Modding a Mini Multi-Tool to hold keys

[Thumper68]

Here is a project that I have wanted to do for quite a while, I have a ton of keys for different things, what I wanted was a way to carry the ones I need all the time in small compact package.

Video on how I modded a cheap Mini Multi-Tool to hold the keys.

Enjoy.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1dM0ZkF5u3Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Journaler]

A long time ago, I started doing the same, but I realized I had too many of those damn car keys with the chip inside.

 

[Thumper68]

A long time ago, I started doing the same, but I realized I had too many of those damn car keys with the chip inside.

That would be an issue, I have heard of people taking the chip out of the key and gluing it inside the dash and then being able to use a regular key IDK if that really works.

So I got this done last Saturday morning, I have not used my regular keys since.

It is way handier than I thought it would be.

 

[Thumper68]

A few pics of the finished tool.

 

[jallyn]

Very cool

 

[verbalkint99]

just found my next rainy day project

 

[txvwnut]

That would be an issue, I have heard of people taking the chip out of the key and gluing it inside the dash and then being able to use a regular key IDK if that really works.QUOTE]

Nope it will not work, tried it on one of our fleet trucks at the day job. I dont know what the reason was but it worked once and then never again, we had to pull the chip away from the switch area and then hold it up next to it while the truck was cranked. That worked until somebody lost the chip.

 

[Thumper68]

just found my next rainy day project

I was going to use my Leatherman Micra but found this one at Advanced auto while picking up oil and filters for the new truck.

Look for one that has screwed in pins, much easier to use.

 

[Thumper68]

That would be an issue, I have heard of people taking the chip out of the key and gluing it inside the dash and then being able to use a regular key IDK if that really works.QUOTE]

Nope it will not work, tried it on one of our fleet trucks at the day job. I dont know what the reason was but it worked once and then never again, we had to pull the chip away from the switch area and then hold it up next to it while the truck was cranked. That worked until somebody lost the chip.

Thanks for the info, always good to know if an idea will work or not.

Even so this will still work for all those other keys that we need to carry.

I have replaced all the locks on the house with the electronic keypad style so don't carry house keys myself, but still have storage unit, shop, and a bunch of others that don't have a chip that I need everyday.

 

[Thumper68]

I got a PM asking a few questions about this mod, I decided to post my answers here too just in case someone else has the same questions.

Where did you get the Multi-Tool?

This one I found at Advanced auto, as you can see in the video it is a cheap piece of junk, I had no problem "destroying" it for this

How did you figure out how long to make the keys?

That was a combination of putting the key in the lock and marking it and making the keys as long as I could to fit in the tool handle.

What's with all the marker on the keys?

Well 2 of the keys were very much alike, both go in GM trucks so I marked them different colors so I could recognize them. The marker also makes it easier to see the scribe lines for cutting.

I don't have a bandsaw how else can I cut them?

You could use a hacksaw, or a dremel tool with a cut off wheel.

BTW the shop tour video is coming out tomorrow.

 

[Thumper68]

I thought this needed an update, it's been about a month since I made this and honestly I have only used my regular key ring 2 or three times for day to day stuff and that is only because the key ring was handy to where I was.

 

[Deej-79]

I quite like this idea, now, I need to go shopping

 

[928'er]

I've got three of the cheap Husky versions that I replaced with Leatherman Skeletools.

Yours for the cost of shipping. PM me if interested.