Do you have a bunch of keys lying around in a box in your garage and wonder what to do with old keys? If your lock becomes worn out, your keys no longer become useful and through the years you may have by now a hefty collection of old keys with no real use. So, what to do with old keys, you probably ask yourself and we are happy to tell you!
Keys give us access to many things, and when you get older even if you don’t own much it is likely you become a key holder even if it is for something as simple as your personal diary. However, there comes a time when keys are no longer useful so you start thinking of ways how to dispose of them. While you need to replace your old keys you also need a plan for the old ones, and though the trash is the first place that comes to mind, it isn’t the only one.
Old keys actually have other uses that you might find helpful. So before you decide to throw away your old keys in the trash; consider possible reuses around your house. You may be surprised at what you can do with old keys. If interested, below you’ll find different ideas and tips regarding what to do with old keys.
Keys Brief History
The earliest keys (and locking mechanisms) were found in Egypt and were made of wood. That had several disadvantages, most notably that they were easy to break. The Romans were the first to make keys from metal, and that innovation proved much more successful. Early keys were made of brass and iron and resembled a modern-day skeleton key, with a round body and a small, single “tooth” that worked the lock.
Flat keys were first invented by the father-son team of Linus Yale Sr. and Linus Yale Jr. in the 1800s. They had the advantage of being easy to copy and became very popular in most parts of the world. Modern flat keys can be made of nickel silver, brass, or aluminum. In the 1990s car manufacturers began introducing keys with a small chip or transponder in them. These keys were intended to help stop thefts by preventing the car from turning on if the wrong key was used.
What to do with Old Keys FAQs
Are old keys worth anything?
Whether or not your keys have value will depend on the type of keys you have. The implication of this is that the less common your keys are, the more value they will have.
For instance, if you are fortunate to have some really old antique keys, there is value in them. If your keys are sophisticated, there is value in that too. For instance, if you have a car or door remotely controlled with keys, the keys might be of value.
If you also have railroad key types or elaborate unique keys, you can get value from them. You get a price between one dollar and five hundred dollars for the sale of the keys. Of course, the price you get will be a function of how marketable your keys are.
Can you recycle old keys?
Yes, you can recycle your keys. One thing you have to understand is that your keys are metal materials. Due to this, they are tagged as recyclables. However, not all recycling centers have recycling machines for metals. This is why you must confirm with your local recycling center before you designate your keys as recyclable.
How do you dispose of old keys?
- Sort Them: The first thing to do is to sort your keys. Look through the bunch of keys you have and put the ones you don’t need again aside. For the ones you are unsure of, you can keep them in a safe place.
- Package Them: If your keys are many, you might want to package them in a paper bag. You can then tape the paper bag and designate it with a marker as old keys.
- Place Them In The Recycling Bin: The next and final step is to place your packaged keys in the recycling bin. The recycling company would come and get it, and that would be all.
Can I use a key as a screw driver?
You can use your key to drive screws in and out of your home appliances. This comes in handy if you can’t find where you put your screwdrivers. The fun part is that it works for both star and plain-headed screws.
What to do with Old Keys Ideas
#1 Gift Old Keys
Before you give your old keys, you have to ensure that they are the precious type of keys. The idea behind gifting a key is to make them have a treasure to cherish. If your old keys are not precious, you should refrain from presenting them as gifts.
#2 Recycle Old Keys
If you have keys and you want to dispose of them, you should give the keys up for recycling. Recycling your old keys is a great way to go. Besides, since you are recycling it, you are also saving the environment. All you have to do is put the old keys in your recycling bin. You can also put a call to your local recycling center for possible pickup of the keys for recycling.
#3 Sell Old Keys
If the idea of making some cash from selling your old things sounds good to you, then you are good to go.
For your keys, you can sell them out and make money. However, like gifting your old keys, you have to ensure they are the very rare types of keys when selling. Bear in mind that the older and non-common your keys, the more money you would get.
#4 Use Old Keys as Zipper
You could experience a situation where your bag’s zipper breaks off suddenly. When this happens, use your old key to replace it. Simple fit the opening on the key to the zip edge, and you are good to go.
#5 Use Old Keys to Reach Tight Corners
You can totally use your old keys to reach tight corners and scrape out dirt. When cleaning, you can use your old keys to ensure that no more dirt is lurking where your cleaning materials can’t reach.
#6 Key Charm Bracelet or Necklace
Do you have an accidental stash of those tiny keys that come with padlocks, suitcase locks, and the little locks on vanity cases? These keys aren’t often used, but they’re visually pleasing altogether because they come in all shapes and sizes. Try turning them into bracelet charms using closing jewelry links, chains, and a clasp.
These “key chains” are a little different than your average key chain. Creating necklaces from keys is easy as pie. Find a jewelry chain, measure it to where you’d like the key to hang, and attach a clasp.
#7 Framed Art
If you have a set of old keys that actually mean something to you, like the keys to your parent’s first home together for example, then display them proudly! Try placing them in vintage (or at least vintage-looking) frame with a colored backing.
#8 Key Holder Made of Keys
Bending keys isn’t an easy business, but it can be done! Superglue or nail them to a length of wood once you’ve bent the end to create a hooked shape and hang it on the wall to keep your current keys organized!
#9 Key-imprinted Clay Beads
Create flat rectangles and press keys of different styles and shapes into the clay to leave a decorative imprint. Bake the clay (or use self-drying clay) and glaze it to give it a shiny bead-like finish. Then you can reuse the keys for other crafts.
#10 Key Wind Chimes
Keys make nice wind chimes because the jingling keys make a lovely sound when they blow in the breeze.
Simple string, twine, or fishing line will help you hang hold keys of different sizes from a metal ring to create a rustic set of wind chimes! Hang the keys at different levels, making sure they still overlap so they clink together when the wind blows.
Tools:
- Used Clean Mason Jar & Lid
- Small Nail & Hammer
- Antique Keys
- Hot Glue Gun
- Twine
KAMOTA Mason Jars 16 OZ
Mason glass jar set with silver screw lids, which is made of the highest quality materials for maximum durability and convenience.
BPA Free 100% food safe grade glass and dishwasher safe. Silver lids are lab-certified corrosion-resistant materials.
KAMOTA glass jars have an elegant design and the transparent glass can clearly distinguish what is inside.
Features:
- BPA-Free
- Clear
- Glass
Gorilla Dual Temp Mini Hot Glue Gun
The Gorilla Dual Temp Mini Glue Gun is an ideal tool for crafts and repairs. It is lightweight, with a comfortable grip and a built-in stand making it easy to use.
The easy squeeze trigger and long insulated nozzle allow a precise application on whatever project you are working on.
Gorilla Hot Glue Sticks provide a long-term hold even on hard-to-bond surfaces. The clear adhesive works with both high and low-temperature glue guns and features an extended working time for added convenience for all types of projects.
Features:
- Comfortable
- Good Grip
- Durable
Natural Jute Twine
Great for its use to decorate wine bottles. Use the jute twine to wrap around glasses and favors for a wedding shower and it looks rustic and fantastic.
Use it in the garden to hold tomatoes, cucumbers, and other veggies. This twine is strong, but not rough, so it does not damage the delicate vines.
Sturdy enough to hold together the burlap which was wrapped around the succulent pots.
Features:
- 328-Feet
- Multi-use
- Strong
Direction:
- First, poke holes into the lid of your mason jar. Then cut & thread your antique lace through the holes, at varying lengths, & tie them together at the top.
- Tie the keys to the ends of the lace & hot glue the lid to the bottom of the mason jar.
- If you are using a lot of heavy keys you might want to try hot glue.
- Attach your twine or lace around the top of the mason jar, and hang your new Antique Key Wind Chimes in a windy area where you can enjoy its pretty music.
