keychain weight

[Khan]

I have read that problems can be caused by having too much weight on a keychain (attached to an ignition key). What is the undesired weight limit and how can I measure it?

 

[samclem]

Here's what Click and Clack have to say about it.
8-10 keys is okay
20 is probably too many
Car Talk


I doubt that you'll find anything very scientific or precise. IIRC, the problem occurs when the excess weight from the keys causes damage to the springs and/or pins in the ignition lock. If this is correct, then orientation of the lock cylinder when it is in "RUN" would be important: If the key is nearly horizontal, then there would be almost no weight on the pins/springs even if the keyring weighed a lot.

But, I defer to Click and Clack . . .

 

[yakers]

I have a key ring with a detachable clip for the car key. It is useful for a lot of reasons but I use it when driving to reduce the key chain weight and the key chain would be too long and in contact with my leg if I did not detach it.

 

[OAG]

Urban myth! I don't even think the new cars with the weird keys even have "pins" any more. But I have heard that for many years - and I just use the "Valet Key" in my car and keep the one with the Key Fob in my pocket. I usually just drop the VK in the center counsel when I leave the car and "lock" it with the Fob in my pocket. This does two things for me: it lets me reinforce the "myth" and keeps me from ever getting locked out of the car.

 

[rs0460a]

Wife/me have four cars . I keep a separate keychain for each, with the respective car key, house key, and key fob (remote lock) and just take the one I need for my "trip".

- Ron

 

[Jeb-NY]

Not a complete myth but it may not be true on some newer cars. I know first hand of two cars that had this problem but they were both 80s-90s vintage cars. Both owners had a wad of keys that I wouldn't want to carry around.

Jeb

 

[TromboneAl]

Divide up your keys and put some in you left pocket and some in your right to distribute the weight.

Ha ha.

Note that Khan's original post was a joke too, since he would not be asking how to measure the weight of the keys.

 

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

Note that Khan's original post was a joke too, since he would not be asking how to measure the weight of the keys.

He's a she.

My Prius has one of those proximity transmitter/receiver deals where I never need to remove the key from my pocket. Seemed kind of frivolous at first, but now I find it annoying when I have to go hunting for my key while holding an armful of shopping bags when I drive the DW's car. There's an override key in case the high tech stuff breaks down.

 

[Ed_The_Gypsy]

I am constantly amazed at what can be learned on this board.

 

[Milton]

My boss carries ~25 keys on his belt.

Why he chooses to impersonate a janitor is beyond me.

 

[Marquette]

how can I measure it?

Put your cat on the scale. Record the weight of said cat. Clip your keyring onto the same cat and weigh again. Subtract the first weight from the second and you're good to go.

To ensure an accurate weight, be sure the cat sits perfectly still during each measurement. Additionally, you will need to make sure the can't do anything to change their weight between weighings (eating, drinking, using the litter box, etc).

Warning, there is a slight chance that you'll lose both the cat and your keys at some point in the process. That's the high price of science!

 

[CuppaJoe]

So this is the way new retirees jump start their weight loss programs, by turning in the company car keys. Let's see, I have three work keys, Fluffy weighs nine pounds. Can't weight!

 

[Payin-the-Toll]

I ran 5 liquor stores in the inner city in the 90's. Had keys for doors, keys for safes, keys for etc., etc., and keys for the 4 vehicles I owned. Kept them all on the same key chain--either had my keys or didn't (none of the 'got my car keys but no store keys stories). Never had a problem.

 

[Khan]

What I meant by how to measure the weight: If the critical point is, say, 4 ounces; where do I find a scale that measures in 1 or .5 ounce increments?

 

[rs0460a]

What I meant by how to measure the weight: If the critical point is, say, 4 ounces; where do I find a scale that measures in 1 or .5 ounce increments?

Try your local drug dealer ....

- Ron

 

[REWahoo]

What I meant by how to measure the weight: If the critical point is, say, 4 ounces; where do I find a scale that measures in 1 or .5 ounce increments?

The produce department of your local grocery.

 

[W2R]

What I meant by how to measure the weight: If the critical point is, say, 4 ounces; where do I find a scale that measures in 1 or .5 ounce increments?

Kitchen (food) scales?

 

[TromboneAl]

They have special scales for weight keychains, but you can probably get by with a postal scale.

 

[OAG]

Next time you are in the local Post Office ask the clerk to weigh them.........reasonably accurate.

 

[jazz4cash]

What I meant by how to measure the weight: If the critical point is, say, 4 ounces; where do I find a scale that measures in 1 or .5 ounce increments?

Go to the post office and use thier digital scale (wait till thier not looking, or 'accidentally' lay the keys on the scale).

Oops..just noticed R Wood already said to use the PO, but all our PO's have self service scales with digital displays.

 

[Meadbh]

We weigh babies on an electronic scale accurate to 1g. (convertible to lbs & oz). I have looked after babies who weighed less than some people's keyrings. Perhaps your healthcare practitioner has such a scale?

Or you could use a Weight Watchers scale (minute accuracy not guaranteed).

 

[Meadbh]

somewhere to hang your keys (or a shower curtain)

 

[Milton]

Look at me! Look at me! LOOK AT MEEEEE!!!

 

[nphx]

GM 90's cars with the security "pellet" (actually a .03 cent resistor in 1 of 8 values) had contacts which engaged with the revealed contacts ont the keys. The cyclinder seems to have some wear out/failure with normal use and it seems to accelerate with abuse like heavy keys. Keys with 'transponders" in the plastic wont have that design issue.

 

[ls99]

I've read somewhere: your importance is inversely proportional to the number of keys you carry.