What do you do with car keys?

[DiverDurf]

Don't really know where to post this, so here it is: Just what do you all do with your car keys while down under? I've been discreetly tucking them away somewhere, but I know it's a matter of time before it becomes an issue (especially on a shore dive with no one to look after your gear, car, etc). I'd like to take my keys with me but it's a key fob (remote), so it has to be something that is *truly* waterproof. Ideas please?

[FishFood]

Take the fob off and tuck your key in your wetsuit pocket.

Or if you're unlucky enough to have an attatched fob, have a copy made at a hardstore or the like. You will get told they can't make a copy because the key is chipped, but explain to them you only need it to open the door with. Then tuck that key and leave you other keys under your seat.

[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.

[Diver Kat]

Depends where I am .... if we're on a trip - like Bonaire where you don't lock the car or leave anything in it, I take a small dry box for the keys, cash & sunglasses. I just clip it to my BC. At home we had a door key made to the truck and would tuck it in the key pocket of my wetsuit.

[CompuDude]

Don't count on a dry box for electronic keys... those suckers can cost 100's to replace, and so-called dry boxes fail all the time.

Two options:

1) Get a "wet key"... a dumb key without any electronics, that just unlocks the door. Lock the real keys in the car somewhere. Works great, if you can get one.

2) Second option is to drop $20-30 on a realtor's lock box, and lock your key up somewhere handy. I clip mine to my door handle, a buddy clips his to a tow point under the chassis... whatever works. Sure, someone with big cutters could lop off the key and make life difficult, but it's not likely they'll bother, and even if they get the box off, they still have to get in and get the key. An hour of bottom time is not a lot of time to take the safe portion of the box elsewhere and mess with things... chances are they'll move on to an easier target. No problems with this method (or anyone else I know who uses it) for the past 3 years I've been doing it.

[imfreeagle]

I found the hich safe and it works great for many different
HitchSafe for trailer hitches hitch receivers, trailer Hitch Cover, key safe, Hitch Accessory, Automotive Key Safe, truck accessory, suv accessory I bought mine on ebay.

[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

[Straegen]

Oh and lets not forget the universal car opener that is also an optional tank banger:

Life Hammer Dealer, Break Car Window, Lifehammer Suppliers, Auto Emergency Escape Tool

[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.

[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!