Make A Metal Fish Key Holder

If you find yourself annoyed by carrying around your keys when in your own house, but worried that if you put them down you'll loose them, then a key holder is probably a good investment for you. In this Instructable, I'll demonstrate how I made a set of key-holding hooks out of a sheet of steel and steel rod. This project does not require welding know-how or equipment, only common and simple hand tools.

Now, a rack of hooks would just be pretty boring, so I decided to make the rack look like a fish, that I then colored using nothing but the heat of my blowtorch.

Some of my previous projects also cover the metalworking techniques demonstrated in this Instructable.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Simple-Metalworking-Techniques-and-Making-a-Steel-/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Flame-Coloring-and-Making-a-Steel-Flower/

http://www.instructables.com/id/More-Metalworking-Techniques-and-Making-a-Steel-Bi/

Step 1 Tools and Materials

For this project, we will need all of the following:

Materials:
- 18 gauge sheet steel
- 1/4" steel rod ( 1.5 feet is enough )
- Rivets

Material cost: $8 ( with plenty of leftovers )

Safety Equipment:

- Thick gloves
- Goggles
- Ear Protection
- Long Sleeves and Pants

A shop apron is probably a good idea, and a well-ventilated area is a must.

Tools:
- Ball-peen hammer
- Anvil
- Pliers
- Tin snips
- Blowtorch
- Drill with 1/8" bit
- Bucket of water
- Vice
- Tape
- Scissors
- Nail for scratching
- Wet cloth
- Locking pliers
- Center punch
- Scrap leather
- Cutter
- Spray-on clear coat sealant

Comments

[CatTrampoline]

I love it! The directions are very clear and detailed for folks who have never done any metalworking and the finished product is great. I especially like how you give instructions on rounding off the edges so the project does not become a fish-shaped razor blade.

[mattthegamer463]

Thanks, glad you liked it.

[lookinfornewideas]

Perfect for the boat keys!! A MUST have for all fisherman! I think I'm gonna use real hooks...(after cutting off the barbs, I get enough hooks in my fingers on the lakes..)

[mattthegamer463]

Big hooks would definitely work, but file them down completely flat so you don't put one through your hand while reaching for your keys.

[porcupinemamma]

nice 'ible ..."fish hooks" lol ;0)

[mattthegamer463]

I see the irony is not lost on everyone ;)

[codongolev]

my parents have one of these... except it's bunnies.

[colin353]

fish hooks? so ironic...

oh my god I think I just blew my mind