What Can Old Keys Be Used for in Prepping?
In the world of prepping, resourcefulness is key. And sometimes, that means thinking outside the box when it comes to using everyday objects. One item that often goes overlooked is the humble old key. While its primary purpose of unlocking things may have been forgotten, old keys can serve many functions when prepping. From unlocking the hidden potential to securing your survival, what can old keys be used for in prepping? I love collecting old keys and have found them to be super useful over time in my prepping journey.
Can old keys be used for emergency situations?
Yes, old keys can be useful in emergency situations. They can be repurposed for various purposes such as opening locked doors, padlocks, or even handcuffs. It’s a good idea to keep a few spare keys in your emergency preparedness kit.
1. Lock Picking and Emergency Access
One of the most obvious uses for old keys in a prepping scenario is lock picking. In a crisis situation where access to locked areas or resources becomes crucial, having the skills and tools to pick locks can prove invaluable.
Old keys can be reshaped and modified to act as makeshift lock picks, providing a way to gain entry when traditional methods are not available. However, it’s important to note that lock picking should only be used in emergency situations or with proper authorization. What Are 20 Basic Items in an Emergency Kit?
2. DIY Survival Gear
When it comes to survival, improvisation is key. Old keys can be repurposed into a variety of DIY survival gear. For example, they can be fashioned into makeshift fishing hooks by bending, sharpening, and shaping them appropriately.
Old keys can be used as rudimentary screwdrivers or pry tools, allowing you to perform quick repairs or disassemble equipment as needed. Their small size and durability make them an ideal addition to any survival kit. Invaluable Tools Necessary for Transporting Emergency Supplies
3. Bartering and Trade
What can old keys be used for in prepping? In a post-apocalyptic world, where traditional forms of currency may lose their value, bartering becomes an essential skill. Old keys can serve as a valuable commodity due to their potential uses and scarcity. Really old antique keys can carry some significant inherent value you can take advantage of if you happen to have this precious type of key. That being said, be sure to keep these keys in a safe place.
They can be traded for other items or services, acting as a form of currency in a society where traditional money may be obsolete. They can also come in handy when used as gifts for that special someone. The uniqueness of old keys can make them desirable to collectors, increasing their trading value. 50 Items You Need In Order To Barter
There’s a chance you can find some old keys at a flea market, thrift store, or estate sale. Keep your eyes open for keys with special shapes and colors.
4. Arts and Crafts
Prepping doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom, it can also be an opportunity for creativity. Old keys can be transformed into beautiful pieces of art or crafts. Consider using them as special decorations on your Christmas tree or used in making DIY wind chimes. We have a friend who takes old spoons and makes rings out of them. The same thing could be done with keys that can be shaped when heated properly.
They can be used in jewelry-making for things like a necklace, keychain designs, or even as decorative elements in sculptures or mixed-media artwork. You could change up how a necklace pendant made from old keys fits various outfits by making the necklace from various colors of ribbon to match that day’s outfit. Repurposed old keys can add beauty to your prepping journey. Uses of Crayons for Being a Prepper
5. Symbolic Significance
Old keys hold a certain symbolism that goes beyond their practical applications. In the realm of prepping, they can serve as a reminder of the importance of being prepared and having access to essential resources.
Old keys can also represent the idea of unlocking potential and opening doors to new opportunities. Displaying old keys in your prepping space or wearing them as a symbol can serve as a personal reminder of your commitment to preparedness. Why You Shouldn’t Put All Your Prepping Gear in One Place
Are old keys worth anything?
Old keys can have value, depending on their rarity, historical significance, and demand among collectors. Some antique skeleton keys can be quite valuable, especially if they’re from locks in royal, religious, or historic buildings. Large brass cut keys from the early 19th century or earlier may also have decorative value and are considered very rare types of keys. However, just like with other old things, not all old keys are valuable, and some may only have scrap metal value. How to Start Prepping with No Money
Can old keys be cut?
Yes, old keys can be cut to fit different locks. While it is possible to recut or modify an old key to match a different lock, it requires skill and expertise. Locksmiths are trained professionals who can make new keys from existing ones or create duplicates of skeleton keys. They have the necessary tools and knowledge to cut keys accurately. Mailboxes: A Lifeline in Emergencies
Can I use an old key as a self-defense tool?
While an old key may not be an effective self-defense tool on its own, it can be used as an improvised tool in certain situations. For example, if you find yourself in a dangerous situation, you could hold the key between your fingers as a makeshift protection device. However, it’s important to prioritize personal safety and rely on proper self-defense techniques and tools when available. How to Be Tougher Mentally As a Prepper
More Tips
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Final Word
Old keys may seem outdated and obsolete at first glance, but they possess potential in the world of prepping. Before you discard those forgotten keys, consider the different ways in which they can enhance your preparedness journey. So, what can old keys be used in prepping in your world? May God Bless this World, Linda
Copyright Images: Keys on Table Depositphotos_110041800_S by AY_PHOTO, Bunch of Keys Depositphotos_110300938_S by room76photography
Jingle jangle on a tripwire alarm
Hi Matt, oh yeah, good one! Why didn’t I think of that one! Love it! Linda
I’m thinking as part of a sling shot that you shoot at people along with pebbles
Hi BJ, great idea, good one! Thanks for sharing your idea! Linda
Wow, I would never have thought of that. Also, possibly an emergency screwdriver.
Hi Janet, oh yeah, an emergency screwdriver, great tip! Thank you! Linda
Not your typical use…My Mom raised two foster kids. For some reason they both felt she “owed” them and they would steal from her. They kept asking for keys to her apartment and she kept saying no. She suspected one of them had stolen her key, copied it and returned it keeping the copy. They had; I had the locks changed – when they were there. I took a key that went to nothing, put it on my Mom’s apartment key ring and put it on the table the next time they visited. It was moved around and Meth Mouth had to run an “errand” we assumed to copy the key. Mom had satisfaction that Mouth paid to have they key that went to nothing copied, had to pretend he found the key on the floor and picked it, they had to drive down to my Mom’s place when she wasn’t home and they couldn’t get in the apartment and steal anything. We were notified by the management they were seen in the hallway trying to get into the apartment. Then they blamed me and called me a witch.
Hi Linda, wow, this is awful they copied her house key. It never ceases to amaze me that people think they are owed something and must steal to recoup what is not theirs to begin with. Or steal anything in fact that does not belong to them. Linda
A few keys on a keyring will make a lovely set of brass knuckles. Just thread the keys between your fingers. I’ve never had to use them, but I know I considerably startled a few dates by thus threading my car keys through my fingers before heading to the car park…
I have also used old keys as a sort of super-washer. Most recently, in the chicken coop–the leftover linoleum I used to cover the insulation inside (since chickens *love* styrofoam!) wanted to pull off and tear free of the nails or screws I’d used to fasten it to the studs–the old keys were plenty big enough to spread the pressure and hold it in place, where washers of the same size would have had too large a center hole to stay on the nail/screw!
Hi Rhonda, great idea for threading the keys between fingers!! Great tip on using them for “washers”!! Love it! Linda
I have two old car keys that I keep on my keyring and I call them my TSA compliant box cutters (I just never say that when in the airport.) Not as sharp as a real box cutter, but I can break the tape sealing most boxes shut very easily with them.
Hi DMWalsh, oh my gosh, what a great idea! I never thought about that one!! Great tip!!! Linda
there’s a limited number of lock tumbers that a manufacturer will use for their products – many times they’ll even cross-over to their other products and continue on in use into future more advanced product versions …
eazy enough to ID keys for their purpose – padlock keys are usually distinctive and stamped for the make – same same for vehicles including heavy equipment like CAT earthmovers – institutional/commercial door lockset keys for office building and apartment complexes >>> SHTFtimes – not the worst idea to locate & scavage key sets when the occasion presents itself ….
Hi Illini Warrior, great comment, my friend. I agree gather the keys now so you know where they are before you need them for other uses. Linda
When I used to work for a police department one of the officers came over to our breakroom, there had been a rape/murder over the weekend. He felt we should know how to protect ourselves. He gave us a lecture on safety, always look around when you are headed to your car, plant roses or thorny bushes under easily accessed windows, carry a whistle on your key ring – if you are in an accident a whistle carries urther than a voice. He told us about using keys for self-defense, he said not to hesitate to go for their eyes or nose with the keys to defend yourself. They are out to rape, steal or kill you, and disable them and run. That was a good reminder for everyone. The world is getting scarier by the day.
Hi Linda, oh thank you so much for sharing your story with all of us today. I love it because I tell my kids and grandkids to be aware of their surroundings at all times. A key is a great way to protect yourself if need be. The world is getting scarier every single day. Linda