Best Keyring or Keychain

Agree with other posts. Aircraft cable key rings are great. Easy to add/remove keys, accommodates many keys, and doesn't feel bulky in my pocket. Cool Tools archive link: http://goo.gl/pd8Zl

First a general suggestion: search every-day carry (EDC) sites (like EDC or EDC Forums). You will find posts and pictures of almost any possible item that can be used as a keychain. My personal solution (at the moment) is a split ring and clips from County Comm.

By Far my favorite so far is the nite-ize key-rack in stainless:

http://www.niteize.com/products/key-rack-steel

The best system I have found is braided nylon cord, tied in a loop. I use "accessory cord" found in outdoor outfitters because it comes in many colors. 2mm or 3mm cord works fine.

Advantages:

• It is soft and flexible, and lets the keys lie flat in your pocket.

• It is strong and durable. My current piece of cord is over a decade old. Even cord that is frayed and worn will still work without breaking.

• You can create different loops for different purposes, like work and home. You can use different colors of cord for different purposes. You can connect the two with an s-biner or some such.

• The system is cheap as heck.

Caveats:

• Though it is the simplest system overall, it isn't so simple to release one single key from the loop. You have to undo the loop and unthread some of the keys. You should do it over a table so you don't drop all the keys on the ground. But I don't need to do that often.

• You should use a bowline knot because it is strong but easy to untie. An overhand knot is harder to untie. If you want to get sophisticated, use a Zeppelin bend.

• You should melt the ends of the cord over a candle to prevent fraying. If you immediately press the melted end against a cool smooth surface like a plate or spoon, the end will mushroom, making it harder for the knot to loosen.

• You will need more cord than you expect, perhaps 8 inches. You can trim it if it is too long.