How to Quick Release Key Ring

A quick-release keychain is ideal for giving valet keys during service.

There are many uses for a quick release keychain, the most important of which is the fact that it can give you added security for self-defense or when utilizing valet services. Traditional key chains include one loop for your keys, but a quick-release keychain has two loops connected by a mechanism that easily separates or joins them. A quick-release keychain can also help prevent damage to your car from excessive key and keychain weight that pulls down on your car's ignition while you drive.

Things You'll Need

• Quick-release keychain
• Keys
• Pocket knife (optional)
• Valet key (optional)
• Pepper spray (optional)

Instructions

1. Designate which loop of your keychain is the main loop that will hold keys that you keep with you and put in your ignition. If you are using a quick-release keychain to lessen the burden on your ignition, this can be just your car's ignition key. If you're using it for self-defense or valet, then keep your car, house and work keys on the main loop.

2. Attach the appropriate keys to the main loop.

3. Attach a valet key or excess keys to the secondary loop. This is the loop you will hand to someone parking your car or the loop you keep in your pocket while you drive to prevent ignition damage. For example, a janitor who carries a lot of keys for work would keep work keys on the secondary loop and home and car keys on the main loop. Pepper spray or a pocket knife can also be attached to the secondary loop for quick access when you need those tools.

4. Detach the quick-release keychain by firmly pressing the button on the mechanism between the two loops. Use this mechanism when you park your car with a valet, or when you need to use your pocket knife or when you want access to your pepper spray.

Tips & Warnings

• A quick-release keychain is an adaptable tool and its separate loops can be useful in many situations, like giving house keys to someone who is house-sitting for you, or separating keychain credit cards from your keys.

• Valet keys give car service employees access to your car doors and ignition, but will not open the glove box or trunk.

• Pepper sprays and pocket knives can be dangerous tools and must only be used with adult supervision or after safety training.

References

• Cutlery Shoppe: Key Chain Coupler
• Car Talk; Dear Tom and Ray; April 2006
• Best-Self-Defense.org: Self Defense
• Locksmithing: From Apprentice to Master; Chrysler; Joseph E. Rathjen; 1994