Did you ever find yourself losing your car keys? Was there an instance when you couldn’t find your home keys in your bag, only to realize you left it in the office?
These are times when spare keys come in handy. Studies reveal that the average American spends two-and-a-half days every year looking for items they misplaced or lost. Collectively, homes lose $2.7 billion due to replacement expenses.
Since losing keys do happen every once in a while, you need to make sure you have a spare on standby. But what if you don’t have one? Do you know where and how to get one?
Continue reading below as we give you a lowdown on creating and storing one.
Table of Contents
How to Create One
When we talk about creating spare keys, there are two ways to go about it. There is the traditional way and there is the DIY way. Let’s try to break them down below:
The Traditional Route
Losing a car key is a headache especially if you cannot find the spare. However, replacing it is not as troublesome as you may think. The steps are simple and will only take you a few hours to complete.
First, you need to write down the VIN number of your vehicle. You will find this on the dashboard on the driver’s side. You can also see it through the window.
Some vehicles, however, have the VIN on the front part of the engine block. There are others that have it on the rear wheel well. Sometimes, you may find it in the door jam or trunk.
The VIN consists of 17-digit letters and numbers.
Aside from the VIN, you must take down the vehicle’s year, make, and model. You need these details to determine the type of key that you need.
Lastly, you need to find a reputable locksmith. Normally, they will charge you around half the amount your dealership will.
Check out this website if you live in Miami and in need of an automotive locksmith.
For missing residential keys, the locksmith is also your best bet.
The DIY Way
Not many people know this but you can create your own spare keys. To DIY a spare key, you will need some clear tape, a pair of durable scissors, a lighter, and the top portion of a metal can. Of course, you need the master key that you wish to replicate.
Hold the master key on one hand and light a flame underneath it using the lighter. Your goal is to heat the key at a very high level.
Thereafter, take some of the tape and place it on top of the hotkey. Press the tape down very hard. You will then notice the key’s outline appearing on the tape.
Transfer the tape onto the metal can piece. Do this carefully until you secure the tape. Using the scissors, cut the metal can piece according to the shape of the tape.
Pay extra attention to the grooved outlines of the tape. They can be very tricky to cut so make sure not to rush things.
Storing Your Spare Keys
Now that you have a spare key, you need to keep it in the best places possible. Here are some of the best spots to consider:
The Rain Gutter
Try your home’s rain gutter. But make sure it is working fine before hiding your key. Moreover, the gutter must be the closed type.
It must also come in a slanted position to ensure that the water only flows at the bottom part. Take your key and place it at the top part of the gutter. You can use a Velcro strip to fasten the key securely.
Your Outdoor AC
You may also hide your replacement key in your outdoor AC unit or outdoor grill. If you give the AC unit or grill a closer inspection, you will find a spot that people will not easily see.
The key is to keep the key in a spot that is not visible to people standing over AC or grill. Also, use a magnet to help secure the key.
Your Safe Deposit Box
Your safe deposit box at home is another great option. Though it may not be the most accessible since you need to input a password to open the box, it is no doubt one of the safest. Make sure not to forget your password especially during emergencies.
Around Your Dog’s Neck
Do you have a dog at home? Then use his collar to hide your spare keys. Use the small pouch that comes with the collar.
Even if burglars suspect that your dog is carrying the spare keys, the former will think twice especially if your dog is the aggressive type.
Who to Give Them To
Apart from storing your spare keys, you also have the option to entrust them to the right people. Let’s take a look at who they are:
Parents and Siblings
Start with your family, particularly your parents. Do this if your parents always stay at home. You may also consider your siblings even if they are away most of the time.
Your Child
If you are already a senior citizen, you may entrust a spare key to one of your children. This is crucial since the elderly are prone to different kinds of accidents at home. If an emergency leaves you immobilized, you can be sure that your child can enter the house using the spare key.
Your Neighbor
You may also consider a neighbor that you are friends with for a very long time. The good thing with neighbors is that they are only a few meters away. But make sure you also know the person they will entrust the spare key to in case they need to go out of their house.
Your Best Friend
Last but not least, your best friend is an excellent option to entrust your key with. Sometimes, this is even better than giving the key to a neighbor.
Your best friend is already comfortable with the people in your home. He also knows the ins and outs of your house.
Ensure the Safety of Your Property
Having spare keys and knowing where to keep them are essential especially during emergencies. It will save you valuable time without having to worry about not getting inside your home or vehicle.
But ensuring the safety of your property involves more work. We invite you to read our articles on home safety and management. We tackle different topics that will benefit your entire household.
