Introduction: Simple Key Holder

Build a clean and elegant looking key holder, inspired by some builders out there, I was excited to make my own. The project took only a day, one aim for this project is also to use all the scrap materials I had laying around.

Step 1: Parts, Tools and Cuts

  1. 1/2" plywood with at least 23.5" width and 14" in height (if you don't have one you can acquire a 1/2 x 2 x 4 Project Panel at Home Depot or your local store, usually cost around $6 to $15 depending on the quality)
  2. Pine Outside Corner Moulding we need 76" but since the store sell it by feet then get 84" or 7', you can find a bunch of theses in your local store and will vary in price by design just make sure the get one with an internal depth of 1/2" see Home Depot for more details
  3. Pine Base Moulding with at least 3" depth and 12.5" in length (if you don't have any scrap here's a link to Home Depot for details)
  4. Brass-Plated Steel Cup Hooks (8-Pack)
  5. D-Ring Hanger
  6. Wood Glue
  7. Sand Paper

You will also need the following tools

  1. Mitter Saw for cutting the angled corners
  2. Circular Saw for cutting the plywood
  3. Drill
  4. Nail Gun or Screw for attaching the box
  5. and a Screw Driver

Cutting the main board

  • Prepare the plywood by cutting 23.5" x 14"
  • Cut 4 corresponding Outside Corner Moulding make sure to measure using the internal/inside part and NOT the outside part

Sand everything then wipe it clean or use a compressed air duster or compressor.

Step 2: Build the Box

We need to build a box that will accommodate different sizes of flower base, this way we can swap flowers at any time. Or we can use it for other things like a fragrance diffuser

Cut the Pine Base Moulding with the following size:

  • Left and Right side 4" from the inside (NOT the outside) with one end cut at 45 degree
  • Front 4.5" and a 45 degree cut on both ends.
  • Cut a base from a 3/4" wood with dimensions of 4.5" x 4"

Assemble the box by using a wood glue and secure it with a nail gun, you can also use a pocket screw for a cleaner look.

Step 3: Staining

For contrast I went with two colors, see image above. Both colors should compensate each other.

  • Stain the corner moulding with a mahogany color.
  • Stain the plywood with pecan color.
  • Stain the box with a mahogany color

Step 4: Corner Details

Make sure the edge is covered properly. This is why we are interested in a moulding corner with 1/2" depth to cover the edge of the 1/2" side of the plywood. Now you don't have to stay with a 1/2" thickness as long as you match both parts in depth then it should be ok. Just note that to 1/4" plywood may warp if no proper support is added and 3/4 or greater will also become to heavy and you may have to change the back hangers accordingly to handle the weight of the key holder + the payload.

Step 5: Hook Placements

See image for the placement of hook. Make sure to space out the hooks evenly. I only used 6 out of 8 hooks to not make it crowded specially if you have huge key attachments i.e. car remotes + keys + others

Drill the hook placement location at the front and do the same for the hanger location at the back.

Assembly

  1. Start by attaching the box. I attached it 3" from the bottom of the frame using a wood glue and a nail gun
  2. Attach the corner moulding with a wood glue and secure it with clamps
  3. Attach Brass Hooks
  4. Then attach the D-Ring hangers at the back, I used a D-Ring hanger since this is the only one I can find on the store that day.

Wait for the glue to dry out, then hang your key holder.

Plywood Contest

Participated in the
Plywood Contest