USB Key Makeovers

By Brian Nadel
Category: Electronics
Difficulty: Moderate

Memory sticks lack character. Even the nicest looking ones are more functional than fun. But re-skinning a USB flash drive takes only an hour, max, and unlike a PC case mod, you’ll carry your creation with you. They also make cute gifts (“Thanks for the memories!”).

So far, I’ve done a finger puppet, a ChapStick, and 2 wood blocks, but these mini-mods are limited only by your imagination. Small toys, wine corks, or even a rabbit’s foot are all fair game.

The hardest part is removing the case without damaging the circuit board. Most USB keys can be pried apart, but some require cutting. Then you just need to find the right cover.

Steps

Step #1: Mod a finger puppet flash drive.

A child’s finger puppet is one of the easiest flash drive mods. If the circuit board fits, you just need to glue it into place.
I used a pirate puppet from my son’s birthday a few years ago. Its plastic is translucent, so the pirate’s head glows eerily when the drive’s LED indicator shows data moving in and out.
After shelling the drive, I covered its circuit board in plastic wrap so the glue wouldn’t cause problems. I slipped the board into place, making sure the USB connector had enough clearance; 5/8" is generally enough.
With the board in position, I squirted in enough silicone to seal it in place. An hour later, it was ready to save a few naughty sea shanties.

Conclusion

My modded memory sticks move files with style, but here’s a word of warning: they tend to disappear. In fact, 3 of the 4 I’ve made have since been taken by family members, leaving just the pirate for me. In other words, as soon as friends and family see your homemade memory sticks, they’ll want one.

This project first appeared in MAKE Volume 17, page 163.

One Response to USB Key Makeovers

Goli Mohammadi on September 6th, 2011 at 6:10 pm said:

Sweet! Do you have pictures of your version posted anywhere? You might consider adding them to the MAKE Flickr pool: https://secure.flickr.com/groups/make/

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