I recently bought a used bicycle that came with a standard coiled locking cable and key. For the most part I don't foresee using the lock much as I don't need a bike for my daily commute. I'd like to put the key on my key chain, but I never know which car I'll be using to transport my bike, and the darn key fobs are too big to have both car keys on one key chain.

So I got the great idea of hiding the key on my bicycle so if I ever happen to need to lockup my bike, then I wouldn't forget the key at home. I found a great spot right away when I turned the bike upside down.

Quick and easy and free! Took me longer to take photos than to put this together.

Materials:

- Key (to hide)
- Wine bottle cork (mine is synthetic)
- Drill or Awl
- Dremel (Optional. If you need to shave sides off a house key, etc.)

Step 1: Drilling

Drill a couple holes next to each other in the center of the small end of the cork. Don't go all the way through and the holes don't need to be perfect.

Got this beauty of hand drill from my in laws stuffed garage. It doesn't get much use and I was glad it worked well with my Croc-vise.

Step 2: Inserting One

Shove the key into the cork. Fit should be snug, but since the key side will always be up when in use, no big deal if loose.

Step 3: Inserting Two

Push the cork into the fork. I didn't push too hard and there is enough exposed cork material that I can unplug without much effort.

Step 4: Ender

Yeah, this is a Walmart special bike, but I think it's a sharp looking bike and I got it for next to nothing off of Craigslist. Found out after the fact it got great reviews and rides great. It came with the free lock and key, so glad I will now be able to use it when I need it.

Oh, this should work for any kind of key. This would be a great spot to hide an spare house key. You will probably want to shave down the sides of the key with a Dremel to get it to fit.

2/2 Addendum: A couple bike repair men commented that water is mostly liking going to make it's way inside the fork's pipe when the bike ever gets wet and the key will rust. If my bike ever gets well, I'll probably just try and remember to remove the cork/key until the bike drys. Then again the next time I get the Dremel out, I'll probably carve 3 or 4 drainage grooves down the length of the cork itself. Will upload a photo if I do.