EDC on a Key Chain, 3 Parts…

I've made my pockets my tiny workshop. In this instructable, I'll show you how I populated my pocket-sized workshop. And hopefully inspire more ideas for what can be added to your own key chain.

Welcome to the wonderful world of EDC, Every Day Carry!

This instructable has 3 parts:

1. My personal 3D printed tools and accessories
2. The 3 pieces of tools made from scraps
3. And what I've bought to fully furnish my pocket shed

Supplies

Most of my supplies are from scraps or 3D filaments

Old key and bit holder

Contact lens container

Tools:

Fusion 360

Welding gear, for the key bit holder

Saw, fine tooths

Sanding paper

Pliers and other general tools

Step 1: Part 1. Designing 3D Tools…

I'm still (one year into 3D printing) amazed at the process of how I can have an idea, sketch it, draw it and at the end of the day pick up a finished piece of fully working tool from my 3D printer.

These three items I've made just as I want them to be. The SD card holder I could have found a version of at Thingiverse, but nobody had made exactly what I wanted:-) The pencil holder for my much beloved IKEA pencils is nowhere to be found until now and finally, the sewing kit was designed so I can fix my clothes on the go.

I've had to go a few rounds to get the right fit and solid structure. They take up as little room as possible, my pockets are already overcrowded!

Step 2: Pocket Sewing Kit

I found this old pocket sewing kit at a flea market in Barcelona, I love the details and quality of it. We should all repair more and clothes are an obvious category for fixing. First I trided to come up with a verison resembling the one I found in BCN, I made one combining leather and 3D print. But I wanted to test this concept using my 3D printer and make a version fit for my keyring.

Step 3: Pocket SD Card Holder

Transferring files from my computer to my Prusa 3D printer is done with SD memory cards. I often spend time looking for these cards, no more:-) Now I always have a card at hand and swop when I insert one of them in my printer.

I drew up the card first and made the casing as small and thin as possible taking up as little space as possible. The card slides in and friction keeps it there… till I pull it out.

Step 4: Pocket Pencil From Ikea

Having a pen, marker, or pencil at hand is crucial and I always seem to be looking for one. So I decided to make this holder for an IKEA pencil, whenever I go to the meatball palace I pick up a handful of these pencils. I spread them out in my workshop so there should never be more than an arms length to the nearest pencil. So this holder keeps me with a pencil very nearby, my pocket.

It's a pretty tight fit but I don't want a sharpened pencil to roam loose in my front pocket!

It was designed in F360 and printed on my Prusa 3D printer.

Step 5: Part 2. Making Tools From Scraps…

As much as I love 3D printing I can't help loving this approach as well. Finding leftover material or objects suited for another purpose.

The key bit holder is maybe a bit over the top and not very space-saving in its design, but hey I love welding and this opportunity to weld and make a useful tool was mine to have:-)

The fuel pin was a true ONE MINUTE BUILD, what do you say Mr. Savage?!!!

The contact lens containers I've collected were just waiting for this to happen!

Step 6: Pocket Key Bit Holder

Often I find stuff that needs a specialty screw bit. To add a nice touch to the key chain I used an old key and a bit holder form my drillset. I cut to size and welded the two pieces together. Having the leftover parts I also made a key bit… not sure when that will come in handy.

Step 7: Pocket Fresh Breath

Ok, so this mini container could store a lot of things. I've chosen Fishermans Freinds, it's ok to have fresh breath at hand. This is one-half of my wife's contact lens containers, I get them whenever they are du for new and fresh ones.

I cut one in half at an angle and drilled a small hole for a key ring to fit. Now I confidently close talk with anyone:-)

Step 8: Pocket Fuel Pin

This piece has a very local usage value. When filling petrol at gas stations in Norway you can not lock the pistol grip. So you need to hold the handle for the whole tanking session. I want to wash my windshield or check the oil. Now I can, I just place this pin in the handle and it locks.

A no brainer, 2 mm steel bent and shaped to fit.

Step 9: 3rd Party EDC

The six homemade EDC items are made from personal needs. From the photo you can see more items and they are as follows:

Mini flashlight

USB drive

Foldable glasses

Leatherman mini

Step 10: Will It Fit…?!!!

Oh yes, it will… and there is even room for more!

But right now I quite happy with my pocket toolbox, still, I would love to hear other good ideas for what I can someday (probably very soon) add to my keyring!!!

You can follow this and a whole bunch of other projects over at instagram.com/smogdog