Keychain Organization Systems and Carry Options

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Note: The information in this post has been carried forward to a larger compilation on pocket organization, with a few additions. That new thread can be found here:

Consolidated Pocket & Keychain Organization Thread

Feel free to peruse this thread, but don’t miss out on the updated information.

Split-Ring-Based Carry Systems

chaka’s chopped-down house keys
+ reduces key volume and weight
– doesn’t really provide a new carry system or help with key jingling

EDCF Keychain Spider
+ keys, tools, and toys can be easily detached
+ purchase of this product supports the forum
+ spreads keys out in pocket if hanging
– makes noise if hanging, creates “pocket lump” if not hanging
– adds considerable weight

Also, here are a few other ideas at Carryology.

Rivet-Based Carry Systems

dieck’s Ultra Ultra Minimalist Keyring
+ reduces key volume and weight – absolute minimum bulk
+ provides some structure for the keys
+ silences keys
+ keys are more readily accessible
– keys cannot be easily separated
– time and trial & error required for this project

gcn’s Screw-Fastened Keys (best description I could come up with… :thinking
+ includes a keyless entry fob (thought most wouldn’t work in this setup)
+ provides structure for the keys
+ requires minimal modification to keys
– no reduction in weight
– bulky with no improvement in carry method

True Utility Keyring System
+ provides some structure for the keys
+ silences keys
+ keys are more readily accessible
+ keys can be easily separated
+ time and trial & error required for this project
– no reduction in key volume or weight
– keyring system not readily available in US
* Review by EDCF member marsos52 here

Vintage Ford Model T Riveted Master Key Set – almost 100 years old!

Folder-Based Carry Systems

shadone’s LM Keyman Mod
+ reduces key volume and weight
+ provides some structure for the keys
+ silences keys
+ adds useful tools, especially scissors, so I can ditch Vic Midnite Manager
– keys are not instantly accessible
– keys cannot be easily separated
– time and trial & error required for this project

wild style’s Key Carrier
+ provides some structure for the keys
+ silences keys
+ keys are more readily accessible
– keys cannot be easily separated
– time and trial & error required for this project

Crew’s Gerber Curve Multi-Key
+ provides some structure for the keys
+ silences keys
+ adds carabiner / bottle opener
– keys are not instantly accessible
– keys cannot be easily separated
– time and trial & error required for this project

Leather Pen Knife Key Case – good example of this general style
+ provides some structure for the keys
+ silences keys
+ keys can be easily separated
+ no modification needed
– adds weight
– adds substantial volume

“Economy Key Holder” – scroll down page to about mid-way
+ provides some structure for the keys
+ silences keys
+ keys can be easily separated
+ no modification needed
– adds weight
– adds substantial volume

Modern / Conceptual Carry Systems

Keyport
+ lightweight
+ system provides structure for individual keys
+ easy to access keys
+ prevents rattle and jabbing
– may increase keychain volume
– keys cannot easily be removed
– limited to 6 keys
– COST: over $100 with the key blanks!

“New Simplicity” Nesting Keys – Concept Key
+ provides some structure for the keys
+ silences keys
+ keys can be easily separated
+ no modification needed
+ reduces key weight
+ adds no substantial volume
– concept model only – not actually available (the only fault I could find with the system)

Alphi’s Folding Keychain
+ provides some structure for the keys
+ silences keys
– keys cannot be easily separated
– very little known about this product

Pocket Key Holder – Pat. No. 4417612 ( PDF with sketches here )
+ carries keys flat
+ silences keys
+ keys could be easily separated, depending on design
– very little known about this product – probably does not exist IRL
– keys may be difficult to access
– some increase in volume

Pocket Clip Variants

All of the items below are variants of the pocket clip. Pocket watches have featured a clip on one end of the chain for centuries. I once read, but cannot confirm, that Sal Glesser got the idea of a pocket clip on a knife from a keychain fob that hooked over his pocket. While not a new concept, it’s still one that is constantly being improved upon.

General Analysis of Pocket Clips for Keychain Carry
+ usually lightweight
+ easy to install
+ keeps keys handy and ready to use
– does not improve on the organizational system any – most people still use the old split ring with them

TEC Accessories P-7 Suspension Clip
+ lightweight
+ your purchase supports the forum
– metal clip may scratch paint

Zwiebelkeks’ Pen Cap Keychain Clip – older thread, pictures gone
+ lightweight
+ easily constructed
– requires extra pen cap
– likely to have a short life

Roger999’s DIY Clip from a Hacksaw Blade
+ cheap
+ springy
– could rust
– requires tools and some level of skill

Brule’s Kydex Keychain Clip
+ lightweight
+ gentle on clothes and paint
– thinner versions will break
– Kydex will bend over time (occurs very slowly on thicker, grey clip)

gadgetnut’s mod of the Nite-Ize eCLIPse
+ similar to P-7 Suspension clip, but it locks
– larger than P-7 clip

x-kaijin-x “Fishhook” Key Hook
+ sturdy and classy
+ several variations available
+ some variations have hole perpendicular to hook – ideal for direct split-ring attachment
– brass is heavy
– it’s a hook, not a clip – no friction
– relatively expensive

Note: Here is a source of a similar hook for much less: Strapya

Key Chain Silencing Systems

Cell Safe Key Cover
+ one hand operation
+ lightweight
+ easily installed
+ attached to keychain
– adds bulk

Rubber Band / Hair Band
+ cheap, widely available
+ lightweight, no significant volume
– can break easily
– not attached to the keychain
– two-hand operation

bruner’s DIY Keychain Silencer
+ lightweight
+ easy to use
+ attaches to keychain
– must be dettached to use
– adds a small amount of bulk
– two-hand operation

Blackhawk Duty Key Silencer
+ attaches to keychain
+ easy to use
– adds weight
– adds A LOT of bulk
– noisy to operate :thinking:

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