How to Add a Secret Key Slot in a Rug

Introduction: How to Add a Secret Key Slot in a Rug

* Warning, Self-Promotion Ahead

This is my first Instructable, so if you like it, vote for it in the Rug Challenge and/or the Dorm Hacks Contest.

You know when people leave their spare key under the welcome mat? Well, I found this very predictable but still helpful. That was why I got the idea to make a secret slot in the mat/rug. The idea is very simple, but it is much safer than simply just putting the key under the mat. Making the slot only takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on how careful you want to be.

Step 1: Tools and Materials Needed

You will need:

  • a rug/welcome mat
  • duct tape
  • a ruler
  • an X-acto knife
  • a label
  • and a sharpie
  • packaging tape is also optional

You can use any type of rug as long as it is not too thin.

Step 2: Cut Out the Slot

With your marker, make a 4 cm * 7 cm rectangle. Then, carefully score(cut through only the top layer) along the lines without cutting through the whole rug. This is where you want to be careful. After scoring along the line, cut out of the slot with the knife by lifting the scored rectangle up and cutting through the side. (Sorry, I wasn't able to get a picture of this part.)

Step 3: Put the Key Into the Slot

The key should fit into the slot and not stick out too much. After the key is in the slot, put a small piece of duct tape over the slot.

Step 4: Prepare Your Label

If your label is like mine, than it has lost it's stickiness. The simple fix to this is just to use some packaging tape and fold it to make it double sided. (If you don't know how to do this just look up "how to make a single piece of tape double sided") Place your double sided tape pieces around the edges. It is also optional to add some extra double sided pieces of duct tape so the label sticks better.

Step 5: Add the Label

This last step is very simple. Now, all you have to do is place the label over the slot, covering it. Try to make it look as unsuspicious as possible.

Step 6: Enjoy!

I forget my key a lot of the time so I find this very useful. Tell me what you guys think and if you like this Instructable, be sure to vote for it in the Rug Challenge and/or the Dorm Hack Contest.

Rugs Challenge

Runner Up in the
Rugs Challenge

Dorm Hacks Contest 2016

Participated in the
Dorm Hacks Contest 2016

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    8 Comments

    0
    Aiesas
    Aiesas

    6 years ago

    Two vote from me!!

    0
    offseid
    offseid

    6 years ago

    Ya got two votes from me! Welcome to Instructable. Nice job.

    0
    the6thstar
    the6thstar

    Reply 6 years ago

    Thanks! Every vote helps!

    0
    offseid
    offseid

    Reply 6 years ago

    Um, Instructables.

    0
    mlawing
    mlawing

    6 years ago

    I'd have never thought to hollow out the substrate on a rug. Nice project!

    0
    the6thstar
    the6thstar

    Reply 6 years ago

    Thanks! I actually did not know what the "substrate" was called so I didn't mention it.

    0
    indywave
    indywave

    6 years ago

    This gives a new meaning for I hid a key under the rug

    0
    Swansong
    Swansong

    6 years ago

    This is a good way to hide it :)