The car key problem

[Greenbare Woods]

There was a time when I went a short way into the woods and put my keys under a rock.  Safer than on top of the tire, perhaps.  But there were times a couple hours later when I returned and wasn't sure which rock I had hidden them under.  So I quit hiding keys under some random rock 50 feet out into the woods. 

I have also hidden my shorts and shirt under a log in the woods after crossing a busy highway and open field between parking and the woods.  I guess it doesn't matter where.  The purpose is that for a couple hours naked time I don't enjoy carrying my shorts or key.  If I'm going to be out several hours then I carry a day pack with water and my stuff including first aid and navigation aids.   

[nuduke]

I'm very much in the 'take-it-with-you' camp.  Like Duane, my keys go with me and are secured in pack or zipped in pocket.  Not worth losing your liberty.  Nevertheless, one day....one day I will be able to hike naked with nothing.  Carrying nothing, wearing nothing.  There must be a way!
Take an open minded textile friend along with a good backpack, perhaps!

I recall when Ian and I went to Eureka naturist club.  It was the second time (of 3) I'd been and when we got out onto a grassy field, I remember handing Ian everything I was carrying (not much just locker key hat and water bottle I think)., shed my shoes and for the first time was able to run and gambol on grass completely naked and unencumbered.  It was a super moment.  It was October - could have been warmer to make it ideal!

John

[eyesup]

. . . would they then be my friends?

Abbsoolutely!

Duane

[jbeegoode]

I picked up a couple of these in 1985 for our St. Martin nude honeymoon. It takes cash, key, credit card, what have you. That's Velcro and a very old dead watch.

Star Case of Pleasantville, NY. It is called a wrist watcher.
Jbee

[Elliot]

I use magnetic key boxes.  One is permanently hidden where I can get to it in an emergency, and one is for short term use such as when going swimming. 
The original type is steel with a good strong magnet.
The newer ones are plastic, with weaker magnets, but still usable.

Modern cars have plastic inner fenders and such, but I can still find a good place to tuck the magnetic box with a discrete motion.

[jbeegoode]

I have used these and need hit Ace Hardware for another. Thank-you for reminding me.

I usually just keep the key in my camera case, but these are good for other reasons.

Jbee

[reubenT]

The weaker magnet kind may be risk of loosing it if left when driving.   I'd be inclined to make my own with a much stronger magnet.  The magnet could also be attached permanently  (or semi permanent)   and the key placed in a steel case of some kind.  Or even just a steel tag on the ring.     Toss it at the mounted neo magnet inside a fender and it's there until someone yanks it off.  (Don't use too large a magnet or you'll have a hard time getting it to turn loose)    My ideal vehicle is one that's been seriously modified with secret switches to control essential functions,  so nobody but myself could drive it anyway.    My truck has just begun to see such modification,  so it will see much more.   Maybe even a custom engine invented and made in my shop.   It has power door locks,  so it would be a nice addition to add a secret push switch externally somewhere to unlock the doors.  Then I could leave keys inside and it wouldn't matter.   (unless the battery went dead)   

[Elliot]

I agree, ReubenT.   The new plastic boxes with wimpy magnets are not suitable for driving, unless the car has a "pocket" of some sort for it to tuck into.  But they are OK for while parked.

The original steel ones have such a good magnet it can be almost difficult to pull them free.  Those are great for long term emergency lockout rescue.

And... I've been known to run a wire from the ignition circuit to ground thru a hidden toggle switch.  Of course, with modern cars, you would want to research how to do it so you don't fry any electronics.   

[nudewalker]

Back in the day while in firefighting/EMS our vehicles had battery kill switches so unless one knew it no one could drive off with the rig. I remember having one of those key holders made of metal that my father had placed for one of those times like locking the keys in the car. We had never used it and when we went to trade the car in for a new one it had rusted out so that the key was attached to the magnet and the rest of the case gone. So the plastic case would be better with the salt and brine used on our highways in winter but the magnets are no where as good.

If I'm going to drive to a destination for nudity then water and a snack will be a must so carrying a small bag is a necessity and adding a key is no problem. That's why I enjoy camping; the ability to just walk away and get lost in nature!

[JOhnGw]

I solved the problem that electronic keys are not waterproof by leaving one in the pocket of a garment going through the laundry.
It killed the electronics so I had to look up how to use the key in manual mode.

[Greenbare Woods]

My van has a number code pad on the door so if you remember the number you can just lock your keys in the car.  I did that accidentally once last summer at about 4 AM in Wyoming, locked the key in the car with the engine running, and didn't remember the combination number.  I talked a girl at an all night convenience store to let me phone my wife at home and get the number.  I wrote the number on the back bumper, but it has now washed off again. 

I once had one of those magnetic key holders that I kept in the steel air cleaner cover, but that was back in the days when you could open the hood/bonnet without opening the door first.  I kept it in the air cleaner because the magnets weren't strong enough to hold on over bumps and such.  Lost several keys that way. 

I learned that quite a few ranchers in these parts put the key on top of the back tire which is out of sight when standing next to the car.  It stays there until you move the car which you won't do until you get the key.  Out of sight is all you really need.  Nobody is going to search the car, and its more safe than on top of the visor.  A key holder is just another thing to mess with. 

 

[ric]

ive recently bought a hat with two small zipped pockets on the sides.. just big enough for a  key.

[Elliot]

Looking at magnetic key holders online, I cannot find the original style made of steel. 
But there is clearly a difference in how the plastic ones are made.  Three examples follow.



This (above) resembles one I bought recently.  Two small magnets.  Mine is only suitable for hiding the key while the car is parked.




This one (above) looks much better.  One big magnet with steel edges is how the old steel ones were made.




Similar here (above), and this one is extra large for modern keys with electronics in the handle. 




The original kind (above).

[reubenT]

many years ago I had the system worked out for the dodge van we had.   Pull the dip stick (no hood lock)  slip it through the window seal and flip the latch open on the 3 corner vent window in the door, (no lock button on it)  reach in and unlock the door.    Then a few times I wanted to drive it without a key so a spare wire could be tied from battery +  to ignition wire connection,  cross the starter solenoid wires to start,  jump in and go.  That was a 76 van.   But they soon put the key switch on the steering column so it locked the steering when pulled.   And added pull latch on the hood.    But the 81 dodge truck I still have did not have hood release inside,  so I kept a spare key under the hood in the front corner,  in a metal magnetic case. 
   I guess the number code access is the most convenient modern system of easy access,   a friend of ours would program it with her home phone number so it was easy to remember for herself and anyone who was acquainted.      But several times I've been called on to access a modern car with locked in key.   I usually find a way to do it,  but it can be difficult.  And I'm sure some cars are made so tight it would be impossible without damage.       How bout I just fix up an old vehicle so impossible looking no one would even attempt to drive it.  Too many unlabeled and miss labeled switches with some that make it do things that make it appear the thing blew out.  Buzz smoke and fizzle.  I could have some fun with it.   

[ric]

you used to be able to leave a lada unlocked nearly anywhere

some companies alledgedly kept one as a pool car available  for anyone that stuffed his company car, was reputed to lower the number of accidents considerably


lada was a russian car , back in the 70's cheapest thing on the uk market