Looking for a Key Lanyard for the Keyfob

[88bmwjeff]

So, I did what I said I wouldn't do. To avoid losing my key fob, my routine is to put it in my left pants pocket, zip it closed, and not put anything else in the pocket while I'm riding. So, the other day on a ride, I stopped for lunch and went to hit the restroom before I left. I thought, I'll just put my phone in my left pocket while I'm in the bathroom. While back at the table, I get all my gear together to head home--at which point I take my phone out of the left pocket. Once all geared up, I go to press the start/on button, and nothing. Check my left pocket and no keyfob. Go back into the restaurant and check the booth I was at. Luckily it was on the black bench, black side up so it was hard to see.

While riding home, I kept kicking myself for breaking my rules, but also feel lucky that it worked out OK. I also began to think of what I could do to prevent that. What came to my mind is a key lanyard that I could clip to my pants zipper or loop around a belt. That way, if the key comes out of my pocket, it's still attached to me. I did a quick search on Amazon, but nothing seemed to fit exactly what I was thinking. Has anyone else thought of this and found a good lanyard to use?

 

[paul_f]

My bikes are an ‘87 and a ‘98, no fancy starting system for them but what you are intending to do is what I have been doing with my backup keys for years with whatever pants that I wear under my riding pants. I had short lanyard sewn into my right jacket with a clip for my riding keys for whenever I walk away from the bike. This is how I have kept from misplacing my keys for many years. What you are contemplating should work.

For just regular rides the backup keys stay at home, under my boot insoles, are flat keys for each bike, just in case I should lose the main set, which could be rather annoying even I’m only a few hours away from home.

 

[omega man]

I make my own out of Paracord. It can be as simple or as complicated as needed.
Do you need the key for the bike ignition? If so, length may be a problem with what to do with the extra cord. With a smartphone, you could use a locator such as a “tile” or “air-tag”.

If it’s a “proximity” fob, one that hangs around your neck would do it. It’s as simple as a length of cord with a double fisherman’s knot.
OM

 

[lee]

I make my own out of Paracord.

I also made my own. I got fancy and put clips on each end.

 

[kbasa]

So, I did what I said I wouldn't do. To avoid losing my key fob, my routine is to put it in my left pants pocket, zip it closed, and not put anything else in the pocket while I'm riding. So, the other day on a ride, I stopped for lunch and went to hit the restroom before I left. I thought, I'll just put my phone in my left pocket while I'm in the bathroom. While back at the table, I get all my gear together to head home--at which point I take my phone out of the left pocket. Once all geared up, I go to press the start/on button, and nothing. Check my left pocket and no keyfob. Go back into the restaurant and check the booth I was at. Luckily it was on the black bench, black side up so it was hard to see.

While riding home, I kept kicking myself for breaking my rules, but also feel lucky that it worked out OK. I also began to think of what I could do to prevent that. What came to my mind is a key lanyard that I could clip to my pants zipper or loop around a belt. That way, if the key comes out of my pocket, it's still attached to me. I did a quick search on Amazon, but nothing seemed to fit exactly what I was thinking. Has anyone else thought of this and found a good lanyard to use?

I have an AirTag on mine. I’ve got a little silicone thing that holds it. It’s on a ring with my key. If I get separated, my phone will warn me and tell me where it was last seen. Doesn’t help you much, but that’s helped me.

I also keep my key in my cargo pocket. If I leave it unzipped, items can’t escape as easily as from my pants pocket. I try not to keep stuff in my pants pocket exactly because I never remember to zip them.

Sorry, Jeff. Losing a key sucks.

 

[88bmwjeff]

Lee, that’s exactly what I’m looking for. OM, you probably have something similar, but Lee provided a photo. The big question is where did you get the Paracord and ends? And, hopefully I don’t have to spend a small fortune on parts with enough cord and ends to make dozens.

While not as good as what you made, I’m leaning toward this. The thin loop used for the keyfob, then I can loop the lanyard around my belt or belt loop.

Amazon.com

Dave, I’ve been thinking about getting some AirTags, but those are really an after the fact solution vs a preventive one.

 

[GTRider]

The camera folks often have some slick lanyards, might be worth checking out.

Best,
DeVern

 

[rhbike]

I clip my key with garage door opener to a loop in each of my jacket breast pockets. One of the jackets was custom made, so I spec's having the loop added to the insude of the pocket. Another jacket came with such a loop. And for the third, I attached a short piece of stout cord to the zipper handle. The only problem with using a breast pocket is that I have to temporarily unclipped the key to unlock the seat, which I seldom need to do. But I want to keep the bike key with the jacket rather than the pants.

 

[omega man]

Lee, that’s exactly what I’m looking for. OM, you probably have something similar, but Lee provided a photo. The big question is where did you get the Paracord and ends? And, hopefully I don’t have to spend a small fortune on parts with enough cord and ends to make dozens.

While not as good as what you made, I’m leaning toward this. The thin loop used for the keyfob, then I can loop the lanyard around my belt or belt loop.

Amazon.com

Dave, I’ve been thinking about getting some AirTags, but those are really an after the fact solution vs a preventive one.

It’s very common. I have different styles.
REI Outdoor stores have a good selection. I find I actually like to see diameters and flexibility of a cord in person to determine suitably.
I even have cord from Nite Ize that has a reflective quality- from Bass Pro.

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/nite-ize-shineline-reflective-cord?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensions&ds_e=GOOGLE&ds_c=BPS%7CShopping%7CPMax%7CCamping%7CGeneral%7CNAud%7CGoogle%7CNMT&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD1TgtfetmMNSXcYy7YxEcly9CRtF&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4amX8Pb8iwMV8DQIBR0SjCwoEAQYASABEgI2APD_BwE

I have even used a good quality shoelace.

I usually join the ends with a double fisherman’s knot but even heat shrink tubing will work.

HTH
OM

 

[lee]

While not as good as what you made, I’m leaning toward this. The thin loop used for the keyfob, then I can loop the lanyard around my belt or belt loop.

Amazon.com

That will work good.

If anyone is interested in paracord I've had the 1/8" paracord for a long time and probably bought it at Walmart, Amazon or a outdoor type store.
I bought it to redo some tent poles.
The plastic clips I bought from Amazon.
Unavailable from that vendor but the link give you an idea what to look for.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VBIUQL8?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

With the lanyard I don't see how I could lose the fob, but I do not put any other items in the same pocket as the fob.
During the ride or trip I have no need to open that pocket.

 

[lee]

Dave, I’ve been thinking about getting some AirTags, but those are really an after the fact solution vs a preventive one.

That's a good point. Someone could run over it in the parking lot before you turn back to look for it.

 

[efiedler]

I learned two things after losing my key fob two years ago on a weekend solo trip. 1. Never start the ride by placing your key fob in your pants pocket without checking that your pocket is zippered shut and 2. Don’t forget the spare key. These two mistakes cost me dearly and I don’t want to relive that day of misery. So now I keep the key attached to a locking carabiner and I always carry the spare.

 

[88bmwjeff]

So, I ordered a lanyard and a spring-loaded clip, which created the following for about $14--plus I can make four sets of these, but I only have one key fob.
The photo on the right is the lanyard clipped to my zipper on my pants pocket. (note: my pants are hanging between two jackets)
.

 

[lee]

At first I was going to attach my fob to my jacket but sometimes I lay my jacket on my bike while I go in somewhere.
I decided to attach the fob to my pants.
Debbie makes sure I don't go anywhere without my pants

 

[88bmwjeff]

At first I was going to attach my fob to my jacket but sometimes I lay my jacket on my bike while I go in somewhere.
I decided to attach the fob to my pants.

Lee, I agree. My key is actually attached to the zipper on my pants pocket. My pants are hanging between two jackets and it can appear than it's attached to a jacket. I did revise my post to reflect this.

 

[rhbike]

Lee, I agree. My key is actually attached to the zipper on my pants pocket. My pants are hanging between two jackets and it can appear than it's attached to a jacket. I did revise my post to reflect this.

Bike keyfob attached to the pant zipper... What could possibly go wrong with that?

 

[88bmwjeff]

Bike keyfob attached to the pant zipper... What could possibly go wrong with that?

Pocket zipper not fly zipper

 

[brorke]

Here's what I've been using for several years. No issues at all

Amazon.com