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Key chain

Was trying different way to make key chain case that is practical and ease of use base on each individual user needs and requirement. * of course some special request and customization to match individual needs and requirement *.

There are four post key ring version and six post key ring version to suit needs of each person usage and daily needs.
There are different way to make key chain case and different locking button method to suit each individual needs.

Share some challenge to make a key chain case and it might look simple at first look. But need a certain skill set and knowhow to assemble them in certain sequence.

This is another key chain design (saw this design from Pinterest) and modify the design slightly and tried out different approach.

This is the result is after trying out the using VT2 button (inner buttoning using rivet and short leather to extend the button) and VT5 button style to better secure the key chain.

A typical key chain case is just to hold key within it casing. Have added other feather like a hook for certain use it handy to able to carry around. There are other possibility like add credit card or access card space.
There is unlimited combination you can think off for key chain holder design.

===== Year 2018 =====
2nd Jan 2018 project which is some new idea for key chain project.

Update on 6th Jan 2018 - Key Chain holder.

Sample project for a 4 post key chain holder.

*Take note of the design of tag it have a button attached.

Anyone interested on template for key chain for 4 way post ot 6 way post, please let me know in your comment.

Tools for fabricate tag for key chain with a hook (from left to right)

1) Thread sniper

2) Hobby knife

3) Marker pen

4) Coin
5) Leather Glue

Leather of suitable thickness and size typically 2 cm width and length is about 5 cm.

Close up view on tools and materials

Mark line for punching hole

Use punch tool to line up location

Punch hole

Mark place for tag to key chain

Use coin for cutting curve line edge

How to terminate thread by hiding in between the layer and trim off the thread close to edge.

Trim the excess thread and keep it as close to the leather edge to "hide" the thread end in between the two leather space.

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Update 6th Jan 2018.. more photo on fabricate 4 post key holder.

Cut a slotted line to accommodate the strip of tag

Insert the strip of leather with pre configured button.

Use a clamp to position and hold the tag in place for the next process.

Apply small amount of glue to fix position of tag to surface.

A small amount
of glue will make life easier do punch hole for stitching work.

Sample of 4 post key holder with different way to attached a hook.

Hook behind leather

Hook in front leather

Update 7th Jan 2018.
Continue with key chain holder project.

Front view

Rear view

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Update on 13th Jan 2018 - Key Chain holder.
In this showing method and tools used to make a hook for key chain holder.

Tips when cutting leather which is thick, insert a small piece at underneath one end of ruler. It give a better support as the hand apply pressure on ruler.

Use of paper template to mark on leather. Use a 20 cent coin for the curve part.

Position coin and use hobby knife to cut outline.

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Update 27th Jan 2018.
Try new FOB key chain with hook.

Cut leather material to size. Typical width is about 2 cm for this size hook. The other piece is for band.
* the band strip need to carefully measure by wrapping around and mark to size.

Close up of the band and show punch holes for sewing.

This is how I mark and do measurement for the band length.

Final product for FOB key chain

Use a small clamp to hold leather when punching hole

Cut a curve to accommodate the hook

Cutting the band for key chain.

Marking hole mark to punch on band

*Do take note, insert the band on polyuthere piece to prevent punch sharp teeth from damage when punching hole.

Tools used for pre marking

How to terminate thread inside the band

Rear view on band

Slip band into key chain

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Update 04th Feb 2018.
Share inform on key chain with four head, try use different colour thread for it.

Saddle stitching method.

One way to use the hook is for RFID key tag holder.

External view

Internal view

Tote Bag #1

Just share tips on how to make a tote bag from leather.

It is real challenge as this is first attempt of this big project and the idea come about was because need tote bag for carrying big and bulky item to office.

1. Challenge is what stitch method and type of stitch thread to use.
2. All a single sheet EVA Foam as the inside base to help define the base area.
3. Try to use a single sheet leather as left and right side and bottom.
4. Both end is a sheet of leather attached using simple stitching method but require certain skill and knowledge to ensure minimum gap.
5. Recommended thread is waxed polyester thread to ensure good strength and ease to work with.

The final product.

Update 20th Sept 2019.

Had added a side pocket on the inside, it uses other material for this additional pocket.

Update 29th Oct 2020.

One day one of the handle strap gives way and repair was done. Uses this daily since May 2017 until today the support part holding D ring give way.

It is 2 cm by 10 cm leather piece.

Use a drill bit of appropriate size to remove rivet head. It better to make a slight depression mark on rivet head before drilling start.

Weak area give way.

To replace with new leather material with a interface material to help support this high wear and tear.

First to remove rivets and cut new materials.

Use a sharp tip to create a small depression on the rivet head.

This will help to minimize drill bit sharp slip and also act as centre punch purpose.

Drilling in progress. Need to be extra care in this action. As slip or movement can damage the leather surface.

Update on 17th March 2021

Tips:- Ensure a proper center hole is prepare on rivet head before start drilling. This is to minimize the drill bit tip from running off and cause leather surface damage.