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
- 1/2" 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)
- 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
- 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)
- Brass-Plated Steel Cup Hooks (8-Pack)
- D-Ring Hanger
- Wood Glue
- Sand Paper
You will also need the following tools
- Mitter Saw for cutting the angled corners
- Circular Saw for cutting the plywood
- Drill
- Nail Gun or Screw for attaching the box
- 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
- Start by attaching the box. I attached it 3" from the bottom of the frame using a wood glue and a nail gun
- Attach the corner moulding with a wood glue and secure it with clamps
- Attach Brass Hooks
- 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.
Participated in the
Plywood Contest