There are few feelings worse than knowing you’ve been locked out of your house. You forgot your only key inside and the spare? It’s nowhere to be found, or worse, you never stashed one outside.
Odds are, to make matters worse, it’s dark and cold outside. You might be alone and you’re more than likely very frustrated and freaked out.
Worst. Day. Ever.
To prevent having to call in backup or shimmy through a first floor window, all you need is this brilliant tip from Instructables. This hack will teach you how to make a DIY emergency key using just a few simple materials, so you can make free copies of your key whenever you need them.
Guess what? Having three or four keys in your wallet, phone case, or in your car means you’ll never get locked out again.
It sounds a little implausible, making a key at home, but we’re not talking about the traditional metal keys you’re picturing. These keys are made of plastic, plastic from common household materials, and they work JUST as well as your regular house key.
Homemade Ideas






