Introduction: Volkswagen (VW) Ring From Old Key
When I was 16 years old I bought my first VW (1970 beetle) and have never looked back. Over the next 16 years I have own a couple more, and if anything the love for them has increased. Recently while working on a good friends camper, I was looking at and old key in my hand and thought, these would make great rings. So it was my friends birthday the other day and thought I would give it a go.
Please forgive the crudeness of this instructable, I have never attempted making rings before.
In the end I was very happy with the end result, as was my friend, and I think any VW enthusiast would love one of these (I made a couple....)
Enjoy.
Step 1: Materials
So, the materials for this project are pretty straight forward.
First you will need a key or several keys. I had a bunch laying around that I had picked up over the years.
you'll also need the following:
A blowtorch (or other heat source)
a mandrel (for sizing) I did not end up using mine in the end
A pipe to rap the key around (I used some scrap that was similar in size to what I wanted, but you could also use a steel Mandrel to get a perfect fit)
A hammer (I used a regular hammer for the grunt work and a jewelers hammer for some finer touches)
A pair of vice grips
Some metal polish
A dremel with a buffing attachment
Step 2: Heat It Up
Place the key under the flame of the blowtorch. Wait till it starts to a light pink, then dip it in some water (I found it to be to brittle if you tried to bend the key when it was to hot)
ATTENTION: Please make sure you use blowtorches outside or in well ventilated areas.
Step 3: Clamp and Hammer
I clamped the key to the end of the pipe (placed some cardboard between the vice grips and the key to prevent scratching) and slowly began to hammer the ring around the pipe. I had to heat it two more times to get the desired shape.
Step 4: Touch Up
Once I had the rough shape I wanted, I used the jewelers hammer to even out any inconsistencies.
Step 5: Amost There
Here you can see the rings before being cleaned up. They look pretty rough....
Step 6: Polish Up Those Rings
Use your polishing attachment on your Dremel to help with this stage. You could do this by hand, but the Dremel makes for a great finish. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Step 7: All Finished
And that's it. Here is a photo of the 3 stages of the ring. The whole project took about an hour and the final result looks great. These old keys are a little banged up, but I think that adds to the charm.
I hope you have enjoyed this Instructable.

Second Prize in the
Jewelry Contest
1 Person Made This Project!
- NikkiM73 made it!
31 Comments
Question 1 year ago
Please could you tell me if you sell these rings just I got a key someone tried to make it into a ring but sadly broke the key
thank you
5 years ago
Hello, I would like to know how long did you keep the key under the blowtorch? I have the yellow blowtorch and would like to know what kind of hammer do you use for bending the keys?
Reply 4 years ago
I just used a pair of pliers to hold the ring and used a brass jewelers hammer, not not nee to much force.
8 years ago
totally going to make. I even have some vintage keys. I will post my pics when complete
Reply 5 years ago
hello, I would like to know how long it took you to put the key under the blowtorch? I have the yellow blowtorch which heats the metal faster it would mean so much to me to please let me know also what hammer did you use for bending the key? Please let me know it is much appreciated.
Thank you
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Cheers, look forward to seeing the pics.
6 years ago
I am going to do this with the original key for my 1973 1303 Beetle, as it doesn't fit any of the locks! Thank you! Peace. xx
Reply 5 years ago
Hello, I would like to know how long did you leave the key under the blowtorch for? I have the yellow one which heats the metal faster and I was wondering what you used and how long it took you to do it.
6 years ago
Love the idea! My favorite car I owned was a VW Passat 2012
8 years ago
Awesome.
8 years ago on Introduction
Congrats on being a finalist!
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Cheers Emily, all the best to you as well
8 years ago on Introduction
*like
8 years ago on Introduction
very cool. I want one. How do I get a vw key like the ones you have?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Cheers. I Have been collecting keys for years, get them mainly form swap meets, but you can find them on ebay sometimes.
8 years ago on Introduction
Sweet, did you make an extra for me? They look rad.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Don't panic, I have one for you. I'll ring it home this summer.
8 years ago on Introduction
sooo cool!!!
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Cheers
8 years ago
cool idea, and greatly executed