How to Build A Home Key Vault
Keys may become lost or stolen at any time, especially if out in public. Many homeowners, however, face the risk of unauthorized use of their vehicles or machinery from family and friends. One solution to this problem is a homemade key vault. It will keep anyone not given the combination safely away from the keys -- and the temptation to drive or use dangerous equipment they are not qualified to operate. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Metal box (heavy construction)
- Electric drill with 3/8-inch metal bit
- Permanent marker
- Clean rag
- 3 3-inch woods screws
- Fender washers
- Combination padlock
- Carriage bolts and nuts (depending on installation)
Instructions
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Find or purchase a sturdy metal box that is large enough for all your keys with a bit of extra room for extra items you might add later. The box must be of one-piece steel construction, preferably riveted together rather than bolted together. It should have a hinged lid with the hinges riveted in place (preferably located on the inside of the box). The lid should have cornered edges to add to its strength. A great example of such as box is a steel ammunition container, available for pennies at most gun shows, auctions or on-line.
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Obtain a combination lock from a local hardware store that you are comfortable operating, and that is easy to use. Many have settable combinations so that you may select your own unique (and memorable) combination. More expensive models have raised numerals or lettering on the dial face, permitting you to even operate the padlock in the dark, if your finger dexterity allows it.
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Place the combination lock beside the metal box on a table. Try different configurations of the box/lock setup until you find one that you prefer. For example, you may want the box attached to a closet wall, with the hinges on the left side, or you may prefer the hinges to be at the bottom of the box with padlock at the top for a behind-the-door mounted configuration. Decide what works for you.
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Drill several mounting holes into the rear, side, bottom or top of the box as needed so that you can securely attach it to a wall, door or counter-top as desired. Next, on one side of the box -- usually opposite the door hinge -- drill a 3/8-inch hole. Drill another hole through the vault door. This will allow you to insert the padlock hasp then closed, securing the door. Remember, one hole should be through the vault door, the other hole should be drilled through any surface except the door. The two holes must be as far apart as the distance between the two ends of the padlock hasp. As they say, measure twice, drill once.
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Mount the key vault in the desired location. If wall mounted, use 3-inch wood screws driven directly into the wooden studs located inside the walls. If door mounted, use heavy carriage bolts, with the washers and nuts attached inside the vault. Table-, desk- or cabinet-mounted locations dictate that carriage bolts of specific length be used, Just remember to always mount the washers and nuts on the inside of the vault, so that they cannot be removed by a key-seeking individual.
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Secure the key vault to the wall, and firmly tighten all mounting hardware. Slip the locking hasp mechanism through the two holes in the box and lock it firmly together. Unlock the box, insert the desired keys into the vault, and then lock the door. You are now protected against unauthorized use of any keyed devices you choose.
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Tips & Warnings
When using an electric drill, make sure your fingers are out of the way of all moving parts. Keep a record of the combination number of your lock in the event you forget it. Paint the key vault if appropriate.
Remember that someone can steal or remove a key vault from the premises if you have not securely mounted it.
References
- Photo Credit car key image by koko300 from Fotolia.com
