USB drive in a wallet

This is how I always have my USB flash drive with me.

I use one of the tiniest models available: KINGMAX Super Stick . Other manufacturers also have similar models. And there are card-readers for micro-SD of similar size.

The size and weight are extremely small — perfect for EDC, but the problem of finding the right place for it had to be solved. So I looked at stuff I always carry with me and found a fold in my wallet.

The last ingredient — velcro to attach the drive. For such a tiny drive it more than enough.

Step 1 Materials

wallet
tiny USB flash drive
piece of velcro
thread, needle and a thimble

Comments

[overblast]

Just make sure you carry your wallet in a front pocket. Carrying in a back pocket causes back problems, and it can put pressure on the drive that can wear it out.

I'm still trying to figure out kevinhannan's trick with my wife.... Any 'ibles on that?

[djpoizon]

a wallet in the back pocket can also be stolen quite easily :) no problems with that if its in a front pocket

[ysheriff]

Great hack, thanks

[sbrown11]

in what way is that a hack

[ArlisVDV]

A hack is altering anything to make it function better for you. The term hack has grown away from just a computer type use these days.

[ysheriff]

Just a way of saying good idea

[sbrown11]

fair enough

[siafulinux]

Brilliant idea; liking it a lot.

Just an idea, you could also probably just glue a strip of velcro to the USB drive itself instead of using the tab; one less place for it to break and be lost.

Thanks! :-)

[activist]

Velcro doesn't come off that easy when it can't be bended. You'd have to apply much stronger force to detach, I suppose.

You made me realize that I just like this tag design. Doing it the second time I even chose red thread for a cooler look.

[siafulinux]

Guess it depends on how much velcro one used. You could always try and "roll" it off, but that may be kinda tricky depending on the location. I like the tag, just concerned about it breaking and losing the drive.

[Spokehedz]

Yeah, but then you couldn't flip it out and connect it quickly to your computer.

[siafulinux]

That's true... wondering now about one of those retractable name badge holders; or something similar. May be a bit bulky and could still break.

[activist]

BTW using it for years I _never_ connected it to a computer without detaching. Using it out of my house I don't want to make my wallet being exposed. And at home there is a dedicated place for the wallet.

[siafulinux]

How do you keep your wallet from being exposed; just wondering how it's used. I would think one would need to pull the wallet out and then flip the drive out. Wouldn't the wallet be left on the table?

Glad to hear it's held up; my concern was simply that the "string" could break and the drive be lost after much use.

[?A>@>:8=]

E0@0H>

[activist]

What you said looked for me like this. Took time to figure it out that you meant 'Goood'. Maybe you could use Latin letters to express it: 'X A P A I.I.I O'. Hope the problem was only with my browser(s).

[?A>@>:8=]

Very good. I also made their own hands.http://www.dyr4ik.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28510&sid=ea227f6c1ba1573a317096ecfac95222

[PaulCote]

now just add bluetooth, and the feature to store current amount of money in wallet. No idea how you'd do it, but yeeeah :)

[nanosec12]

This could be made better with a write up for each of the steps. I know that the pictures make it pretty clear, but a few words could go a long way towards ensuring clarity.

[activist]

I agree. It is indeed not too detailed. This is my first one. I did the project just making some work-log shots and only some time after did I decide to put it here. Maybe the 'Photos' way would be better for just sharing the idea. But I had those two photos of half-sewed tag so I opted for 'Step-by-step' instead ;-).

[gburnaska]

I dont get the point of this?

[activist]

Let's make things clearer.

If you always have your USB drive with you, when you leave your home, then there is no point for you in this instructable. But I really mean _always_. I see only two ways to achieve that — to put it on a key chain (you don't leave your home without the keys) or to have it on a necklace which you don't ever remove (incl. sleep, shower). Otherwise you always have to remember to take it with you.

Then you can 1. forget it when you planned to use it or 2. intentionally leave it at home ('Why take my USB drive if I'm going to granny's?!') and regret it ('If only I had my drive with me...'). Had been in both situations.

Finally I found another thing which is always with me. But common drives were too bulky for my small wallet. Then came this idea.

[mg0930mg]

It gives him a place for the usb, where he will always have it, and won't lose such a small drive.

[ARJOON]

me toooooo

[rgruchalski]

Why not get one of these:

I got this from a client from Britain. Its a credit card sized 2GB USB flash drive. Its pretty slick. Sorry for the blurry photo. I'm at work!

[activist]

It's about 12 times bigger in surface area, adding unnecessary bulk. I like my wallet to be as thin as possible (there is only one card in it). And that space where I put the drive had been just wasted anyway.

But if that drive-card is just one of many — I agree, that may be good.

[kevinhannan]

a great 'ible.

not one I can use, as i don't have a wallet - my wife strip-searches me for cash before i leave the house...really... ;-)

however, can i make one suggestion, please? make a printed label for your usb stick - i've had the pain of losing one and it hurts. velcro is not welding and so can be lost. mine now says something along the lines of "reward if found and returned" and i also encrypt the whole stick.

[Johenix]

How about adding a cheap (FREE) charity address label and a 'FOREVER' stamp? Let the post office handle the return.

[overblast]

Being strip searched by your wife every day???? Awesome! I'll try this trick on MY wife too!

[kevinhannan]

only for cash, I'm afraid!

[begusquiza]

Que buena Idea,
Felicitaciones, aunque no uso billeteras con bolsillo interno, no me gustan son muy aparatosas.
pero la idea esta buena para aplicar a otros usos tambien.

[kbs2244]

I have been carrying a Compact Flash in my wallet for years.
I just dropped into the bill pocket.
Size and shape is much nicer.
Whenever I have needed it there was a place to plug it in.

[WhiteHatJake]

I'll follow you 'cause you're awesome.

[nomax]

Brilliant! My 2 GB drivce on my keychain just died due to "heavy" handling - might try your solution next. maybe not suitable for "in my back pocket" type of users.

Nomax