Introduction: Budget Key Mod

About: I make things, usually with paper, pixels, and wood. Sometimes other materials.

There are a lot of key mod products out there these days. Some of them aren't that expensive, but in lieu of the budget contest I tasked myself to come up with a key mod that wouldn't break the bank. This mod will cost just about $5 depending on where you live, less if you have some of this hardware around the house/shop. Let's take a look at what you'll need.

Step 1: What You'll Need

You don't need much. Here goes.

Tools:
- a Leatherman multitool

Or

- screw driver(Phillips)
- 11/32 combo wrench(alternatively you could get by with a small pair if pliers)
- snippers( any pliers with a cutting edge will work)

Hardware:

- one strap hanger( holes for two full sized keys) you could use a smaller strap hanger but you would have to cut your keys down to fit in the hanger)

- two #8-32 x 1/2" machine screws

- two #8-32 nuts

- two keys

- key ring(standard size)

Step 2: Assembly

Grab your strap hanger and your keys. I use my house key more than my mailbox key so I put the house key on the bottom of the strap and the mail box key near the top. Align the holes of the strap hanger with the hole on your two keys. I'm just doing two keys, but more than that is possible with a longer strap hanger.
Next thread your machine screws through the holes where your keys are at. Secure these screws with a nut on the back. Hand tighten then using your screwdriver hold the screw in place while you tighten the nut with your wrench or multi-tool.

Step 3: Finishing Up

Now you should have your keys secured on to the strap hanger. You could leave it as is but I've found that the screws can catch on things. So using the cutting edge on your pliers/multi-tool cut each bolt about a 1/32 above the nut. Watch the ends of the cut bolt these tend to be a little sharp. To fix that you can knock down the sharp edges with a file or emery cloth.
Next we will remove the hanger part of the strap hanger to make room for our key ring. Alternatively, you can leave the hanger on if it works for you. I needed a bigger opening for my caribiner so I decided to go with a key ring.
Using your pliers snip through the hanger and remove from strap hanger.
Next, install the key ring on to the strap where the hanger was.

Step 4: All Done!!!

Great Job!! You now have a jingle free key thing that didn't cost a crazy amount of moola. I look forward to seeing y'all try this and what mods you do with it!

On a Budget Contest

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On a Budget Contest