retractable keychain carry option (used for my larger VICs)

[Aloha]

i got this retractable keychain thing with the intention of using it for keys ( go figure right? ). well i never used if for that purpose and when i got my ranger i use it to carry it in my rear pocket and it worked great.  i use a nite-ize s-biner ( the really small one ) to clip my ranger or champ onto the split ring and it hangs near perfectly in either my rear or front pocket.

 i got the keychain from wallyworld but ive seen them at the other places for $4-$5US. i now clip my explorer with a mag solitaire and it truly disappears even while driving.  best of all is the option to not unclip either when i need them because the chain is long enough for the tools to be usable while connected to the keychain.  i was standing at a comfortable distance away about 1 1/2 to 2 feet away.

* the tightening of the screw was for illustration only no screws were in fact tightened       

[detron]

yes!  I love using things for something they were not intended for!.  this is a great idea.  thanks for sharing

[sawman]

I like that, nice setup 

[Aloha]

thanks, its not the slimmest thing to slide on a belt but being able to use the tools while still attached is nice.  the retraction is strong enough to hold the items securely without them dangling any lower. it held my vic champ and a thrunite tis no problem.   

[Zed]

I use one at work with my pen and barrel key attached very handy 

[Aloha]

I use one at work with my pen and barrel key attached very handy 

 
I have lighter weight one with cord/string retraction but its way too light weight to carry more than a few keys so I picked this up.  I disliked having to remove keys every time I needed to lock and unlock doors while on different properties. I liked that it was at least black on the outside rather than all silver as I kinda disappears on my belt.  I use it for work mainly but if I find a thinner one id wear it more.  I did order the victorinox belt hanger but im not so sure about it anymore since id have to remove the tool every time I needed it, we'll see when it arrives.     

[CanadianLMfan]

Cool!

[comis]

I like that black wheel look which blends in with the black belt nicely. 
One friendly reminder--I used to carry some tools with the S-biner from Nite-ize, but read from other forum that people do lose tools from that.  Since then, I have upgraded to some stronger SS clip which felt more secure. 

[swiety]

very nice idea

[Aloha]

@comis thanks for the heads up.  i haven't had any issue yet but i may be proactive and get some better s biners JIC.

@thanks sweity

[CanadianLMfan]

Which Vic is that Aloha007?

[Aloha]

explorer plus

[CanadianLMfan]

explorer plus

 

[Aloha]

following up with this thread.  i was awaiting a Vic belt clip holder thing as i thought the sleek looking shiny tool/key holder would be more to my liking. 

well after a few tries and different ways to carry my SAKS i am back to my retractable tool holder.

first off the Vic tool holder as ill call it has the tools ride lower in my pocket vs the retractable one.  i know i can get a smaller split ring and modify it but right out the box with out mods this doesn't work well for me.

secondly i don't like having to remove the tool every time i need it.  this is a huge issue since the retractable one has 2ft of extendable line to work with while tools is attached.   

third is the Vic is a bit of a hassle to get off in a hurry as opposed to the Retractable. 

the downside to the retractable on is i have to keep in mind how much weight i attach as the tool will expel line.  the Vic has no real weight limits other than what my belt and pants will hold. 

I expect the Vic to last quite a long time vs the retractable one. 

im playing with a few carry options and while primarily i like to carry my explorer and a little light i have replaced the mini mag with a streamlight nano which is a great duo or I have used my little thrunite tis. 

i will find a suitable use for the Vic tool/key holder but for now the cheap one wins hands down.   

[detron]

So, to paraphrase,  you engineered a better product!  (I agree) 
I think I agree with you, the retractable method is also easier to put away.  I would greatly prefer this to the idea of guessing behind my back  and hoping I put it away correctly

[Aloha]

funny how I didn't use the retractable for keys but for tools its really working out good.  i use this carry option for work primarily but i may use it full time.  i do have off day carry options for how i carry my stuff.  glad i got the vic one but it will take some thinking as to how i will properly put it to work.