Introduction: Concrete Keys- Ergonomically Industrialised Design, Artistically Inspired... Chunks of Concrete
More by the author:
About: I work in a D.i.Y style superstore.
I am not sure if that is a good thing or not, but it certainly perpetuates my interest in such areas.
I enjoy high powered devices of any kind.
I do not give in, even…
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!!
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
~ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.