Turn your boring work key fob into a fishing lure key fob.

If you are like me the place where you work has a card access system to control entry into the building.
There are many different types of credentials for these systems.
The one I use is called a key fob (though I like the name key bob better).
In its natural state it is a bit boring so I decided to change it up a bit.

A word to the wise. Check with your boss before you modify your credential. It may be destroyed during the process if you are not careful. If your boss/employer is really nice they may give you an extra key fob to work with. Once your sweet modification is made you can test it then they can simply assign an extra card to your profile in their system. Of coarse they will ask you to make one for them when they see how cool it is.

Step 1: Materials

Time Frame to completion:
Approximately 1 day.

Safety Middle:
Read and follow all directions on packages especially when working with chemicals. Always use chemicals in a well ventilated area. Always wear gloves and safety glasses. Never concentrate or intentionally inhale chemical vapors. Use caution when handling hooks. Make sure your work space is well lit. Be Safe.

Estimated costs:
$15.00 - $20.00

Parts list:
1- Fishing lure
1- Access key fob from your place of employment
1- Package Plastic Epoxy
1- Bottle Model Paint
1- Plastic cup
1- Popsicle stick

Tools:
Large Pliers/Channel Locks (Big teeth)
Dremel
Dremel 420 cutting wheels
Sand paper
Small paintbrush
Small nippers

Step 2: Disassemble

Use a large pair of pliers to separate the two sides of the key bob from each other. The pliers need to have large teeth so they will wedge the seam open. I had to squeeze gently in a few places before enough of the glue in the seam cracked to get it completely open.

Step 3: Cutting and Sanding

Remove the extra plastic from around the inner cast housing and sand to make it as small as possible. This step has the highest potential for destroying your credential. Do not sand off too much of the extra plastic. If you see copper or anything that looks like something other then plastic you have probably gone too far. I sanded off just enough to make the sides flat.

Step 4: Pick Your Lure

Once I had all the cutting and sanding finished I had to decide what lure to use.
Pick from floating lures.
They have a hollow inside and will accommodate the key bob more easily.

I used the slightly larger one from this picture. Don’t forget to remove the hooks.

Step 5: Brain Surgery

You will need to open a small area near the front of the lure to slide the key bob inside.

I cut the hole with my Dremel tool using part #420 grinding blades.

Make the opening just large enough to slide the key bob into the lure. The smaller the hole the smaller the patch.

Step 6: Patch the Hole

Slide the key bob into the hole.
Mix up some plastic epoxy.
Fill the hole to just above the rim.
Let the epoxy set up for the recommended time on the packaging.

Step 7: Sand and Paint

Sand down the plastic epoxy until it looks good.

I used 220 and 400 grit. There were a few bubbles in my epoxy after it had set. I used a small wire and some water to remove the sanding dust. The black paint I used did a pretty good job of filling the bubbles.