Question Regarding Keys And a Severe Nickel Allergy

[Luhdk]

So- for months now I have been intermittently hospitalized for a severe allergic reaction. It took dermatologists and allergists months to determine that i had a severe allergy to most metals. Gold and nickel being the worst.

i grudgingly took off my watch and wedding ring. it was better than swelling up like a pink marshmallow at random.

Problem is, keys. Keys are an unavoidable part of daily life it seems.

My question is: Is there any way to get polycarbonate keys made up? I googled it; no luck.

Is that a thing? Do Keys *have* to be metal?

[GWiens2001]

The problem is that most non-metal keys wear and/or break rather quickly. You can get locks for your home (if you are a renter, check with your landlord first) that use a keypad to open.

Gordon

[demux]

Depending on how severe your allergy is, you might be able to get by putting a plastic cover, piece of tape, etc on the bow of they key (the part you usually handle when using the key) so that your skin doesn't contact the metal. Something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/TOOGOO-Coloured- ... B078TVKZZJ

[Safecrackin Sammy]

Some keys are available in aluminum.

Softer than brass but it may be an option if the nickel is the culprit.

[GWiens2001]

Thought of that, too, Sammy. But he says he is allergic to most metals.

Gordon

[billdeserthills]

Many house keys are available with a big plastic covering over the head of the key
Plenty of plastic key caps to be found

[nothumbs]

If there is a metal that you are not allergic to you could have your keys plated with that metal.

If you're able to use a smartphone, you could change out your lock to one that works via Bluetooth and use the phone, although I note that some implementations have been found to be somewhat insecure.

A large supply of latex gloves seems prudent.

You might check with an automotive paint shop. Some may have a UV curable hard coat plastic setup that could be used to coat the keys. It's very thin and fairly durable. Or check with a professional 3D printing shop for something like this https://www.pcimag.com/articles/94396-uv-curing-on-3-d-metal-parts

Good luck.

[jwrm22]

I'd find out what metals you are not allergic to and either coat brass keys with it or make keys out of it.
Titanium keys won't be easy to come by but not too hard to fabricate.

[billdeserthills]

I actually have a bunch of NOS plastic emergency keys, they aren't made for everyday use tho