The BEST Key Organizer Is One You Can DIY for $5

[@fearsomefawkes6724]

An EDC channel that just saved me money?! You have a new sub.

[@eliansalinas7022]

Dude loves high quality gear but he also adores function over form. This channel is definitely a hidden gem.

[@blake2609]

Chicago screws and D-Shackles have been my go-to for a while now. I've also found that if I get one that's a bit oversized (to fit a fob, Kershaw cinder, etc), and add a small spring to it (half a pen spring, or similar), I can negate the jingle effect without having to cram everything together. Also works great when the amount of keys/things you want to carry puts you between shackle sizes

[@drengskap]

Marine hardware stores are the way to go for this kind of thing. Every kind of clip and shackle you could possibly imagine, all made in nice shiny indestructible stainless steel, and very reasonably priced.

[@stevenwest5685]

I’m officially making my own key organizer... Most useful DIY video ever. And Taylor, appreciate that you look out for the community and aren’t just here to advertise for manufacturers... I think they win big time with you, but at least you can make content that puts some of these products into perspective.

[@akirkpatrick0]

Just as a caution before you all, like me, go out and buy this stuff to try it out: The 3/16 shackle did not fit any of my keys. Neither did the smallest barrel size of Chicago bolt that Home Depot carries. If you're willing to drill out your keys, or you have ones with large holes as is - this seems like it can work great in that case. Just be warned re: sizing issues.

[@mannyg2311]

Greatest idea ever when I saw that video and said why the hell didn't I think of that I hate the sound of bulky ass keys. 3 years later and I still use it couldn't be any happier.

[@travispfeifer1979]

I had this dilemma today. Was stood right next to a large assortment of shackles at Home Depot. Grabbed a small carabiner and key ring for my fob and two keys. Not bad not great. Can’t believe I didn’t think to try the shackle idea

[@clementsjohnson]

Just got a Chicago screw at Home Depot and it works great for my keys. They call it a “binding post screw” seems to only be available in 3/16” width. I had to drill into one of my keys to make it fit. Thanks!

[@ddwchamp]

Same here. There is always one a little too small.

[@eqlzr2]

For the past 25-30 years, I've had an ASP Key Defender tucked down inside my waistband at the small of my back with a keyring attached to the end and my keys hanging over the top of my belt. Never go anywhere without it. It started out completely black, now is completely polished silver colored from use. Works like a mink--both for holding keys and blasting pepper spray. It it ever becomes unuseable, I have a backup. I'd almost be lost without it.

[@jaymzbuckley7109]

I've been using this DIY organizer since the original vid on MOD. I've tried the titanium keybar, orbit key and a whole lot more yet I always seem to go back to this cheap option. I attach my keys to a boker tech tool and just use the clip to keep it all together. Thanks for the great vid Taylor.

[@Raaa1111..]

I enjoy to have the key ring. I tend to rely on my hearing to hear the keys thrown to me in the dark or shaking table tops or bed sheets or hitting the couch to find them if lost in a mess or last minute task that require me to leave

[@branchsnapper2228]

I do this but i cut off the ‘handle ‘ of the key, or most of it. Drill a new hole And the d ring becomes the handle

[@joe_a_photo]

The people who pressed thumbs down are the people who backed the kickstarter lol

[@bothompson4911]

Taylor, one of the best things you can do is always get a vehicle with either a proximity open an start, or at least a keypad entry, then the deal you have or any other work way better. Also if you still tote keys with you an you have a keypad entry you can leave you an extra house or whatever key safley locked in you vehicle. The key with all the transponder or lock unlock things on it in most cases can still have a key cute thats normal an gain entry into your vehicle. Hope this helps!

[@bzebarth]

The thing I like about the keysmart/keybar type thing is it gives you more to hold on to. I always drop my keys when I'm trying to open the door while I'm carrying things but with that extra to hold onto I never drop them.

[@aleach07]

I converted all the locks in my house and workshop to electronic keypad locks (with well hidden physical backup keys), so all I leave from the house with is either my car fob or bike key. The best key organizer is the one you leave at home!

[@BestDamnEDC]

Now that's an idea! If I didn't rent, I would probably do the same or switch all the locks to smart locks.

[@jinde75]

I'd imagine I'd have to change the code every month in case the kids type it in next to their friends. Maybe when they're older and I have some money to spare.

[@InktronicsBlog]

I've been using a D shackle combined with some paracord and a TEC clip for several years now. The TEC clip holds onto my pant pocket and makes it so I don't have to fish the keys out of my pocket.

[@tcbend4215]

Dude! One the best reviews I've seen in a long time. Great videography. Great audio. Good common sense advice. I've done similar things but braided some paracord to wrap around the keys.

[@lilasiandevil1314]

Holy crap! Glad I ran into your video, just saved me $20! Thanks and keep up the good work!!

[@reddog694uk]

I don't carry my keys in my pocket anymore. I bought the Boyou belt key clip and find it so secure and convenient to have keys outside the pocket that i'll never go back. Great vids !!

[@tobyhall1167]

Thanks for the idea, it inspired me to solve a key issue in my pocket. I have keys(4) to my parents and in-laws houses on my key chain and it is bulky and rarely used. I created two duplicate sets and used the shackle to keep them together and placed one set in each of the vehicles. Thanks for the motivation to solve a key issue.

[@Viking_Kong]

I love this idea! I've tried Keybar, KeySmart, Orbitkey, etc., etc., and end up hating them for the exact same reason that you stated. I'm going to give this a shot. Thanks!

[@asdf17969]

I made a key holder out of thin paracord (not 550). I tied a scaffold knot and looped the non-working end into the knot so I ended up with two loops (one small, one big) and a knot. To use it feed the larger loop through the key holes and then line it up with the small loop (so the keys are hanging). I put both ends through a bead to capture them (not needed but it works nice) and then ran a keyring through both loops. This locks everything in but still allows you to change keys out.

[@InvisibleStormRider]

I’ve been wanting to know what those screws were called for the past 6 months, and the answer finally shows up in an EDC video! This community is awesome!

[@DrKebaby]

Hey, I was in the same boat as you, but I knew that they're also called book screws, which is harder to look for since chicago screw is a more common name. I finally found out their most known name by watching an Adam Savage's Tested video about it. I can highly recommend also checking out his favourite tool series, where one can learn the names of tools one has seen, but doesn't know the name of. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iauXnqupjrSqsLM Edit: attached the link to the video I'm referring to.

[@semkoot8315]

Tec accessories p-7 suspension clip is what I'm using to clip my keys inside my pocket. Absolutely amazing if you don't have many keys.

[@Vicandiers]

I have the same key system for my defender, but I just leave the key in the ignition and just take the 'remote' with me. Really slims it down.

[@MarkusLaumann]

THIS MAN UNDERSTANDS MY PAIN! I am OCD about making noise and key rings are my biggest annoyance. I'm headed to the hardware store now.

[@CaseyHardman]

I actually thought the KeyBar was super difficult to use. Extremely well made, but just couldn’t get keys out easily and it got to be uncomfortable in my pocket. I’ve been using the Jibbon for a few months and love the hell out of it. Very well made and is easy to use. Not taking anything away from the KeyBar or other dual mounting key organizers, but I find the single ones easier to use and I like that there’s no metal piece on the outside of the mounting part on the Jibbon vs the OrbitKey.

[@JRBeckford]

Yo! Just stumbled on this video looking for key holding ideas and your honesty on this was refreshing!

[@ilya.petersen]

I see your solution and I raise you a D-ring with an allen screw. No tab sticking out (but I do need an allen key to exchange keys). From a boating supply store.

[@russofamerica]

This is super-smart! I've been looking for a way to cheaply organize my keys and this has inspired me. Thank you!

[@ddwchamp]

Great idea and it works! I had to drill a hole in 2 keys. I believe the anchor shackle is more secured than the Chicago screws.

[@MascaratumBLF]

I am also using my keys on a d-shackle like these due to your video! By far the best way to organize and carry my keys, ever! I've been using it for almost 3 years now, so thanks for the idea ;)

[@quick-likefox]

Waaay late to the party, but have you tried a Quiet Carry Q3? It’s maybe not the best solution if you have a lot of keys, but it’s fantastic for 2 to 4 keys. It’s great, because It completely covers the keys, giving it a nice clean aesthetics. It’s titanium, so extremely durable (I’ve carried mine in my pocket every day for years, so there’s a little bit of wear, and a few scratches, but the stonewash titanium makes them much less visible). Also, comes with a knife or multitool attachment as well. I highly recommend the Q3 if you haven’t tried it.

[@clawhammer704]

The best key holder is the cable and twist screw ends. So light and it's available at dollar general, Wally World, Lowes and most general stores like Ace Hardware. Next best imho is the simple key ring.

[@donaldstrader7241]

You might also want to look at the Lucky Line Twisty key ring. I keep a couple on a titanium gate clip to attach things. Rather than make a separate post, I'll also note that I carry my keychain in a small leather pouch. I used to actually have one designed as a keychain, leather pouch, spring steel opening and attachment point, but it wore out. I have to check our new smart key, but the last one was kept in a small spark-lite box with a thick rubber band (from broccoli bunches) around it, to protect the necessarily expensive device and so the buttons would never get depressed accidentally. I never needed the buttons so they are better shut away. I have the new one in a small belt pouch from CountyComm...I suppose it it comes to that I can use that in my pocket or leather pouch. My front door house key is actually on a separate parachute cord key fob, which I try to keep in the same leather pouch. Does anyone know of a front door smart lock that will actually work on a three point locking impact rated (hurricane) door? I have not found one that will lock the bolts at the bottom and top of the door. Most only seem to work the latch. We are getting a new double front door (French door) and it appears we will have to stick with a key operated lock/handle combination on the active door. At least on the new one, the inactive door bolts will also work from a the interior handle. On our rear French doors the active door bolts work from the handle but the inactive door had those little latches along the inside edge of the door. [I only mention this in a sort of warning as when we were looking at doors I was surprised to find a friend had doors which had latches on the active door that had to be manually activated from the inside. No thank you.]

[@BeauSeverson]

I've seen a lot of videos for budget EDC gear. I've seen a lot less on DIY EDC gear. This may now be my favorite category of this stuff. I think I also saw one of your videos on how to make a minimalist wallet with a strand of flat elastic band and some super glue. You need to find a way to DIY an entire EDC gear set from hardware store components. (aside from like a watch).

[@JRBardown]

I tried this. Couldn't find a shackle at my local HD or Wally (Canada) that was the right size... the 5/16 one was so massive compared to what you're holding, and the 1/4 and 3/16 ones were a good overall size, but the post was *JUST* too big to fit through the tops of my keys. Might try the chicago screw next.

[@nathankean7968]

May I please ask what piece of metal you are using in your Chicago screw at 0:52

[@forrestbgreene]

Has anyone figured this out yet?

[@Hmetalz]

Maybe from a keysmart?

[@elliptical3]

Just stumbled onto this and noticed the guy who used to talk about mobile devices ages ago is doing EDC stuff now. Hot damn.

[@motorcycleshrink]

I’m with you about hating keys. Car keys and fobs are stupid large. It makes caring in pockets difficult. Who thinks this was a good idea. It’s so bad, I actually need a house key for every vehicle. I remember when I could have my vehicles on 1 ring. No more. Keep up the good work

[@hndrwn]

Diy orbitkey with Vegtan Leather is the best: no daggling, no scratching your pant, with style and personal touch

[@jrahll]

I used a similar shackle set up for a long time. I switched to a keysmart pro recently because I misplaced my keys often enough for it to become a thing and I like the integrated Tile sensor.

[@Muscleduck]

If you have a lot of keys you can buy something like Chicago screws but longer that are used to mount door handles straight through the door. You can cut them with good pliers ar different lengths. A few euros for a pack of them and you can probably use 20 keys on 1.

[@HCG]

I'm surprised you have never mentioned Quiet Carry's Q3 or Q2 key managers. I've been using the Q3 for two years, and it's the best looking and most practical out of all the different key managers I've tried IMO--and I've tried many.

[@BestDamnEDC]

I have one and didn’t care for it. It’s bulky.

[@HCG]

@@BestDamnEDC Did you try it without the knife or multi-tool attachment? It slims it down significantly. If you have more than 3 keys plus the tool attachment, it can definitely get pretty thick

[@scottmantooth8785]

*currently carrying around three separate sets of keys distributed around four pockets, two cell phones (both tracfones one for music only) and a few other things that added up together weigh nearly four pounds total..and this is my standard EDC contingency so to be honest i need more of a utility belt with suspenders as there is even more i would carry if i had the pockets to do so*

[@NishithThakkar]

The biggest issue I had with the chicago screw method was the screw undoing itself over time. A little dab of loctite solved that issue. Got that solution from the Discord server. Kudos!!

[@wreford07]

until you moved house... lol

[@marcustaylor3375]

What size is the d ring/shackle?

[@tigerdeer]

Hi, Just stumbled across your video when searching for a key organiser. I really liked your style of presenting which is down to earth and sincere. Thanks for the great idea. Best wishes from Sydney, Australia.

[@twonmp]

Isnt 5/16” too large to fit the size of a key?

[@antoniojimenez372]

I have two bow shackles that I buy at Home Depot the only problem is some keys 🔑 the holes are small what I suggest to do is use a drill make hole little big and is ready

[@johanbertilsson2213]

Nice tip, i have been using a D shackle myself for a couple of years now. My house key, my work key and a key to my locker and a journal cabinet at work. These are the keys that i use every day.

[@Traditz]

you can use a keyflip for your car key to reduce size length and obviously the pointy end

[@SteveWhiteDallas]

I've been using those horseshoe shackles for 20 years. I thought I was the only one. I drill keys that don't fit and keys with the bulky plastic piece because when the plastic breaks, you lose the key. (The hole does not go through the metal key, just the plastic.) Tip: As a safety, you can take a very small split ring and run it through the hole in the screw ant through the shackle to prevent the screw from turning.

[@lolollolol5654]

2:12 out of those the brown leather one works perfect for me

[@ThomasBorgogno]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for this... I was looking for a solution like this and it's just so simple but... I needed someone smart to figure it out 😂❤️

[@idontno0]

Thanks, I was supposed to be asleep 3 hours ago but I hopped down the rabbit hole of EDC key stuff that I didn't need to do tonight but just had to order. 🤦🏽

[@crimson_tide_edc]

Hell yeah, my week is now complete. Thanks for vid Taylor

[@chrismurphy7358]

I love things like this I have been working on the ultimate keychain gadget with that said you said you have a lot of things clipped in your pockets with that said how many days go by that you never use most of the stuff you carry

[@derpyderp6719]

I have a key "organizing" solution that's even simpler and less expensive than this. Use an abrasion resistant thread of around 1.5mm to 2mm of thickness. Knot it end to end to make a loop, then use a cow hitch knot around the holes of the keys. Pull it tight, and the keys will be held together tight enough to make them jingle much less, and properly aligned too. Use the thread at the top as a lanyard, or slide it onto a keyring for use.

[@nationsnum1beastfan]

Bro I have those same containers. But I use them for school lunches. Lol

[@michaeljnewton]

I have 4 keys in the basic keysmart and my vehicle keys on a magnetic qd on a loop for the Zak tool on my belt. By far the most streamlined and convenient set up for me cause I can’t stand bulky keys or fighting to get them off my belt.

[@andygold]

How do you keep the screw on the D from loosening up? I've tried using loc-tite, but then that makes it semi-permanent. Without loc-tite, the screw always seems to loosen up and fall out, and there goes your keys.

[@christechguy]

I have a premium D ring that’s titanium and I don’t have this issue the screw has a rubber washer attached and when you screw it down the washer compresses and keeps it from coming out.

[@jinde75]

Fasten it with a wrencb. Not sure if that is the wright nae in English. I mostly use tools in Dutch and German. Anyway something you can grip the screw with to make it really tight. I had a brass d-ring and couldn't open it without a tool. If you don't need to open it on the road I'd say use a tool to tighten it. Good luck.

[@aortiz0714]

Great video, great to see stuff that doesn't cost a premium price for a change

[@ADONAIsays-so]

I’ve been using an old school two piece separating dog bone looking (key ring at each end) for a couple decades. Holds a lot or a couple of keys... I keep my creeper van key on one end, so I can start the van, and have it running and still able to take my other key to open the house.... usually because I’ve forgotten something. Kind of like the magnet model you showed in the begit

[@surlycyclingrag3347]

I found my problem solvers to my keys very light. Price is just a few Penny's. All the keys rest flat in my pocket with out a bulges. I can lock them with ease to the road bike when I go out for the day or to a rucksack. Attachment of personal lettering is no problem from the craft store. Finding them can be of easy if the proper color is chosen. IT IS CALLED THE WORLD FAMOUS (P-CORD)

[@CrazyUncleJack]

What’s the name of the little tabbed piece shown sticking from the top at 0:53? I feel like that combination is pretty much ideal, but I can’t figure out what term to use to search for that piece. 😣

[@morsecodereviews1553]

Brilliant! Cheap, DIY, and useful? Well I'll be. First time I ever walked away from an EDC video without having to consider getting a mortgage.

[@kylebeng]

hey great video. This is for carrying around with you? How do you get your car fob on this? I have a typical honda key. Gadget seems cool but not sure how I can carry my car keys along with my other keys on this.

[@michelroubos8440]

That harp shackle idea is nice. But I've also 3 car keys with buildin remote, a steel USB stick, a leatherman brewzer and an electronic-lock tag for my office with me....any sugestions for that?

[@Danzines1987]

this video gave me an idea, I actually ended up putting one of those u shackles instead of a keyring on the end of my pull/reel type thing keychain but put the keys on the bend part of the shackle instead of the flat bar, though it did involve some light dremeling/filing on the key side which could also be remedied by getting keys cut with a large enough opening to fit. other than that it works great. so thanks for the inspiration.

[@laustf]

One of the advantages of the Orbitkey leather strap is the tugs away the sharp edges of keys, if you carry them in your pocket. This prevents them scratching through the pocket lining or scratching other items you carry in your pocket. So to compare the Orbitkey the he Chicago screw is really besides the point, in terms of what you are actually getting for your money. Also the Orbitkey mechanism with the "fancy" curved wave washer renders the washers placed between keys obsolete, while you can still easily move every single key. Seems Mr. Martin doesn't get that or he just likes to ignore it for the purpose of underlining how brilliant the cheap solution is. And that is only if you can find a dry goods store that will sell you a single Chicago screw... C'mon man

[@randycruz8639]

MA BOY… you just cracked a world obvious secret that we’ve all been fvkin oblivious to. Good stuff

[@FranBaske4595]

are the washers 3/8 in outside diameter? or inside?

[@zvviseman]

Love the critical attitude on this one.

[@jnj2233]

Hate keys too! IDK dude that keybar and keysmart with their clips have changed the game for me. Although figuring out how to put them together has been a puzzle but when it’s together it works!!

[@masonr1666]

I recently tried the key bar, but didn’t like it. If it utilized Chicago style screw it would be better. Reason being you set it up but the screws can be to short or too long, then you have to redo it. Then you have to worry about keys interfering when you are opening them. I prefer the orbit key, it give my key a style upgrade, it just makes them look nicer. Also, what sets the orbit key apart is that the one post of the Chicago screw is very long, so it will allow for auto adjustment of keys. Just stack the keys and tighten the screws until you get the resistance you want and you are done. Also, it helps to have a minimalist mind set: do I really use this every day? And do I need this on my person everyday? Perfect example is my Wallet. I have two that I carry every day. One wallet lives in my pocket it has my ID & a debit card, that’s it. I have another wallet “with me” that has my insurance card, club cards, & credit card. These are cards I don’t use everyday, but should have “just in case.” I do my keys in a similar way. One of these days I need to submit my EDC.

[@JSFrederic]

Which Chicago screw size should I look for Outer Diameter that is 4mm? I bought one that is 5mm and I cant fit my keysmart key fob in

[@Michael-wu4yw]

What was silver piece on the Chicago only model

[@alexanderoostendurp7237]

Bought a pack of chicago skrews today ,thank you so much

[@horse1642]

what’s something i can use as a replacement for the slughaus micro, anything that’d let me connect the keys on a chicago screw to my key ring

[@BestDamnEDC]

Ekster has one that I’ve been using for a while that’s really great

[@MelvinRodriguezxTNGx]

What smart lock do you use for your house? I am looking to get one

[@brianmoore4600]

Looking to try this, but can't find a chicago screw post diameter smaller than 3/16". Seems like all my key holes are at or smaller than 3/16" and therefore wont thread on the post. Thoughts on where to find smaller diameter post chicago screws?

[@BestDamnEDC]

I’ve always just drilled the holes bigger

[@Paintedsosa]

Honestly I know it doesn't sound "EDC" but the Louis Vuitton key pouch and others like it are perfect for me, I know it's pricey for a key holder but it's durable and puts your keys in a neat package that isn't uncomfortable in you're pocket and doesn't scratch any bags my keys go into

[@carlosmares4514]

What is the attachment called so you can hook your Chicago screw to a key ring ?

[@irvim.9482]

What is the perfect measurement for 4-5 keys?

[@jonathanzheng180]

Hi, Can I use bow shackle 5mm? If can what size I should use for flat washer?

[@jawzdeadeye]

What size of Bow/D shackles does everyone use? I went to a local hardware store found a 5/6" and it looked huge to put in a pocket. The 1/4" looked more reasonable. Also what sized flat washer or O rings are people getting?

[@johnmackey8307]

What's the flat bottle opener doodad called?

[@eeoui0334]

does anyone know what size these are? i found these d shackles on a local online store and 6mm seems to be the smallest, will those be okay for keys?

[@LeonardCartersureshotfoto]

Do you put blue loctite on the screw in the bow shackle?

[@noegarza67]

I have about 5-7keys will they fit on that but I have them with the rubber color rings to know what key goes where

[@4wilmo]

“This is the best my keys have ever been, and I still hate it.” If that’s not the most relatable EDC junkie phrase I’ve ever heard, idk 😂

[@derekquinones8614]

Where’s you buy the Little containers at?

[@TheFreezymeezy]

Did You tried the Ridge keyholder?

[@xxvodanhxx]

I'd go for the bow shackle with no snag pin. Too paranoid about the screw coming loose without any thread locker.

[@1Kieve]

Mine is just an M4 nut & bolt with some washers, and a frame hanger.

[@Spintechfilms]

So... where do you put the hitch safe if your hauling something?

[@plissk3n1337]

Where are the washers for?

[@quinnmclaughlin7537]

my issue has been (older)(black head) car keys, and key fobs, my current daily driver has both, other than getting a hardware store copy (thankfully it's a low tech key) is there any secret to dealing with the bulk of fobs ?

[@collinsmith398]

On my 2nd gen Tacoma I leave my truck key in in the truck and only carry the fob. Just throw the key somewhere un-noticeable and lock it with the fob

[@BestDamnEDC]

I’ve had my fob stop working unexpectedly. Not exactly reassuring.

[@collinsmith398]

Best Damn EDC I also keep a hide-a-key box on my truck just in case. That solves that issue

[@collinsmith398]

Best Damn EDC kind of similar to that hitch vault you showed