How can I reuse or recycle old house keys?
I’ve had an email from Jory, asking for suggestion about what to do with “a ton of old house keys”.
We’ve got a number floating around too – not just house keys but old bike lock keys and other misc keys that are probably for something really important we just don’t know what.
So any ideas?
Best Suggestions
- Reuse: Lots of people have suggested using them as different type of decorations and jewellery – and if you don’t want to do that, there are a number of different artists collecting them (see below).
- Recycle: If you’d rather recycle them for charity, they’re collected by Guide Dogs for the Blind in the UK and Keys For Kindness in the US.
- See the comments below for more suggestions and ideas
(Photo by irizarry)
If anyone else has old keys they’d like to give away you can mail them to:
4001 Meriwether Drive
Durham, NC 27704 USA
Any and all keys are welcome and appreciated. As few or many as you would like to donate. I am collecting keys to melt down and create other metal goods.
Dear Sir / Madam,
If your at a lose end to what to do with old keys we at the welsh playgroup in abergele are in search for some to make a treasure chest so children can play with keys in the discovery area.
Thanks
Nerys 07707749063
hi are do you still want keys ive got a lot i can get them to you
I would like to send keys to you. What name should i put in the address? Are you an artist?
Are you still recycling old keys? I would love to send a few to you!!!
Thanks!!
Hello are you still collecting keys? What do you melt them down to become? Also what name should I put on the envelope to post my keys?
Thanks Kelly
an edit to the above post:
it is 4001 Meriwether Drive #13C. Without the 13C you will be sending it to a very confused apartment complex. Haha
Use them for coasters.
I saw a percussionist using keys hung in a string as a percussion instrument. I am collecting keys now to try that.
Hi.
I am looking to build a similar instrument. I have collected 13 old keys. I’m seeking the blueprints to build them right. I get the impression that a small piece of wood, a drill with a small bit, the keys and some fishing string should do the trick, of course with proper protective wear!!! lol. So if anyone knows of a place online to get some type of blueprint or instruction on how to make these, please send me a message at heldrawsthemusic@myspace.com. Thanks.
KEYS >>> old keys are great. Dip one in metalic paint or spray on gold or silver. Put key on a necklace. Large old time keys are best. but a small one used with other items and makes a charm bracelet. I like the small lock and key combination and put on a necklace. OK i’m a man and straight but i’m into crafts full time. Durn, i need to send photo of keys in a display case… Most old door keys bring about $2.50 each at antique stores.
I luv this idea! Thanks a lot!
Especially since we have holes in some of the keys, it makes things a lot easier!
Hi
If anyone has any old house keys, would be most grateful as we are going to use them as “Santa Keys” in our forthcoming Christmas Fayre!!
So please email me and I will give you my address.
Many Many thanks
love this idea. it’s kinda cute
Ive recently resorted to buying bags of old keys, then I found this page.
If anyone is willing to send me old keys its greatly appreciated!
Ive recently started an art project calling for many. Just email me if you have any you are willing to send!
thanks!
I am a property manager and have accumulated rather a lot of chubb, yale and other metal keys. If you are still in need of these please email me Hoaregalvin@aol.com using ‘old keys’ as subject heading.
Hey Allie, I just came across this site and I have a bunch of old keys. If you still are in need please let me know and please include your e-mail address. Thanks :)
I have imbellished old pictures frames with keys. You can use old greeting cards as pictures for the frames. You can paint the keys or just leave them they way they are. Just glue they keys around the frame. You will want to place the keys around the frame before gluing for measurement. You would hate to get around the frame and not have enough room for that last key. These make great gifts.
I totally forgot about this one idea. Christmas tree ornaments. I bet keys would make really nice ornaments. Shine them up and let them sparkle with the lights.
I work at a buisness fr people with special needs. One of our participants makes artwork out of old PC’s, 3d PCI cards, and old keys. She also uses sea shells and whatever comes to her mind. If anyone has any of the materials I have listed, please email me at jmzicha@yahoo.com. She would be THRILLED!!!
Thank you
I have been collecting keys for as long or longer than I have been gardening. I worked for a car lot for thirty years and on a whim started collecting keys. Then started finding odd shaped ones. I have quite a few and plan to make a montage in the shape of a key, using my keys to make the design. I also collected old license metal tags. There are just so may uses for these: bird houses, purses, etc. All I need now is the time and the toola.