Losing keys

[Ambulance Chaser]

Before I left for the evening on NYE, I removed my building and apartment keys from the large keychain I generally carry and put them on a small ring to minimize bulk.  With the restaurant, nightclub, multiple cab rides, and shallow-pocketed slacks, you can guess what happened next.  Not a great way to welcome 2005.  Everything worked out in the end (fortunately, a locksmith was available on New Year's Day to let me into my apartment), but I was wondering if any of you had any suggestions on how to carry keys (particularly for an evening out) that will minimize the chances of losing them while maintaining a slim profile.  Thanks in advance.

 

[SmartDresser]

Your quote at the bottom made me laugh. This may not be much help, but I alway buy pants with deep pockets. I hunt around for them.

 

[Renault78law]

Aw, that sucks. Besides leaving them in your breast pocket, I just try feeling for my keys every time I stand up.

I'd suggest attaching a small tag on your keys with contact info (phone numbers, not an address..for obvious reasons). You can have one made at any pet store for a few bucks. That way, at least if you lose them, there's a chance they'll be returned.

 

[shoreman1782]

If I only need a key or two, my wallet has two little pockets (I think for spare keys) that I can tuck my car and apt. keys into. It wouldn't fit more than two keys, and I wouldn't want the wallet-bulk all the time, but it's one option. If it didn't have the specific pockets, I might hesitate to put a key in there, what with all the wallet opening I do on a night out.

It's just a cheap wallet, btw, no name brand, not sure of the details of higher end wallets. EDIT: Some standup had a good bit about guys feeling for all necessities when we get up, leave a restaurant, etc. flailing our arms at all of our pockets, looking like we're giving a signal to steal second.

 

[johnw86]

I know this doesn't address your query, but I used to carry a spare car key in my wallet. I taped it between two business cards so it wouldn't shift around, and it didn't add much bulk to my stache of credit cards. Perhaps if one did this with a car key and house key, it would be possible to forgo the "stealing second" signs.

 

[alaaro]

I always take off any keys i dont need and just shove it in my pocket and it seems to be fine. I do the constant checking thing also, when I stand up.

Off topic, but where'd you party in DC for NYE? I was out at Porters in Midtown. Silly party.

 

[demeis]

If its only a few keys like my keychain, (1 house, 2 car), and a small key ring then they usually fit in the 5th pocket of trousers if there is one. I have found that things usually don't slip out of that pocket. This may not help if you don't have a 5th pocket but another option

 

[PHV]

Before I left for the evening on NYE, I removed my building and apartment keys from the large keychain I generally carry and put them on a small ring to minimize bulk.  With the restaurant, nightclub, multiple cab rides, and shallow-pocketed slacks, you can guess what happened next.  Not a great way to welcome 2005.  Everything worked out in the end (fortunately, a locksmith was available on New Year's Day to let me into my apartment), but I was wondering if any of you had any suggestions on how to carry keys (particularly for an evening out) that will minimize the chances of losing them while maintaining a slim profile.  Thanks in advance.

Buy a key holder.

 

[Brian SD]

I have my keys on a keyring that I can clip to my belt loop. I would recommend the same. I originally started sporting the look for aesthetic reasons but I have found it to be quite practical as well.

 

[bigbadbuff]

Maybe you could find a smaller, stylish carabiner...

 

[demeis]

I have my keys on a keyring that I can clip to my belt loop. I would recommend the same. I originally started sporting the look for aesthetic reasons but I have found it to be quite practical as well.

How does that look with trousers and suits? I do this with jeans and more casual attire but thought it would look tacky having a big silver ring or biner hanging off a belt loop.

 

[stache]

I always keep a safety pin on my key ring for emergencies. Sometimes I will pin the key ring inside my pocket so it stays put.

 

[joseanes]

Before I left for the evening on NYE, I removed my building and apartment keys from the large keychain I generally carry and put them on a small ring to minimize bulk. With the restaurant, nightclub, multiple cab rides, and shallow-pocketed slacks, you can guess what happened next. Not a great way to welcome 2005. Everything worked out in the end (fortunately, a locksmith was available on New Year's Day to let me into my apartment), but I was wondering if any of you had any suggestions on how to carry keys (particularly for an evening out) that will minimize the chances of losing them while maintaining a slim profile. Thanks in advance.

Maybe no keys at all. They sell keyless locks at home depot. Kind of combination locks

However, the car keys... I guess you still need those, but at least it is only one key.

 

[Tom]

I would avoid putting a safety pin in my pocket, for what I consider obvious reasons. In most pants pockets that I own, there is a small liner pocket sewn into the right front pocket as a "change keeper" pocket. It keeps small items from slipping out. Also, if you are wearing a jacket, put them in your inner breast pocket. No problem.

-Tom

 

[Brian SD]

Quote:

(Brian SD @ 03 Jan. 2005, 10:56) I have my keys on a keyring that I can clip to my belt loop. I would recommend the same. I originally started sporting the look for aesthetic reasons but I have found it to be quite practical as well.
How does that look with trousers and suits? I do this with jeans and more casual attire but thought it would look tacky having a big silver ring or biner hanging off a belt loop.
It does look very utilitarian in nature, having your keys hanging over your butt. I didn't even think about suits/trousers, because I wear jeans 29 days out of 30.