USB and Flip Key

by bizydad

19K3115

Intro: USB and Flip Key

This is my first instructable. I looked at all the usb key mods I could find and thought I would give it a try. My goal was to make something durable and useful enough to put on my keychain. I ended up combining an old VW flip key with built-in transmitter (cool in itself) with my own key and a 1gb usb key.

STEP 1: Get the Parts Together.

The transmitter comes apart easily. Once open, remove the components and discard. Next remove the old car key. Use a small nail or paper clip to remove the lock pin that holds it in place. I took the key I wanted to replace it with and cut it down with a hacksaw blade to a rough shape. Then I put it on my bench grinder until it was the same shape as the original VW key. I used a Dremel tool and the hacksaw put a small notch in just the right place to accept the lock pin. Insert the new key and lock it in place with the pin. This took about 10 minutes of trial-and-error...it's really not too hard.

STEP 2: Make Room for the Usb

My first thought was to replace the actual key with a flip out usb key. But, after looking at the sizes of everything I had, I decided to keep it simple. Plus adding my house key would make it more useful to me. The keys are easily interchanged if you later decide to use your vehicle key, etc.

I used my Dremel again to cut out a notch for the usb connector and to remove the plastic molds for the battery and circuit. I removed the purple case from my usb and wrapped some electrical tape around the circuit. It may be better to leave it open since the board heats up. I'm not sure, so leave a comment if you have suggestions. Once the space is cleared out, the usb slides in easily. A little hotglue secures it in place.

STEP 3: Put It All Together.

Once you have everything in place, it should go back together easily....don't force it. I wanted to include the LED light to shine a beam in line with the key when flipped out. I haven't done this yet because I'm not sure if I can drill into the space without ruining the flipping mechanism. I figured sometimes you just have to know when to stop.

I hope you like my first entry. I have more that I plan on uploading soon. Thanks for your comments.

15 Comments

cody777 11 years ago

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/replacement-folding-3-button-transponder-smart-key-casing-for-citroen-81412
this seems like it would work the same, its for a citreon but hey.

ewalker7 12 years ago

can i have toe old vw key blade?
????????????????
I need one

Derin 14 years ago

No,for a real flip key you call someone in the house to a window and flip them off to have them open the door.

bizydad 15 years ago

Thanks for the comments. I wanted to add my car key, but there wasn't enough room between the shifter and the key for it to clear. Sooo glad I checked before I cut up my car key. Make sure you do a dry fit on anything before you actually cut up a key.

imnickjames13 15 years ago

Any idea where to find an old blank VW flipout key? I want to put my car key in one and maybe do this with my Flashdrive as well. My Mitsubishi key is so bulky plus this would conserve space on my keyring

Jor2daje 15 years ago

Dealextreme sells them i believe

Jor2daje 15 years ago

here is the flip part, they also have the base

electro 15 years ago

Your local scrapyard / vehicle salvage will have loads of keys

bizydad 15 years ago

I noticed someone posted a Volkswagen flip key like this one recently.. However, he placed a usb plug in the side of his rather than use the external one like I used. I thought I would explain why I chose NOT to do this. I used the internal socket method when I built my Cel Phone USB Drive several month ago. I wanted my usb flip key to be truly portable and self contained. So, I decided against building a socket into the key to avoid the hassle of carrying around a cable to everywhere I go to plug the thing in... after all it is a keychain. I keep my flip key on my keychain and it goes in my pocket everyday. I have never experienced a problem with it, so I'm happy with choosing function over form in this case.

Kiteman 15 years ago

That's got to be one of my favourite USB mods so far! I've got a challenge for your next version (or for somebody who uses your idea) - why not use one of those flash drives where the jack slides in and out?

MadBricoleur 15 years ago

How about this: make an automatic knife case for a USB drive! lol... you know-- those italian stilettos, and replace the blade with a USB! that would be awesome. Great 'ible! convinient:D

bizydad 15 years ago

I actually have one of those and thought of doing that. The tricky part was figuring out how to access the slide. The only thing I could come up with was to cut out the lock/unlock buttons. I use this one everyday (obviously since it has my house key :) But I made one this past week that I think turned out pretty good. I plan to post it in the next couple of days. I would have liked to keep the usb inside the thing so it's not so obvious, but the transmitter is pretty small. FYI.. I salvaged the key after a 18 months of not being claimed in lost and found.

collard41 15 years ago

i think you should put the USB key in the flip thingy. that would be cool