Make a wooden key head - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Phil · #16 01-18-2008, 10:26 AM

Thanks a lot now I feel like I should go back and re do mine so it looks good

When I did mine I had the plastic end from Performance Prod. and it fell apart after 3 months and I just did a quick repair but I really like the one you did.

daw_two · #17 01-18-2008, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX76513

Nice Woody!

Nice Wood

When my original master key suffered the same thing, I went next door to my metal crafter, master welder guy friend. He bent a thin gauge piece of metal to go from side to side via the end. Then I got some heat shrink material from the hardware store. I drilled a small hole out. It works but doesn't look as nice as the wood.

SwampYankee · #18 01-18-2008, 01:19 PM

Now that's purdy! If I had any confidence whatsoever in my woodworking skills I'd probably tackle that. It looks very nice and classy. Mine would end up looking like and irregular piece of plywood with epoxy runs in it.

TheDon · #19 01-18-2008, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee8go

Kudos. I think I saw an article about someone doing something like that in Fine Woodworking a while back.

Don't the newer MBs have an electronic chip in the key that might preclude doing this with one of those?

yea.. it wouldn't work with the keyfobs

I wish I had a factory key set so I could do this.. maybe I should order some..

patbob · #20 01-18-2008, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwampYankee

Now that's purdy! If I had any confidence whatsoever in my woodworking skills I'd probably tackle that. It looks very nice and classy. Mine would end up looking like and irregular piece of plywood with epoxy runs in it.

I don't know.. if I can do it, I'm sure you can too. If you haven't, go read the blog entry, especially the part at the end where I pointed out all my mistakes. I'd be suprised if you can figure out how to make one I didn't

And besides, even if it does end up an irregular lump, who cares. As long as it's glossy, it'll look like you meant it to be an irregular lump

SwampYankee · #21 01-18-2008, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patbob

I don't know.. if I can do it, I'm sure you can too. If you haven't, go read the blog entry, especially the part at the end where I pointed out all my mistakes. I'd be suprised if you can figure out how to make one I didn't

And besides, even if it does end up an irregular lump, who cares. As long as it's glossy, it'll look like you meant it to be an irregular lump

"Oh no, those aren't runs. Those are designed so I can find my MB keys in the dark."

Phil · #22 01-18-2008, 03:30 PM

If anyone needs motivation to do this just try turning the key with out the plastic part on the end, your fingers get sore very quickly.

Dee8go · #23 01-18-2008, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil

If anyone needs motivation to do this just try turning the key with out the plastic part on the end, your fingers get sore very quickly.

Aesthetically pleasing AND functional, WOW!

vstech · #24 01-18-2008, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee8go

Sounds like some two-bit key repair to me, Al.

ha.

Phil · #25 01-18-2008, 03:55 PM

[QUOTE=patbob;1735913]Just before Christmas the plastic head on my key finally tore completely off and I was left using the headless metal shank. Ouch. Then came across the key thread How long do your W123 keys last?, wherein Phil mentioned replacing his with wood. Sounded like just the solution I needed, so here's how I did it...

Alright now that I have read the blog of how you did this I have to say
since you got the idea from my post I'll tell you I made mine in 30 minutes but thats why it looks the way it does. Also I used lumber core ply and clear spray finish. Now that I see yours I think I might re do it the right way. Yours looks a lot better than my quick fix one does.
Question; do you think it is strong enough with the large hole and won't crack? Thats why I just drilled a hole and yes I scratched mine when I put the split ring through it so next time I might try to come up with something easier to attach it to my key ring.

patbob · #26 01-18-2008, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil

Question; do you think it is strong enough with the large hole and won't crack? Thats why I just drilled a hole and yes I scratched mine when I put the split ring through it so next time I might try to come up with something easier to attach it to my key ring.

No, although it is holding up pretty well (~3wks so far. .a lot longer than I expected it to). If I had it to do over, I'd just drill a big hole in the center, maybe 3/8" or so.

For the key I have now, I've been thinking of strengthening the sides with some brass. Cut a saw kerf down the side edge and expoy in a piece of brass, then file to shape and put a second coat of the epoxy finish on. Even if the wood breaks, the brass should hold things together.

babymog · #27 01-18-2008, 07:57 PM

Love it!

My keys are all in good shape, but I'm thinking I might do one anyway, I have a few pieces of Zebrano laying around and it'd look just right hanging in the ignition.