DIY poormans impressioning key holder

[MBI]

Hey everybody,

I came up with a cost effective key blank holder for impressioning.

tools / supplies needed:
1 slotted strap bolt and nut (purchased at Lowes +/- $8.00 for 8 ...$1 each! )
http://www.hardwareandtools.com/Tie-Down-Engineering-59135-Tie-Down-Slotted-Bolt-and-Nut-Pack-of-8-6160568.html
1 key blank
1 flat file
1 pair pliers
1 bench vise
1 adjustable crescent wrench

bolt label:


bolt and nut, in all their glory


interior diameter of the nut, just over 0.5"


trim it to here


trimmed and filed


wedge the bolt open with a tool its going to be tighter than beggers canyon back home (Star Wars nerd )


blank in place. make sure you don't seat it too deep, you will need a little space past the shoulder.


tighten...


make sure the outside edge of the nut clears the shoulder


Ta Da! I wrapped mine in some electric tape to make a more comfortable handle, as the slot is pretty sharp. The neat thing is that the bolt is knurled to help wind the strap, it also makes the "handle" of the holder pretty grippy


Enjoy!

[Schuyler]

That is awesome.

How difficult is it to swap blanks once wrapped?

[raimundo]

bolts of that size often have some hash marks on the bolthead, this indicates the hardness of the bolt, some can be just too tough for ordinary drills and hacksaws.

I dont have a link for the info on those hashmarks but its on the web, under bolts rating or hardness or whatever.

but if you are having trouble cutting this with your tools, check for the hardeness code that maybe just lines on the bolthead.

[Squirrel_Cop]

Thanks Shuyler,

Its ridiculously difficult to change the blank. I'm putting it in the category of '1,000 ways not to make a lightbulb'

Raimundo, the bolts are already slotted and do not require modification.

bottom line: they are less convenient than a pair of vice grip pliers.