Car Keys can be Versatile
Cars and their keys have evolved over the last few decades, although normally, your car key’s purpose is to open your car’s doors and start its engine.
However, the seemingly simple car keys can do much more than only operate a vehicle.
Does that sound a bit strange? It may.
Wear and tear take its toll on a key, and eventually, it stops functioning. Even though a professional car locksmith may be able to fix your key, sometimes, it becomes evident that the key is damaged beyond repair. Do you have to toss that damaged key? Absolutely not, it might still have a use.
But I’m not just talking about old keys that you no longer use, actually, you can make good use of your current car key in certain situations.
From saving your life to making your own jewelry, here are 5 alternative ways you can use your car key.
- Self Defense
Can a car key save your life? Yes, and it has saved lives before.
In life-threatening situations, such as getting mugged or being in your car while an auto theft takes place, you can turn your car key into a weapon for self-defense.
You read that right, a weapon.
The blade of a car key can do much more damage than a bare fist, this is especially helpful if your attacker is a bigger, stronger person or when you are outnumbered.
To use it effectively, put the key in your dominant hand, laying it on the bulge at the base of your index finger. Next, hold the key firmly and aim for vital points, such as the eyes, ears, and between the legs.
Hopefully, you will never have to use this technique to defend yourself, but it’s a good idea to keep it in mind, just in case. Also, don’t forget about your car key remote. It is suggested to have your car key remote by your bed so that should someone break into your home while you are sleeping, you can hit the panic button and the intruder will likely go running. They certainly don’t want the extra attention!
- Cleaning Tool
When your car keys become worn out, you can still use them to clean items or hard-to-reach places.
For instance, after a rainy day, you come home with a muddy pair of boots.
No worries, you can turn an old key into an improvised cleaning tool. Simply dig out the mud from the soles of your boots with the tip of the key, it fits nicely between the treads and saves you from mucking up a newer perfectly good key.
- Key Rack
It is a little bit ironic you can re-purpose a key into a key rack, a key to hang other keys on, that is pretty funny.
Simply grab a pair of pliers and bend the key blade into a hook. Then mount it on a wooden board using glue or screws and voila! The car keys already have convenient holes for you to nail it in place. Plus they are certainly made of strong enough material to hold quite a bit of weight.
Furthermore, you can use your new rack to hang other items such as jackets or even jewelry.
- Key Jewelry
Since extra keys are commonplace, many have been using them to create personal jewelry and accessories.
Often, a key becomes a pendant on a necklace, but depending on its size, you can incorporate an old key into a bracelet, earrings, or even cufflinks.
Here are a couple of tips if you decide to try this, though. First, old keys look better than contemporary ones from a design idea. And second, unless the car keys are small and light, it’s a better idea not to make them a part of earrings. Your poor earlobes will suffer! But if the key holds some special meaning, why not a charm hanging from a chain?
- Plumb Bob
Sometimes, if you are painting a section of your house or doing some indoor job, you need a reference line to make sure everything works out neatly.
A plumb bob is a weight that is suspended from a string and used for vertical reference.
To make your own plummet, you only need to tie your old key to a string. Yes, it is that easy. The keys are usually pretty straight, and strong so they are perfect for this job in a pinch.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, a car key can do more than what it is meant for. From saving your life to cleaning your boots, there is a wide range of alternative uses of a mere key. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended to consult a trustworthy auto locksmith before you deem it inoperative. Lastly, if none of those uses interest you, consider donating your old keys. Keys for Kindness, an organization that raises money for multiple sclerosis by recycling metal.
Chicago Car Keys is a professional automotive locksmith company. Contact us by calling (773) 521 7000 or visiting our locksmith shop at 4346 West 51st Street.
