EDC Key Carry Methods

[sween1911]

Hey guys,

Hopefully this hasn't been beaten to death already . . .

I've been playing with different ways to carry my keys for years. I used to have a snap that would go on my belt loop and drop the keys in my back pocket. These days, from working in shirt and tie world for the past 6 years, I've just been jamming them in my front right pocket. But my keys usually end up jabbing me in the leg, or I end up pulling other junk (or my clipped folder) out of my pocket when I pull out my keys. Nothing like having an Emerson CQC7 clatter across the parking lot at the end of the day.

I know a lot of people here in the corporate environment who drop their keys on their desk in the morning and leave them there all day. DRIVES ME NUTS. However, I feel like I'm losing my own battle. My keys are hanging on a hook just inside my cubicle as I type this. Can't take the bulgey pockets anymore.

I'm interested in what you guys think about this daily quandary. Feel free to expound on why you carry what you carry how you carry it!

[Bruiser]

Once I get to work, I usually clip mine inside my jumbo fatboy.

[0dBm]

I use this (http://www.berkeleypoint.com/products/hardware/bp2470.html).
http://www.berkeleypoint.com/products/hardware/parts/bp2470.jpg

I attached a 6-inch length of several feet of cored-out 550 paracord tied in a round sinnet knot to the bottom.* My car key and remote go on top.* I place the paracord inside of my waistband along with the shackle so that only the key and remote are seen.

Works for me.

A bit difficult to visualize. *I'll try to post some pics when I get my camera setup.

[Jumpmaster]

But my keys usually end up jabbing me in the leg. . .

http://www.berkeleypoint.com/products/tools/185kc.html

That will allow your keys to lay pretty flat in your pocket...should reduce the jabbing. That's what I use. I bought some extra split rings (1/4" size) and put those on my keys...allows them to slide more freely on the chain.

JM-99

[gordonk]

I have mine on keyrings but they reside in my fanny pack. Fanny pack is typically locked in my office drawer when I get to work. I have revenue properties, so I have several keyrings. If I carried my keys in my pockets, I wouldn't have room for my toys ;D

- gord

[webley445]

I use a crabiner that easily comes on/off a belt loop. The keys are set on different split rings, i.e.:
#1=house key
#2car key+gas cap
#3 Arc AAA
#4
...etc.

This way when needed, each item can be individually removed and used or carried on its own.
When I worked in an office, I could remove what I didn't need at the time, and carry a much lighter load on the belt loop, or carry lets say just the car key in one pocket when going out to luch and the Arc in another.
Back then I had a Photon that was attached to the car key so that if I went the minimalist lunch route, I would have some light attached, rather than separate them.
I also bought a extra small carabiner so I could belt loop carry minimal load removed from the bigger set.

[unterhund]

Good old left front pocket. My keys have the space to themselves, so it's not uncomfortable. And I don't have near as many as some.

[parnass]

.... I used to have a snap that would go on my belt loop and drop the keys in my back pocket. ..


I looped the leather strap around my belt instead of around a cloth belt loop on my pants.
The keys and everything else on the keyring stay silent and hidden in my back pocket. Used this method for 35+ years, no matter what the fashion.

(Photo from the KeyHolder Store on eBay)

[sween1911]

http://www.berkeleypoint.com/products/tools/185kc.html

That will allow your keys to lay pretty flat in your pocket...should reduce the jabbing. That's what I use. I bought some extra split rings (1/4" size) and put those on my keys...allows them to slide more freely on the chain.

JM-99



Ooohhh.... that gives me an idea. Maybe I'll try threading my keys onto a piece of gutted 550 cord. Another problem I have is I carry my keys with a few smaller split rings on there for the car remote, smaller keys that don't fit on the main one, etc. Sometimes one of the main keys gets caught in one of the smaller rings and ties the whole thing up. That wouldn't be a problem with the keys threaded onto something that can move like that.

[0dBm]

Maybe I'll try threading my keys onto a piece of gutted 550 cord.

This is exactly what I have been doing for quite sometime. The paracord, unlike split rings, is a lot quieter.

[Deaths Head]

Ended up carry in out of my pocket on my belt loop with a titanium snap gate (http://www.berkeleypoint.com/products/titanium/gatesnap.html)titanium snap gate from Berkeley. *Also, I now have my knife out of my right pocket to the waist band above it.
Nice to have my pockets available for my hands again.

[Pyro]

I use a maxp keyper :)

[pipedreams]

Pocket.

todd

[Glock19]

I selected other because I carry them in my front right pocket AND clipped to my belt. Keeping the keys clipped to my belt prevents the keys/stuff from bunching up/stacking at the bottom of my pocket while standing and keeps them from stabbing me while sitting down. Very comfortable and I have quite a bit of stuff on my main keyring.

-House and other keys
-Car keys and fob (on a different splitring than other keys)
-Res-Q-Me combo window punch and seat belt cutter
-256MB USB flashdrive
-BSA HotSpark w/ tinder fob
-Pill fob w/ Advil
-RSA SecurID fob for work
-LED squeeze light

Plus all the assorted rings and clips that keep these items together (4 Photon clips, 4 split rings, 1 detachable clip, and the belt clip/attatchment)

[Codeman]

I chose other as well. I use a Brookstone keychain and usually tuck the remote under my belt, if I'm not wearing a coat. That keeps the rattling down. Well...that and a bit of retired muscle hanging over the edge.

Things that rattle when I waddle are a pet peeve of mine!

[M.TEX]

Folks

Car and house keys on Carabiner....Never lost a set of keys EDCing this way.... :topic:

[kamkazmoto]

Pocket but fortunately I don't have a lot of keys to carry. y

[robertrock]

Pocket - quick disconnect type 4 keys one side and 2 keys plus photon and whistle other side. I replaced the large split rings with flat chain and small split rings. Fits very flat in he pocket.






robert

[Nighthawk]

I have been a keychain nut since I was two years old and have tried hundreds of combinations over the years.* My favorite one is the carabiner quickdraw combination.* It keeps the keys handy and secure.* With the addition of the quickdraw to the carabiner it is long enough to tuck into the front pockets on a pair of khakis or suit pants and eliminates rattle.* The only problem is the non load bearing biners aren't long enough.* I had to go with one rated for climbing, besides it's nice to have a keyring that you can hang a car from if you wanted. :lolhammer:

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i281/edcnighthawk/66fb2b54.jpg

[Mer]

I've been using a stainless Twisty for years.

Easy to take apart and flexible enough to let the keys "settle" in your pocket.

http://www.flashlightlens.com/images/bigtwisty.jpg

[kmcrawford111]

I've been using a stainless Twisty for years.

Easy to take apart and flexible enough to let the keys "settle" in your pocket.

http://www.flashlightlens.com/images/bigtwisty.jpg




I like that. Where can one find those?

[Gadget Guy]

I used to carry them, but I can't find good quality ones anymore. Yours seem to be high quality, where did you get them?

Thanks,

GG

[Mer]

http://www.flashlightlens.com/products.htm

In the right column. First item in the Accessories section.

All pirces include shipping too.

Be sure to tell him that his Brother sent you guys. ;D

[Gadget Guy]

Thanks Mer!

GG

[Ging]

My keys go in the bottom of my righthand side pocket, with my wallet on top.

Nighthawk, I like the use of the quickdraw O0

[M.TEX]

hello Guys

I think Im can find at the hardware store near my house. I don't know if there is a brand name but
is made the same way....

M.TEX

[porkchop]

I use a twisty similar to the stainless ones. Found it at a local hardware store over by the key cutting machine.

Only problem I've had is when I need to take one key off... oh let's say the middle of the ring and all
of my other keys fall on the floor and I have to scramble around and grab them off the floor. :-[

But other than those occasions, It works just great.

[Codeman]

http://www.flashlightlens.com/products.htm

In the right column.* First item in the Accessories section.

All pirces include shipping too.

Be sure to tell him that his Brother sent you guys.* *;D




These are definitely very good quality. Unfortunately, with a bit of nerve damage, I have to use pliers to open and close them, but I KNOW it won't come apart accidentally.

[Craig720]

My favorite one is the carabiner quickdraw combination. It keeps the keys handy and secure. With the addition of the quickdraw to the carabiner it is long enough to tuck into the front pockets on a pair of khakis or suit pants and eliminates rattle.


Does the carabiner snap onto your belt or onto a belt loop?

-- Craig

[Craig720]

Is there a difference in how you carry your keys when you're wearing jeans and when your'e wearing dressier trousers, say, chinos or khakis?

-- Craig

[enine]

I use something like this http://www.wilsonsleather.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1835289&cp=
It came from Wilsons but is a little nicer. I melt off any plastic heads from the keys, then there is an inner pocket with has some bandaids and a watch band compass, another pocker with a gerber ridge knife, and a pocket with some $ and then a small outside pocket with my arc aaa and usb flash drive. It doesn't bulge out anymore than a regular wallet and keeps the keys from making noise.

[ohmygoat]

House/car keys in the pocket.

Work keys on a ring with a Berkeley Point Gate Snap clipped to a freebie REI carabiner. Easier and quicker to remove and secure the key ring on to the carabiner with the Gate Snap than without. Also adds a bit of length allowing keys to be tucked into a pocket eliminating the dreaded Key Jingle Syndrome.

[Nighthawk]

My carabiner is attached to my belt loop. I will probably change my setup when my prybaby gets here as it will be too bulky to fit in my pocket. I may have to tuck it into my waistband kubotan style.

[sween1911]

Last night I strung my keys onto some gutted 550 paracord. I have a tip for my soldering iron that I filed to a sharp edge specifically for cutting and cleaning up the ends of nylon rope and cord. At first, I used un-gutted, but the tips kind of mushroom and some of my smaller keys wouldn't go on. So I gutted it, and melted the tips of the cord to angled points, threaded on the keys, and am using one of the lanyard spring-latch thingys that came with a Surefire Z3 to keep the ends of the cord together, then tied the free ends in a knot as a safeguard. Works pretty well. No stabby keys in the thigh, and I don't rattle like a janitor when I walk around.

[heathah]

I carry my personal keys in my front right pocket but I usually carry my car and/or office keys on one of these guys:

It's called a Secure-A-Key:

Link 1 (http://www.happcontrols.com/security/30013800.htm)

Link 2 (http://builders-hardware.gillroys.com/Residence_hardware/Key_rings/Secure-A-Key-s580023.html)

It slips right over your belt and your keys slip in the hook and are secured by a small piece of ss that acts as a spring. When you want to get them off, you grab your keys, press in on the ss spring portion of the clip and slide the keys up and off. It is also very small as I hardly ever notice it, except when I have a lot of keys hanging at my side. The clip itself is no more than the width of a normal belt so it won't stick into your side. After the first day I used it, it became a main item in my EDC rotation. A very good option for you guys that don't like pocket carry or prefer to have your keys easily accessible.

[Craig720]

My carabiner is attached to my belt loop. I will probably change my setup when my prybaby gets here as it will be too bulky to fit in my pocket. I may have to tuck it into my waistband kubotan style.


Thanks for the answer. I thought it had your carabiner had to be on your belt loop, but isn't that hard on the belt loop?

I had to take a pair of my jeans to the dry cleaners to have a belt loop sewed back on. I had broken the stitching from working my keys on and off the loop!

-- Craig

[7k7k99]

I normally carry my keys in a hanger on my belt but I may change that after today. I have my keys on a big 2" split ring and somehow my car key worked its way off the ring today and I lost it somewhere between the doctors office and the parking lot. I tried to retrace my steps, but did not find it. fortunately, I always carry a spare car key in my small change purse I carry in my pants. I had the key separate from the car remote so at least I didn't lose that. Guess I would of been walking home to get another key if I hadn't had that spare. I have always carried a spare since I locked my keys in the car when I was a teenager. First time I ever lost a key, guess there's a first time for everything!

[Nighthawk]

Try a piece of heat shrink tubing over the ring. It will keep the ends of the ring together.

[Nighthawk]

Craig,

Here are some pictures of my setup.* I find that Levi's 550 jeans work the best for having the belt loops dropping straight down into the pocket (unfortunately I'm wearing CK's in the pics).* That may alleviate some of the stress on the loop.* I used to have my other heavy keyring on the quickdraw before I got my garage door remote, and never had a problem with the loops with my khaki's or suit pants.* Another idea may be to have a loop of cordura nylon or leather (maybe a belt keeper) on your belt to attach the carabiner.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i281/edcnighthawk/100_1704.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i281/edcnighthawk/100_1705.jpg

[parnass]

Here are some pictures of my setup. I find that Levi's 550 jeans work the best for having the belt loops dropping straight down into the pocket (unfortunately I'm wearing CK's in the pics). ...


Nighthawk,

Thanks for posting the photos. When you get your keys out to drive your car, do you remove the caribiner from your belt loop? Does the entire carabiner/keyring strap hang from your ignition while you drive?

Now that you mention it, the belt loops on different pairs of jeans are in different positions with respect to the pockets. There's no "standard" belt loop position. For that reason, using a carabiner on a belt loop works with some of my jeans, but not with others where the belt loops are too far away from a pocket.

[Nighthawk]

When you get your keys out to drive your car, do you remove the caribiner from your belt loop? Does the entire carabiner/keyring strap hang from your ignition while you drive?


I usually take the whole thing off of my belt to drive. With the carabiner being aluminum the whole ensemble doesn't weigh much.

[Lunal_Tic]

This is my rig.* Most of the time it resides in the bottom of my pocket but if I need them or the Tekna knife more easily accessible I just flop the knife and ring out of the top of the pocket.* It's easy to draw the knife w/o even messing with the keys or pull out the whole rack w/o digging.

http://img173.imageshack.us/img173/5247/key2medium8ij.jpg

-LT

[0dBm]

Nighthawk,

Is that a Springfield pistol in a Ted Blocker IWB holster and a Kershaw knife?

[Deaths Head]

I just have a few things on my keychain. I am more of a minimalist, so I don't like to have a huge keyring. My keyring is light enough to hang from my front left belt loop.

[xDANx]

Pocket for me.

[Nighthawk]

Nighthawk,

Is that a Springfield pistol in a Ted Blocker IWB holster and a Kershaw knife?

It's actually a Kimber Ultra Carry II (.45 ACP) in a Don Hume IWB holster.* The knife is a Kershaw Ken Onion 1550ST. :)

[0dBm]

Dang, missed that pistol and holster.* I'm gettin' rusty not being able to carry over here. :(

Well, at least I got the Kershaw right. ;D

[lcranston]

I have two key chains. One has a few keys, an Arc AAA, a safety marker (tritium) from Lab Safety, a Spyderco Mini Police knife, and a car remote. The key ring is a newer titanium screw link from County Comm. I most often carry it in my front pocket. I use a Photon type clip for the ARC and can clip the whole thing to a belt loop when needed with the Photon clip. The other key ring has a bunch of items and I usually keep it in my workbag.

[Crocodilo]

Mix'n'match for pocket carry. Several paracord fobs, different keyrings to use as needed. Thus, the mix'n'match on a case by case basis.

BTW, the fob on the knife adds two things: a nice balanced visual effect to the set, and if needs be, hanging outsde the pocket will allow a quicker grab and draw.

Here's a pic:

[Gadget Guy]

Looks great Crock! O0

GG

[Sunnie]

My key bunch has a silver money clip attached (just slipped through a split ring of the appropriate size). When wearing a suit, in order to organise the keys in the pocket without them bunching up and clumping down through their weight, it looks smarter to clip the keys to the outside of the pocket with the fancier clip than it would to use a carabiner on the trouser belt loop. I've been doing this for years and it works really well.

Sunnie

[Lurkr]

I switch between either front right pocket, or attached by carabiner and janitor's key ring (zzzzzZZZZT!) to my mess bag. Works slick, just need a silencer.

[JimH]

Thanks for the answer. I thought it had your carabiner had to be on your belt loop, but isn't that hard on the belt loop?

I had to take a pair of my jeans to the dry cleaners to have a belt loop sewed back on. I had broken the stitching from working my keys on and off the loop!

-- Craig

Don't hang stuff from belt loops - they wear out like yours did. I just slip a cable key ring over my belt and hang stuff from that. That way if I want stuff to hang in my pocket, I don't have to worry about the belt loop not being in the right place. The cable ring should be large enough that it will lay flat agains the belt. Always use a coated cable ring. Bare cable will wear through anything

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v664/hodgesj/Miscellaneous/Cimg0352.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v664/hodgesj/Miscellaneous/Cimg0350.jpg

[JimH]

A trick for getting keys to lay flat in your pocket is to use a couple of small split rings or a small swivel between the key and the key ring.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v664/hodgesj/CIMG0337.jpg

[Gadget Guy]

You coud also use some oval split rings like these: ***Sorry, they won't fit the actual key, just the smaller items***

[Uncle Zungle]

Most of the time pocket carry. Sometimes on a carabiner looped around my belt.

[Buffalohump]

This thread really needs a pic to do it justice.

Anyway, I have my house keys and a fauxton on a Max Keyper left hand side.

In my left front pocket I keep my Fenix E1 and Atwood whistle at the end of a length of thin paracord that is attached to a small stainless carabiner that screws closed that goes around my belt loop.

In my right hand pocket on the end of a similar length of paracord also attached to a carabiner which is secured to my belt loop is a SAK Rambler.

In my watch pocket is the XL Prybaby.

This way everything is concealed and silent and secure. I can also get to the stuff easily by yanking on the paracord.

I use swivels and split rings to connect everything up. Wish I had a nice pic to show ya!!!

[Craig720]

http://www.berkeleypoint.com/products/tools/185kc.html

That will allow your keys to lay pretty flat in your pocket...should reduce the jabbing. That's what I use. I bought some extra split rings (1/4" size) and put those on my keys...allows them to slide more freely on the chain.

JM-99



When I tried the web address, this is what I got:

The requested URL was not found on this server.

[Craig720]

Don't hang stuff from belt loops - they wear out like yours did. I just slip a cable key ring over my belt and hang stuff from that. That way if I want stuff to hang in my pocket, I don't have to worry about the belt loop not being in the right place. The cable ring should be large enough that it will lay flat against the belt.


Ohhh. THAT's how you do it. Cool. Thanks man.



Always use a coated cable ring. Bare cable will wear through anything


Don't I know it. Groan.

-- Craig

[destroythealter]

I use the maxpedition keyper - good stuff :)

[EODtech]

OK - here a home grown Polish special...... The "pouch" is a Blackie Collins ballistic belt sheath that I put a slit in the flap so I could attach a snap hook on to the knife split ring. Inside a carry my lock pick set and a Victorinox O/H Rescuer #54869 - which features a partially serrated locking blade with thumb slot, seat belt cutter, bottle opener with screwdriver tip and wire stripper, can opener with screwdriver tip, Phillips screwdriver, reamer, toothpick, tweezers and key ring. Looks big however the pouch lays flat in my pocket and the key, remote, etc hang loose on the outside of my jeans.

Complete Rig (http://www.gulftel.com/gnoza/keys1.jpg)

Pouch Contents (http://www.gulftel.com/gnoza/keys2.jpg)

Any ideas on how to improve this rig and maybe some "key ring" toys I need to add - open for suggestions....

thanx for looking.

[seawolf69]

In the pocket suspended on a TEC P-7 suspension clip (this thing is GREAT!)

[LightChaser]

My keys are on a split ring that is attached to a carabiner. The 'biner goes on my belt loop, and the keys hang out in my pocket. I guess that falls under other, right?

[johnnytest]

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_fIG4SsEXF5M/Sst9fYKCUsI/AAAAAAAAAQs/LQgncwIHGrQ/s400/KIF_1447.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_fIG4SsEXF5M/SwLvdYoFvhI/AAAAAAAAASk/asFoU5rUrGg/s400/KIF_1457.JPG

Note the brass clip. It is well secured. I yank on the little black cord to retrieve the keys. It allows them to hang and not bunch up.
--Johnny

[echo63]

my keyring lives in my front right pocket, although i really should try the Tec accessories clip again, i liked it when i used it a while back.

the keys to the Work car (picked up at the office, and handed back at the end of the day) ride on a clip i built, basically a 1" strap that holds a grimlock to my belt
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/Echo63/IMG_0071.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/Echo63/IMG_0069.jpg
(sorry for the average pics - they are from my iphone)

[P35]

keys are carried in my pocket, on a key ring

[jag-engr]

I don't know if I should contribute to a thread this old, but I suppose it's already been bumped and it's better than just starting a new thread, so...

I voted for pocket, though I actually carry them clipped to the edge of my pocket on an awesome kydex pocket clip that another member sent me for free (I'm not advertising his name, since I don't know if he wants me to do so).

I'm seriously considering converting to a paracord loop, but I need to first figure out a way that I can easily take keys on and off, since I change keys out fairly often.

[StealthChaser13]

I voted "On Keyring from belt/belt loop"..but I have mine hanging into my pocket from a claw carabiner, which is hooked to a normal carabiner which is on my belt...

[Votekinky06]

I prefer pocket carry, never liked the way keys looked hanging from the belt.

[oldsarge]

Long lanyard with an nautical style brass self closing hook

[Polygeist]

I now carry my keys (among other things) in a Maxped Rat Wallet. I had the same problem with my keys poking my leg while in my pocket. That annoyance was what led me to move my pocket carry to the belt-mounted Rat Wallet.

[GRIFFINHAWKS]

Hung from belt loop ,)
http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae127/GRIFFINHAWKS/lunapic_12735396103061_21.gif

BE WELL .. GH

[justin44]

front trouser pocket, is it just me or do you feel lost if they are not there, even if i go out with the wife in her car i still have to hold the keys or i keep panicing i've lost them!

[localguy]

I carry in my pocket, but sometimes there are issues to the keys bunching up inside there, especially in jeans. I usually let the keychain hang outside a little but so I can easily pull it out if needed. I really want one of those D22 carabiners for carry purposes. :)

[fisk-king]

for the past year it has been on the belt loop attched by a mcgizmo clip

[aphex2k]

3 Keys, NiteIze glow stick, Swiss-Tech 6 in 1 attached to a olive Grimloc and a loop or olive paracord with a Chris Reeve snake not.