Hide-a-key

[nvbirdman]

Do you use one of those metal box hide-a-keys that sticks on with a magnet?
Did you know that after a few years the combination of water and dirt makes them rust shut and they will be impossible to open?
I now have a homemade plastic one that if I have to I can simply break apart (plastic will break, metal will just bend).

 

[importman]

Good to know. I need to check the one on my Tundra. On a humorous side note: My genius mother in law responding to someone of facebook who had locked themself out of their car, told them she had a key hidden under her car, and described where it was.... On Facebook. Oh well, she drives an Odyssey so no one cared enough to steal it yet.

 

[pre_j]

Where did you get yours?

 

[SPfromFL2710]

Lol!

 

[Ogre75]

I have thought about using one, but I worry about the key getting wet and ruining the electronics in the fob. It would be far simpler if you could use a standard metal key without a chip to operate the 4R.

 

[shadow247]

I have thought about using one, but I worry about the key getting wet and ruining the electronics in the fob. It would be far simpler if you could use a standard metal key without a chip to operate the 4R.

You can get a "Valet" key even if you have the push button ignition....
Just wrap it up in a ziploc with a few dessicant packs and you will have no worries.

 

[Matewperry]

Personally, I never noticed any magnetism. The few times I have drilled metal I put oil on the metal to help cool the drill bit - and assumed the bits stuck to the drill due to the oil.

The few thin metal drilling (steel bit on aluminum), I think it sticks because the metal being drilled partially melts during drilling.

 

[Montego Murph]

It would be far simpler if you could use a standard metal key without a chip to operate the 4R.

It's not ideal, but it is possible to make a plain metal key that only opens the doors. I suppose you could make one of those for the hide-a-key, then stash a chipped key elsewhere in the vehicle?

 

[jasonbach]

Don't do it - I had my truck stolen once this way.

 

[702tripgen]

Don't do it - I had my truck stolen once this way.

How do you know they used your hide a key and didn't just bust the ignition etc?

 

[wcjeep]

They make plastic hide a keys with magnet attachment. Use a non chipped key. It will only open the door in case if lockout.

 

[Espresso_OI]

Newer models that only come with the Fob:

1) Push the button on the side and a metal key pops out - it only opens the door and glove box, no engine start.

2) Hide your key fob in the interior of the car or a locked glove box. Disable the proximity of the FOB by holding down the 'Lock' button and pressing the unlock button twice - the light will blink 4 times.

3) I do this for surfing - the metal key I can stash in my wetsuit.

 

[Brick Sprickly]

I have the large toolbox for the Gobi rack, so when I need to lock up the vehicle when kayaking or something I just lock my keys in the rooftop box with the spare key I have attached via lanyard to my PFD.

 

[2112 R]

It's not ideal, but it is possible to make a plain metal key that only opens the doors. I suppose you could make one of those for the hide-a-key, then stash a chipped key elsewhere in the vehicle?

^^ this

You can use a plastic mag box, zip tie or carabiner to stash the "old school" plain metal key which opens the door and then get inside where you get at the also hidden/stashed main key with chip.