I carry a dozen keys every day, not including my car key/fob, and I actually use all of them. I've gone through a couple of leather key wallets of the cheaper variety. The leather holds up great and the attached Photon never fails, but the hardware breaks. I don't like big keyrings and prefer to contain everything in something durable but orderly. Any suggestions?

If you have any control over the locks themselves, get them keyed up on the same keys.

Otherwise, sort them by as many use categories as you like (every day, every week, once a month, etc.) and get rid of anything you do not NEED. I cut my keys down to my carkey and house key which is now keyed to open all doors including my french doors.

Reducing the number and organizing them in groups allows you to make a better choice up front. Put the uncommonly used ones away somewhere secure where you can get to them or packaged a wallet or metal case if they still need to be on your person.

But your question is about storage. I've found some of the hard cases for camera memory work nicely with some foam for soundproofing. They also make keysafes which allow you to carry one key and store the needed key near the site, though this is obviously less secure than just keeping the key with you.

I suggest actually visiting well stocked locksmith... they usually have higher quality items for folks who have to deal with a lot of keys.

Back when I wore a uniform, I carried one of these on my belt, and it worked well for me. Now, I carry less keys, so they can just go in a pocket.

http://www.galls.com/style.html?assort=general_catalog&style=NP053&cat=2981

That looks promising. I might be able to remove the belt loop to make it a bit more svelte for pocket carry. Thanks.

I dont have any help for your delima as i'm somewhat in the same shape. I carry only 5 keys though.

I do have a few additional questions.

1st Is there a universal key fob out there that is not HUGE. I dont know who designed chryslers fobs but they are too darned big.

2nd Is there any reason not to trim down and redrill new holes in the keys? I meanis it really necessary to have a Truck/Car key with a 1" x 1" black head on it?

Depending on your dexterity and finger strength, perhaps you don't need so much key, but think about being able to both hold the key firmly and get enough leverage on it to twist the key in the door locks and/or ignition. Also, if you live in an area that gets cold, larger keys are easier to use with gloves on.

The downside to this is that I've heard of people bending keys in frozen locks because they had a little too much easy leverage and tried to force it. LOL

The key ring itself could be used for leverage.

Both points I have pondered. I'm no so much worried about standard house keys as they are not so large. But for some reason it appears that car manufacturers design they keys as yet another billboard for the brand. Making the key fit the emblem rather than vice versa.

For example the coated area on my 02 for ranger key is 1.125" X 1.675" and then the key starts from there.
The one for the Liberty is 1.25" x 1.5" and also comes with the Handy dandy 1.25" X 2.75" Key fob. <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

It just seems that they could be maybe 3/4" either way plus a key.
Am I missing something here other than blantant commercialism that everyone has come to accept.

It all depends. Some of the keys include electronics inside the top as a theft deterent device.

i bought three new locksets for my house and had them keyed the same at the store so I could cut down to one key there.
I made copies of the truck and car key then melted the plastic crap off the ends to shrink them down.
Then for the rest of my tools and such I bought a set of keyed alike locks so that cut down to just a couple keys there.
Some keys like the new GM ones have both sides matching. I've been told you can cut one key with the patten for one vehicle on one side and the pattern for another vehicle on the other side to make one key open two locks depending on which side is up when you insert it.