Introduction: Vehicle Key Safe
I headed off to go surfing...in my new to me van
...it has a door lock button and wouldn't work well after being tucked inside my wetsuit!
Grab an old bike frame and make a super easy vehicle key safe...
Step 1: Bits + Pieces
Just a few materials -
An old steel bike frame, large enough for the key to fit inside.
A long shackle combination lock
Vinyl adhesive paper for stencils
Spray paint - colour of choice [Montana 94 cans are my preferred for stencil spraying due to the low pressure spray]
Welding wire or rivets
Tools -
Angle grinder and cutting + grinding discs
Hacksaw
Metal files
Hammer
Drill - slightly larger than padlock shackle
Metal countersink
Welder or pop riveter
Step 2: Clean Up the End
Cut the frame to make sure that the key can fit easily inside...
...and grind off the paint to the end
Step 3: Flatten
Hammer the end flat, leaving the corners open so that any water that may get into the key safe will run out.
Step 4: Cut to Length
Work out the length that you need, allowing for a key fob if you have one...
...rough cut to length
Step 5: Weld
Weld the flattened end to stop the metal being prised apart.
Remember to leave the ends open for water to run out in use.
I was fortunate to borrow a friends welder though if you don't have the use of one pop rivets would work well.
Step 6: Clean Up
Clean up all of the outside of the frame section if you have not done so already
Step 7: Final Cut to Length
Make a nice end cut allowing for the key and the hole to be drilled for the padlock...
...clean the cut end with metal files until nice to the touch
Step 8: Drill a Hole
Drill a hole slightly larger than the padlock shackle right through both sides of the open end.
Check before drilling that the key will not bypass the padlock shackle.
Countersink the holes a little to clean them up.
Step 9: Stencil + Paint
Cut out some cool graphic stencils from some adhesive vinyl...
...stick on...
...and spray with your colour of choice
Step 10: Final Coat
As the bare metal was left by the stencils I added a clear lacquer coat to the key safe, both inside + out...this will help prevent rusting.
Step 11: All Ready to Use
Pop in the key...
...padlock to the underside of the vehicle...
...and go and enjoy the surf, canoe, run...
Step 12: Looking Good
This is a super easy little project that looks cool, I really like the ground metal stencil against the spray paint, and allows me to go surfing in the knowledge that the van was safe.
I am entering this project into the Vanlife Competition. If you have enjoyed this project, I would really appreciate your vote. Many thanks.
This project is part of my YouTube channel where I try to make cool and interesting projects.
Please check out my channel if you want to see more of the projects, if not there will be more coming to Instructables soon.
Why not check out what I am up to with pricklysauce.com
And also catch me on Facebook + Twitter
and now on Instagram!

Runner Up in the
#Vanlife Contest
1 Person Made This Project!
- ChrisCruzer made it!
50 Comments
3 years ago
Hello, maybe some people do not understand the concept because they never went surfing, I would add to the system some sensor or water resistant device, that emits a sound alarm anti-theft, Motion sensor(there are even padlocks with alarm) or when you touch the padlock, conducts electricity ahahaha
Reply 3 years ago
Sure all good ideas, though maybe not electrocuting!
5 years ago
Not bad, but he kinda locked it in plain site. Why risk it when you can put it up higher or closer to the middle of the underside of the car.
Reply 4 years ago
He had to lock it somewhere noticeable for the picture. He probably moved to a more hidden location later.
5 years ago
Wonderful.
5 years ago
Unique! Got my vote!
5 years ago
Does it fill with water when it rains? or when you wash the car? Is there a way to prevent that? Nice job either way
5 years ago
I PREFER USE N52 MAGNET TO HIDE IN THE REAR BUMPER LIKE I ALWAYS I DID AND NEVER I LOST THE KEY!!! BUT YOUR IDEA IS WELCOME TOO MY FRIEND!!! GOOD JOB!!!
: D
5 years ago
A lot of time and trouble when you can buy a Master Lock magnetic key holder for $3.52 from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-207D-Magnetic-Keycase/dp/B003WXGLS2/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_229_bs_lp_tr_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=8B2P3PCC8EGXJKJN8FQ7
Reply 5 years ago
I see those lying in the road all the time. All it takes is one good pothole to knock them loose.
Reply 5 years ago
If you're driving along with this in place, something has gone very wrong. It should only be locked onto the van when it's parked AND you can't reasonably take the key with you.
Reply 5 years ago
cheap ones and those installed on a dirty surface or a place that's not flat may fall off. The one I mentioned by Masterlock has a very strong magnet. I've been using these for years with great success.
Reply 5 years ago
and then some guy saw you putting it on your car, he walkes to it grabs it and drives off. And you insurance says well yeah no money for you mister, no keys no money.
Reply 5 years ago
No one will see me install it. I work in my garage.
Reply 5 years ago
and how exactly do you plan to put the key in there then? He made this for when he go's surfing or to a beach. You cant take those electrical keys with you in the water. So you plan on throwing that key away and then when you get back use the 1 from the magnet box? I dont really see how this is the same as the lockable box from this instructable.
Reply 5 years ago
I put a spare key in my holder. You're right, wouldn't be to safe to step out your car and place it on the car in full view of everyone.
5 years ago
Great idea! I like some of the ideas about just using conduit too - easier to find for those of us that don't have extra bikes laying around. Any workarounds for someone without welding equipment? Do you think something like JB Weld could make a permanent bond?
5 years ago
Great Idea to solve a common problem. What if you don't have an old bicycle frame to scavenge? What else might you use?
Reply 5 years ago
Electrical conduit. Cheap, readily available.
or go by the recycle yard see what piece o steel tube is lyin around.
Reply 5 years ago
I would use a small piece of copper plumbing pipe. Very easy to flatten one end and you can solder it closed instead of welding.