Slashdot Mirror
How Do You Handle Your Keys?
arisvega writes "I lost my backpack some time ago, but was lucky enough to have left my laptop at home that night, and my cell and keys in my pocket. The inevitable habit-change that followed was to start strapping my keys on my pants, so at least I would still be able to get home (as long as I kept my pants on). But I realized I had a lot of keys: one for the outer door, two for the inner, three more for my girlfriend's place, one for the office, one for the postbox, one for my bicycle, the car, the motorbike and the roof. ... Plus, I keep a tiny Swiss Army knife on my keychain that I really wouldn't want to part with. Needless to say, this makes a jingly bunch that eats through my pocket. I ask you, Slashdot people, how do you carry/safeguard a hefty, pronouncedly jingly bunch of keys? What are the alternatives? Any suggestions on clothing or technology? Would having 'The One Key' make things better, or worse?"
move in with your girlfriend, that will save you 3 keys right there
And then carry around a crowbar, just like Gordon Freeman. It's the universal key!
three more for my girlfriends place
Why must you turn the internet into a house of lies, Ralph?
My work here is dung.
Put your "disposable" keys like the key to your bike, mailbox, the roof, and your gf's place on one key ring and keep it in your backpack, while keeping just your "essential" keys like car and front door strapped to your pants.
why do you need 3 keys for your girlfriend's place? You have 3 girlfriends?
* The lock on the front door
* The lock on her bedroom door
* The lock on her chastity belt
I keep my keys in my front right pocket. They don't go anywhere else. They're always there unless they are in my hand and I'm unlocking something. If I do set them down, I usually notice that they are missing (and also am in the habit of patting myself down to make sure they are there before leaving the house etc). The same goes for my cell phone in my other front pocket and my wallet in my back pocket. that's where they go and I simply don't put them anywhere else except for unusual situations. That usually solves my losing things issue and when people ask me how many times I've lost my phone, I can say 0.
For too many keys, since I didn't want to change my system, I eventually had to split up my key rings. One for every day, always have keys. Another for the car. Another for my photostudio. Another one for work keys. The work keys go on my lanyard at work and the others I only pick up and put in my pocket when I actually use them. They actually do fit better on different key rings rather than all on one. Otherwise, they sit in the same coffee mug on my desk at home.
I place a handkerchief in my pocket before I put my keys in, the handkerchief then protects the pocket from the sharp keys and pocket knife, and also provides padding that will at least muffle the noise of jingling keys in your pocket.
I'm posting this as I stare at all the different keys and key chain items I carry around. They include my own house keys (3), my neighbor's keys (2), car keys (3), car alarm fob (2), RSA SecurID token, trigger lock keys (4), ThinkPad dock key (1), padlock keys (2). These are only the primary keys as the backups are stored elsewhere. Add to this the optional items such as a couple Leatherman Squirt S4s and Micra, Gerber Clutch and Shortcut, keychain flashlights, and assorted carabiners and I can understand your plight. After losing a set of keys after the disengagable clip came apart somewhere along Ft. Lauderdale beach, I looked for alternatives.
First, separate all your keys based on need. I carry around my Leatherman Micra, main house key, ignition and car alarm fob on one ring. On your second ring, add the garage key, car trunk key, Shell Gas RFID fob. On the third ring, place your firearm trigger lock key, the docking station key, and padlock keys. On the fourth ring, place the remainder.
Next, acquire a locking carabiner. Don't opt for the spring loaded ones you get for $5 for a 6 pack at WalMart. You need climbing gear biners. These can be had from Altrec or Eddie Bauer or even Home Depot. Attach the primary key ring set to this carabiner.
You'll then need to purchase a pair of cargo pants, and -- this is important -- make sure that it has belt loops that can accomodate at least a 2" leather belt.
Purchase a durable and reinforced leather belt. Along with this, pick up a belt-attachable key minder. Black leather ones are cool, but nothing says rugged like camo. You can attach the second and third rings to this belt. It will also have plenty of room for your cell phone holster, your Leatherman Wave, binoculars, primary flashlight, and optionally a spool of 550 paracord.
Finally, you'll need to purchase a MOLLE vest. These can be had for $60 used at an army surplus store but new ones can run into the hundreds of dollars. An ALICE capable vest is an option, but I prefer the MOLLE attachments. With this vest you can add several key rings and similar attachment devices.
I did. And then I read the body of the post. And then I wanted to know how many different locations he uses RFIDs to get into. So I posted a reply. Asking how many locations.
DRM: Terminator crops for your mind!
I do the same thing with my penis. You can never be too careful.
my blog
Motorbike key stays at home keeping the roof key company. Unless you use your bicycle every day, take that off too. Assuming you live in an apartment and the outer door is a communal one, keep that one and one of you inner door ones. Leave the other lock unlocked. Locks are for honest people anyways. Ditch either the girlfriend or her keys. They are weighing you down too much. Get her to buzz you in. Why carry they keys? With that you are down to 5 keys. Buy a $2 keyring (don't get any extra crap, just a ring) and ta-da key problem solved.
Tune in tomorrow to learn how to clean your room.
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Actually, we do have something similar in Japan. They are e-cash cards. Suica is one of the more popular ones since it lets you ride the trains without having to buy a ticket each time. You charge it up with cash and then you use it until the cash runs down on it. You can use it to buy almost anything your heart desires (inside a train station anyways) including drinks, food, smokes, condoms, newspapers, etc... I have also used it as a "key" for some of the pay lockers. You open the locker, stick your stuff inside, pay with your Suica card and the door is locked. The only way to unlock it is to swipe the same card you used to pay for it.
"Freedom in the USA is not the ability to do what you want. It is the ability to stop others from doing what THEY want"