Now you need to mount the coupler to your block of wood. I used a 1/2 inch drill bit and drilled a hole about 1/2" into the block, then threaded my coupler into the block make sure its flush and tight. Be careful not to mar up your smooth sanding job.

I used a 12 gauge shot gun shell if you want to do something else by all means do it! Note to everyone make sure you use a EMPTY SHELL! Do not try to cut open a loaded shot gun shell that's just stupid.

You need to take your shell and cut all the plastic off and sand about 1/4" off of the metal that way it fits in the wood well.

Then take a 3/4 inch spade bit and drilled a hole about 3/8 inch deep into the wood. Now I can put in my screw and then cover it up with the shot gun shell.

Then place your piece into the hole if it does not fit you might have to take a rotary tool and sand out the hole a little not to much though. Once its in your ready for the instal!

Find a stud please! don't just put a screw any wear its a bad Idea. I found two studs when I was at it.

Then put your screw in I used a 2 1/2" torx head screw with a small washer on the end. Once its on tight and level place your 12 gauge cover over it. And BOOM!!! You have your self a child proof key keeper that looks pretty good as well.

Over all I'm happy with how this came out. I think I would have made mine longer and put three couplers on so I could keep a few different sets of keys on it. Other then that I'm happy with it.

As always thank you for taking a look! I hope you like what you see and I would love to see your take on it. If you have any questions ask away.

Thank you! Caleb Stephens