Things - Cut Keys and Make Them Smaller and Lighter!
Mar 23, 2009
On my show, Things, I show people who make things or I make something myself. Today I bring you Raphael Abrams who I found using a hacksaw to make his pockets lighter by cutting off the parts of keys that he didn't need! This is a great tip and everyone can do it!
Remember, you're responsible for your own safety. Tools can be dangerous, even in expert hands. Be safe and always wear safety glasses! MP4 Link
Raphael is also working on a great project called doodlebird where he draws a picture everyday. Go check out his doodlebird blog to see his latest artistic drawings, they're great!
I'm sponsored by Squarespace, a company that makes it easy for people to make great websites and blogs. Check them out if you are on the lookout for a place to make something awesome happen on the internet.
Reader Comments (4)
The "bit" not to cut off is the Shoulder of the key and does, indeed, allow the bitting to line up to the pins.
However, with BEST style SFIC locks the keys are "tip-stopped" instead of shoulder-stopped, so you could theoretically remove the entire bow (part he's cutting into) of the key with no ill effects.
http://www.timelocksecurity.com/instakey/images/FalconKey.jpg - for an example of a BEST style key.
I think this is a great idea, but you should only cut one side, maybe the one that's on the top when you insert the key. Not only does this make it super-easy to insert your key instinctually, but also allows the keyhead to maintain its purpose in the first place: torque!
I have that same bike lock and the keys are MASSIVE.
Consider me inspired!
Just make sure you don't try this with a newer-model car key. Many of those contain the little rfid chip that allows the car to start only w/ an "original" key.