A part from the keys on one’s key chain, every home has a collection of keys for general use. Some of them are spares, some are for rooms that are infrequently locked and some are the only keys on hand and intended for all to use. Almost every key in these collections at some time or other has been mislaid, carried away by mistake, or has lost its identity, thus requiring many trials and errors before the right fit is found. This key rack, aside from its attractiveness and the sense of orderliness that it gives, prevents any of these troubles.
Each key has a large colored tag which at once prevents it from being hidden in the litter on the shop bench or being carried unnoticed in the pocket. In addition, the lock for which it is intended is lettered plainly on the tag so that it cannot be mistaken for another. Each key has its appointed place on the rack and when it has been removed, the rack immediately announces which one is missing.
The back member requires a piece of stock 1/2″ thick, 7″ wide and 10 1/4″ long. A full-size pattern of the contour at the lower and upper ends of this member will have to be prepared and traced on the stock. The thumb spaces along both edges should be laid out, following the dimensions given in the drawing. After this layout has been completed, the back member should be cut to shape on the jig saw. The sawn surfaces are finished smooth with sandpaper wrapped around sandpaper blocks.
The slots into which each key tag is slid require four pieces of stock 3/16″ x 3/8″ x 7″, three pieces 3/16″ x 3/8″ x 2″, two pieces 1/8″ x 1/2″ x 7″ and two pieces 1/8 x 5/8″ x 7″. The location of each of these is shown on the drawing. The 3/16″ x 3/8″ pieces are secured to the back member with glue and 1/2″ brads and form the spaces of the key tags. The ledge is made by securing the 1/8″ x 1/2″ and 1/8″ x 5/8″ strips to the face of the spaces with glue and 1/2″ brads.
The tags will require six pieces of 1/8″ plywood or solid stock (hardwood) 2″ wide and 3 1/4″ long. It may be necessary to reduce the width of each key tag in order that it can be inserted and withdrawn from the slots.
The board and tags can either be painted or finished natural. In any case, paint the surface of the rack between the ribs a contrasting color so that when a tag has been withdrawn it will be immediately apparent which key is missing. Letter each tag appropriately; the words shown on tne pattern are not necessarily typical of every home. Letter both the tag and the space behind it. Fasten the keys on the tags with string, wire, chain, or beaded chain.
