Introduction: Concrete Keys- Ergonomically Industrialised Design, Artistically Inspired... Chunks of Concrete
Embed your key in concrete. The ultimate transformation of a boring key, to a unique unusually ergonomic piece of industrially artistic wonder.
Do you ever get tired of staring at you boring old house keys?
I certainly do, I am even sick of the way they pinch and hurt your fingers while trying to open a stubborn lock.
For a while now I have wanted something different from my keys. Not only an opening experience yet something more.
I wanted style with something different, yet it had to be comfortable and practical at the same time.
What has all these things and is readily available?
Concrete my friends, concrete.
We all love to hate it.
Boring and dull as lifeless slabs conforming our lives. Forcing us this way and that. Around corners, up stairs, down stairs, backwards when it blocks us completely.
No more shall we conform to the rules of our concrete prisons.
Thus I have created the Concrete Key. An opener of passage ways, an exit to a locked room, a conformer to freedom and a way out.
Use your concrete key to free yourself, from the shackles of its unruly influence over us all.
Escape!!
Step 1: Ingredients
~ Bag of high strength cement
~ Bowl/container x 2
~ A key
~ Gloss concrete sealer
~ 800 grit sand paper
Step 2: Warning!!
During this next step ensure not to impede the keys progression into the lock.
Insert your key into the lock and mark where the barrel meets the key head.
There should be a little tab.
DO NOT GO FURTHER DOWN THE KEY THAN THIS....
or you key will not enter the lock and engage any more.
Step 3: Molding Concrete Grip
Makes a small quantity of cement in a bowl. Allow it to slightly go off.
Take a small amount and mold it around your key end.
Continue to add cement or remove as desired. Shape the cement to an ergonomic shape, perhaps your natural finger grip.
You may wish to leave the hole accessible, this will allow the ring to pass through. If a break occurs, the key will not come loose.
To do this simply insert a small tube of rolled card, the applicable size into the key ring hole. This will prevent cement obscuring the ring hole.
Let your key dry for the specified amount of time. Quick-set cement may assist in setting times.
Note: Picture for this step is missing as my hands were covered in cement. Will post a pic ASAP assistant becomes available. Just mold the now semi-set cement with your fingers like play-doh.
Step 4: Sanding
Once the cement has set as per your design, take to it with you 800 grit sand paper.
Smooth all peaks and uneven areas, as to reveal an even textured layer.
Alternatively if you like the feel of rough concrete, do not sand and simply move onto the next step.
Step 5: Finishing
Use your gloss sealer to coat the cement as to give it a wet look.
You should only need a small quantity for this.
It may be easier/give you a better finish, if you dip the concrete in a small container of sealant and let the excess drip off. A brush may leave stroke marks.
Step 6: Test It Out
Test out your new key and marvel at its ergonomic/artistic value.
21 Comments
11 years ago on Introduction
Is this a blank (dummy) key or a real one? I don't see any teeth on it.
12 years ago on Introduction
Aw, I thought it's a concrete key where everything is made of concrete. I was thinking of making a silicone mold of the key then pouring a concrete mix into it and leave it to set. Now it's literally rock-hard! Hey, you know you probably would want a small LED embedded into the concrete too, just in case :D
13 years ago on Step 3
If you have sensitive skin it's best to wear gloves while molding the concrete. I found out the hard way you can get chemical burns. Some cheap neoprene or latex gloves do the trick. (Makes clean-up a lot easier too)
14 years ago on Step 1
what happens if you need a duplicate key made wont the concrete head be in the way ?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Yes it will. Too bad.
Reply 14 years ago on Step 1
What if you were to make a dup first and then embed one and keep the other "just in case"?
Reply 14 years ago on Step 1
Yeah, or you dremel the concrete away when that's necessary
14 years ago on Introduction
neat idea. I realize this is an older ible but still wanted to comment. I was having trouble figuring out which key went to the ignition on acar I bought that had generic keys so I used a polymer clay to make the ignition key different. real quick and easy
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
It may be an old I'ble, but I still read all my comments. Yes, I would normally use 2 part epoxy or polymer clay. Thanks for your comment.
15 years ago on Introduction
sort of like your last picture, its a great way to hide an extra key outside your home in case you either locked it inside or in your car etc. just dont leave a hole for a key chain/dont put a key chain and stick the key into the ground sideways as to look like a pebble sitting there
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
It would be fine to use the key he used as out-door decoration. Maybe I'm the only one, so far, to notice that it's just a blank.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Yes, what did happen to those manufacturers? We lost them in AU. I think that is a tops idea....
15 years ago on Introduction
Why not just use two-part epoxy putty? No sealer required. Paintable. Bonus is that it can be sculpted like clay. Gargoyle head keys anyone?
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
yes putty is an option, yet I prefer the look of cement.
15 years ago on Introduction
Most hobbiests use concrete products and call them cement. You are really using a bag of cement. This is one sold at Lowe's. Ten pounds is about $7.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
I would still use a binding additive to that grade cement. If you don't, it will just crack away with any damage through impacts.
15 years ago on Introduction
Hehe, this is awesome: "Gimme yo keez!" "Umm sure, catch" "Ouch!"
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Yes indeed, a face full of concrete keys would suck.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Anti auto theft device :D
15 years ago on Introduction
Can you be more specific about the material you used? What brand and where do you buy it? Is it a 100 pound bag or do you use something else? You use the term cement and later concrete. In construction Portland cement is the product used to solidify water, sand, and rocks into concrete. But cement is also used for various glues. So I'm confused as to what you used. I suppose epoxy putty would work, too.