What do you do with car keys?

[BouzoukiJoe A.K.A. wrecker130 AKA Chuck Norris AKA joeforbroke (banned)]

Or you can keep it in a pocket in your dryusit underwear and hope you don't flood the suit

[mm_dm]

Like both Larry & Compudude said, I had a "non-path" key made. It just opens the car door, no electronics. The clicker and the actual key are locked inside the car (hidden away).

[DMWiz]

Originally Posted by fire diver

I typically used the "hide the key under the truck" thing. I hope I can get the keyless entry pad on my next truck, it is soooo much nicer.

I sure miss my old Ford Explorer with the keyless entry pad, by far the best feature of the car IMO.

It's time for biometrics!

[Skred]

Originally Posted by DMWiz

I sure miss my old Ford Explorer with the keyless entry pad, by far the best feature of the car IMO.

It's time for biometrics!

The biometric system would have to be able to compensate for pruny fingers and/or a serious case of mask face!

[fire diver]

Naw, just use retinal scans.

[mike_s]

Originally Posted by ScubaToys Larry

Why not get a "valet key". Just one that fits the lock that does not have the electronics - then you can lock the keys inside the car, and just carry that.

Most cars now days come with a "valet key" when you buy it new.

that's the simpliest thing to do.

Originally Posted by Straegen

We have seen the practical... now for something a bit higher end:

Keypad Keyless Entry: A1 Electric Online Store

Key pad for your car $189

Seems fancy, but looks to be a pain in the but to install to get a "perfect hole" cut to put it in.

also, looks like I can jam-jerk it out, cross a few wires and your door is open.... (of course the "universal key" shown above will break out the window a lot easier, or a rock will).



Compudue posted the MasterLock box... it's the way to go. Nice and cheap and locks to anything.

We use them at work and they will hold a set of keys with a FOB on it.

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by fire diver

I typically used the "hide the key under the truck" thing. I hope I can get the keyless entry pad on my next truck, it is soooo much nicer.

As a side, I have gotten my old truck "digital key" wet many times. Even jumped in the water for about 20 minutes while boating before I realized it was still clipped to by belt loop. NEver had a problem. Don't know if I was just lucky, or if they are more robust than people think.

Depends on if you're talking about a simple chipped key (sometimes the RFID chip inside is embedded in epoxy and pretty waterproof, sometimes not) or an actual keyless entry remote, built into the key or not. The latter isn't going to survive even a brief immersion, especially salt water.

A dummy key, totally chipless, will unlock a door manually if you don't activate the alarm. It won't start the engine, but it will turn the tumbler in the door lock, which is all you really need.

But the realtor box is the simplest and easiest way to go. Just be sure your buddies have the combination in case they get out before you! I'm the only one in my usual dive group who has bothered to buy one, but one other friend has a wet key for her car. Whoever has the easiest key method generally gets everyone else's keys tossed into their trunk!

I also dream of keyless entry, though... that is certainly the BEST option, if it's practical!

[fire diver]

No, in my case it was the RFID chip built into the key. My daughter's car has one of those multi-starter-keyless entry-alarm thing-a-ma-jiggies. I really don't care for it myself.

[cmburch]

I use my valet keys and leave the alarm key in the vehicle.

I hang the key on a plastic loop (from my radiation badge) around my neck inside my wetsuit or use the wetsuit key pocket.

On one of my cars if the alarm goes off, I just open the door and turn it off with the controller.

I try to rinse the key off with fresh water or wipe the saltwater off before opening the door.

[IndyDiver]

Originally Posted by DiverDurf

Wow! Thanks for the great ideas gang! I don't have the type of vehicle that a stand-a-lone key will open (alarm goes off), but I do like the realtor box and hitch safe options. Thanks again!

On most cars, the alarm only goes off if you lock the doors with the the electric lock switch or with the fob. If you lock the door with the lock button that only does that single door, it does not set the alarm.

I use a Valet key attached to my BC - but the ritual to get around the the alarm goes like this:

Lock doors with electic lock switch in armrest, with the car still running and doors closed. Open driver's door and get out. Lock drivers door with the button that only does that door, and close it. Car is now locked and the alarm is not set. This method works with my wife's Pacifica, my Ram truck, and with my dad's Toyota.