Mint-tin key carrier

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By Gareth Branwyn
Posted 2009/07/31 @ 11:12 am
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When I first saw this, I didn’t think it seemed like such a bright idea — maybe because of how it apparently beats the crap out of the tin and because this guy carries a lot of keys. I only carry three and a flat LED keyfob flashlight. And I always carry a tiny-tin Altoids box with my meds in it. I’m always looking to consolidate the contents of what I carry — cut down on that chipmunk-cheeks pocket bulge — so maybe I’ll experiment.

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9 Responses to Mint-tin key carrier

Mike Creuzer on July 31st, 2009 at 12:27 pm said:

The tin was beat up from being in my pocket for 4 months with the keys. The keys ate the paint right off the box.

3 keys on three bolts would make the box much less tall. My 2 stacks of keys makes the box twice as tall.

I never considered how it would look to a fresh set of eyes, not being a new tin.

How do you keep your tin looking new? Probably less stuff in your pockets?

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Richard on July 31st, 2009 at 1:21 pm said:

This looks like a great idea. I have 14 keys between two separate key rings. Having that much bulk in my pocket is quite annoying. I’ll have to give this a shot.

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Tim on July 31st, 2009 at 2:26 pm said:

Why have a box?
Put the keys on one long bolt with each key separated by a thin washer. Consider using a chicago bolt to keep the ends smooth (google image search: chicago bolt. first image result is what i’m talking about) Use some weak loctite on the threads.

That’d be smaller in the pocket and way less complex. If you’re handy with a dremel, you could cut notches in the sides of one of the keys on an end to help orient in the dark.

Unless you use the box for a car fob or pills or something, it’s sorta superfluous.

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charlie on July 31st, 2009 at 2:36 pm said:

to give the tin a cleaner look, you could strip the paint. then you could put a neat pattern on it with electrolytic etching like i did on this one:
http://i329.photobucket.com/albums/l389/charliefreck/spiro2.jpg
i like the idea.

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John Kiniston on July 31st, 2009 at 3:20 pm said:

This is pretty cool, I have too much in my pockets too.

Do you have your vehicle keys on this if any?

I have two rings, One with my house, mailbox and car key on it and another with my scooter keys and a mini flash light on it since I dont want to weigh down the lock cylinders on the scooter with a bunch of keys.

I’ve also got a inhaler for my asthma and a thumb drive with me most times in the same pocket.

The only solution I can think of is to have a bunch of keyrings maybe with just 1 house key and 1 vehicle key on them and leave the mail key at home unless I’m going to get the mail.

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matt on August 1st, 2009 at 6:12 am said:

What??????
So you bolted some keys on to a tin?………….
HUH?………..
So……….
Why? This is just so awesome!! Who would have thunk it!
I Know you geeks love the tin, but honestly, this is just stupid. Use a damn key ring. Keep the tin for your drugs or something. This is stupidest use of the tin I have ever seen.

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Carl on August 3rd, 2009 at 11:04 am said:

This is fairly ridiculous. Attach the keys on the inside via a flip-out sort of thing they have in “key wallets” (just search for key wallet on amazon or google to see).

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estetik on August 7th, 2009 at 12:41 am said:

post thank you for the beautiful share with us, respect

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Tin Box User on January 15th, 2010 at 6:24 am said:

I love this idea. When I attach my remote-start to my keychain, and put the keys in my pocket, I inevitably start my truck accidentally. Answer: put the starter remote in the tin!

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